Save the Date: Fourth Annual Variety Show
Sally Jo Holberg
Mark these dates, Jan. 28 and 29, 2027, on your calendar not only to attend but consider joining the talent line-up for the Fourth Annual 2027 Variety Show sponsored by Sun Lakes Community Theatre.
If you can dance, sing, act, play an instrument, do comedy or any other wild routine, please join us on stage. Performers may include any Sun Lakes resident and their friends/family.
The show is located in the beautifully remodeled Sunset Grill at Sun Lakes Country Club. The dates of the show are Jan. 28 and 29 (dress rehearsal Jan. 26). Auditions are Jan. 6.
Audiences love it and it sells out quickly. For more information, please contact me at sally.holberg@yahoo.com or 480-349-6690.
SLCT’s Fall Production Is One to See
Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLTC) will be presenting the full-length drama, Tennessee Wet Rub. This highly decorated script has earned multiple accolades and contest placements, written by playwright Kim E. Ruyle. The play was selected as a winning script by the American Association of Community Theatre out of over 300 national entries. Additionally, it was the winner at the Scriptwriters & Co. International Festival in 2023 and also took top honors at the Legacy Play Reading Festival in 2022.
The story takes place at a small barbecue diner in northern Tennessee on a snowy January night in 1951. The proprietress of the restaurant feels the menu has served their customers well for years and no changes need to be made to it. But her husband has had a hankering to try something new, and the snowy night seems to be a good time to experiment. When a young couple can’t continue their trip due to the weather and end up joining the establishment’s owners, a lot is explored, from recipes and seasonings to long-held beliefs.
The production, directed by Kate King-Turner, will star Diana Nelinson, Lew Crawford, Sue Stills, Herman Young, and Mark Wenz. It is running Nov. 4 through 8 at the San Tan Ballroom in Cottonwood (HOA2). Wednesday through Saturday will be evening performances, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at www.slctinfo.com. They will be $25 and include one free beverage of choice (excluding premium brands).
The ImproVables’ Howl-oween Show Coming Up
The ImproVables will perform a howlingly funny show on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Cottonwood Country Club in the Saguaro Room. The frightfully funny show will include all kinds of tricks that are certain to be a treat for their delighted audience. Folks are guaranteed to be screaming with laughter. And, sure … come in costume if you want to!
Tickets for the Halloween show are only $15 and include a free beverage (excluding premium brands). Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. If you are interested in dining before the show, be sure to check out the Cottonwood dining room.
The ImproVables shows are interactive because the actors rely on suggestions from the audience. The improv actors are, therefore, flying by the seat of their pants! This dynamic creates a new and authentic theater experience for every show!
Tables are reserved; however, seating is limited. The ImproVables shows are extremely popular and sell out quickly. Be sure to get your tickets as soon as they go on sale.
Online ticket sales begin on Thursday, Oct. 1, at www.slctinfo.com.
Sheila Neville Johnson, Patricia Neville and Kathy Tomasewski all got into the spirit!
SLCT’s Sponsored Murder Mystery Was “Something New”
An experimental foray into hiring an outside company to entertain summer audiences was a limited success, with some attendees expressing delight and others frustrated by understaffing issues at the Friday night performance.
“This is different, and fun,” said one patron. “It’s fun to dress up and meet new people,” said another. “The show ran a little long and was a bit convoluted, but that was the fault of the script, not the actors. Our table enjoyed themselves!” was another comment.
All and all, Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLCT) tried to make sure summer residents had an opportunity to get out and see some form of live entertainment, but the experience probably won’t be repeated in the future. “Shows that feature Sun Lakes Community Theatre members will remain the focus and be the way audiences are provided with theatre arts productions from now on,” stated SLCT president Kate King-Turner. “It was a good try, but we can do better,” she said.
Guests did get into the spirit of Death of a Gangster by dressing up in 1920s clothing. Many enjoyed the interactions with actors from The Murder Mystery Company. Several were awarded certificates for best costume, etc.
SLCT will offer its fall production in early November at the San Tan Ballroom. Visit www.slctinfo.com for information on that and other activities by Sun Lakes Community Theatre.