Sun Lakes Community Theatre Needs You!
Kate King-Turner
Who says you can’t try something new at your age? Maybe you’ve always thought you might want to be the star of the show. Maybe you’ve been interested in sound technology but never had a chance to learn about it. Maybe you’re handy around the house but would like to broaden your horizons and make some new friends. If any of these things apply to you, we’d like you to consider joining Sun Lakes Community Theatre. We have many opportunities to learn new skills, expand your knowledge, and find latent talents. If you want to hear more, call 480-382-6290 and leave your name and number.
Left to right: Sally Holberg, Jess Alberts, Jim Janowski, and Phyllis Novy, the cast of The Naked Man on the Couch
Showcase of One-Acts Well Received
Audiences enjoyed the short plays performed by the actors of Sun Lakes Community Theatre. “I loved the format of three shows and the variety of each show,” said one audience member. “I’m so amazed these seniors can learn and remember so many lines!” said another. “Oh, this was great fun, and I really had a good time!” another patron shared.
First up was a sinister story of a 74-year-old widow who decided to take the law into her own hands when a hit-and-run drunken driver killed a couple and a Siamese cat late one night in her neighborhood. She didn’t really care so much about the couple, but she really loved her cat. To get revenge, she entices the culprit (an insurance agent) into her home and poisons her to death. Pandora’s Revenge starred Ginger Henry as the older woman and Anna MacCauley as the agent. Both were convincing and compelling. They had the audience laughing at the old lady’s caustic humor and gasping in surprise at the ending. Kate King-Turner directed this quirky show and loved bringing out the best performances of the two actresses.
Next up, a man and a woman, expertly played by Mark Wenz and Cari Scholes, pass time together on a park bench by watching their unfaithful spouses’ tryst in a distant area of the park. Both actors did an excellent job portraying the hurt, longing, and feelings of betrayal while infusing the situation with humor and sensitivity. Howard Hummel directed Tale of Two Spectators masterfully.
The final one-act featured (in order of appearance) Phyllis Novy (who brilliantly portrayed Millie, the law-abiding stickler), Jess Alberts (who artfully shone as Harriet), and Sally Holberg (charmingly ditzy and enthusiastic as Sophie) as three roommates planning to vacation in Las Vegas. But their plans begin to derail when they discover a naked man (skillfully played by Jim Janowski as Brad) sleeping off his hangover on their couch. The three ladies were hilarious as they argued about who would wake “nature boy” up, who should hold the gun to threaten him, and whether he meant to ruin the azaleas he ran over the night before. The Naked Man on the Couch featured Sally Holberg’s debut as the director. She did a great job directing while simultaneously being on stage.
Kudos to the assistant directors, Maria Blanding, Wanda Johnson (who also stage managed), and Sue Stills, as well as all the crew members: Clark Turner and Dave Patterson on sound, Robin Murray and MJ Clement (who did myriad other jobs, too) on lights, and Bill Becker who assisted with set build. House Manager Sheila Neville Johnson, Mary Vandergriff (who made the centerpieces), all the ushers, and other SLCT volunteers who put up curtains, painted trim, and sold tickets made this showcase a success.
Based on audience reactions, SLCT has come up with a winning formula for entertaining! Stay tuned for more info about the fall production, Drinking Habits, which will be performed Nov. 12-16, directed by Sandy Bocynesky.
You can find out more about SLCT at www.slctinfo.com.