Bringing Stage Magic to Life in Sun Lakes

To the audience sitting comfortably in the theater, a live performance feels effortless—a seamless blend of storytelling, atmosphere, and performance. But behind the curtain in Sun Lakes, bringing Kim E. Ruyle’s play Tennessee Wet Rub to the stage is a monumental feat of coordination, craftsmanship, and community passion. Directed by Kate King-Turner, this vibrant production rests on the dedicated shoulders of a skilled team working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Every successful show requires meticulous coordination, a duty executed seamlessly by Co-Stage Managers Beth Thuringer and Diane Jaber. Working alongside them, Assistant Director Maria Blanding helps refine the actors’ performances, keep rehearsals running smoothly, and bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution.

Transforming a blank stage into a believable environment requires both artistic vision and serious physical effort. Set design and construction guide, Tom Cordner spearheaded the structural layout, bringing the play’s setting to life. Bringing those blueprints into reality were set builders Rick Strohl, Herman Young, and Bill Becker, whose carpentry work provided the physical foundation for the story. Meanwhile, props master Patsy Krueger hunted down and managed every detailed object on set, ensuring every scene felt authentic to the world of the play.

As showtime approaches, the technical and aesthetic details take center stage. Costumes and Make-up artist Jo Birlin crafted the visual identities of the characters, ensuring period and character details were captured with precision. Up in the booth, sound manager Dave Patterson carefully balanced auditory cues and microphone levels, while lighting technicians Pat Neville and MJ Clement set the mood and focused every beam of light to guide the audience’s gaze.

In an active adult community like Sun Lakes, local theater is far more than entertainment—it is a testament to the talent, resourcefulness, and collaborative energy of its residents. While the actors earn the applause under the spotlights, it takes a whole community of passionate crew members working in harmony to truly bring a live production like Tennessee Wet Rub to life.

Sun Lakes Community Theatre’s production runs Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. For more information and to purchase the $25 tickets, go to www.slctinfo.com, or call 480-382-6290.

The ImproVables Continue to Entertain

Sun Lakes Community Theater’s comedy improv troupe, The ImproVables, continues to delight audiences! Their recent performances, Fall into Laughter at Sun Lakes Country Club, and Howl-o-Ween at Cottonwood in the Saguaro Room, tickled the funny bones of their very receptive audiences. Laughter and applause continued throughout both evenings.

One ticket buyer asserted, “Every time I see a notice of your upcoming shows I get a smile on my face. You guys are the best!” Another audience member stated, “The ImproVables are an antidote to the problems we have today!”

The actors in the troupe continue to benefit from improv skill training. For example, improv helps build better communication through active listening. The concept of “Yes and…” encourages the acceptance of what others say instead of shutting others down. In addition to active listening, improv training (and performance) requires quick thinking. The brain is trained to react dynamically in the moment. Improv actors become better stage actors as well as more confident human beings!

The ImproVables derive the most pleasure from bringing laughter and enjoyment to their audiences. Thus, improv actors and their audiences have a reciprocal (and special) relationship. The ImproVables’ next show will be a performance for the folks at Robson Reserve on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

HOA Community Days Garner New Members for SLCT

Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLCT) was well represented at the October HOA Open Houses. Coordinator Barbara Trumpis did a wonderful job keeping the tables stocked with SLCT informational materials, fresh flowers, and candy. Member volunteers were enthusiastic and loved sharing the many opportunities to get involved in Sun Lakes’ premier theatre arts membership organization. Several residents were happy to join or interested in auditioning for the upcoming Variety Show or volunteering to assist with backstage needs for the fall production. Children’s Theatre was a popular draw, with new members eager to participate in SLCT’s annual tradition of performing for kindergarten and first-grade students in Chandler Unified School District.

Barbecue Showdown—Dry Rub or Wet?

Whose sauce is the best? The restaurant owners’ or the young upstart stranded at Bertha’s Barbecue for the night? That’s just one of the challenges posed in Kim E. Ruyle’s award-winning play, Tennessee Wet Rub. Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLCT) is bringing this full-length play to life beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m., in the San Tan Ballroom at Cottonwood (HOA2). The show will have evening performances Nov. 4 to 7 and will close with a matinee show on Sunday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $25 each and include a beverage (excluding premium brands). For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.slctinfo.com and click on the show’s poster.

The play is set in rural northern Tennessee in January of 1951. Bertha and Hank Dunwiddie own a rib restaurant that features ribs and a few sides. A young, engaged couple, Dunk and Arleta, get their car stuck in the snowbank. Needing shelter from the storm, they make their way to the Dunwiddie establishment. It doesn’t take long for a shared passion to take over, sparking a lively contest between the two men to see whose rib rub reigns supreme

Leading the cast are SLCT members Diane Nelinson (Bertha), Lew Crawford (Hank), Herman Young (Dunk), Sue Stills (Arleta), and Mark Wenz (Vern). The show is directed by Kate King–Turner and her Assistant Director, Maria Blanding. Please see the accompanying article for all the behind-the-scenes folks.