PJC presents Neil Simon’s ‘Proposals’

The Pensacola Junior College Music and Theatre Department presents "Proposals" on Fridays and Saturdays, May 20 - 21, and May 27 - 28, at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, May 22 and May 29, at 2:30 p.m. in the Ashmore Auditorium.

A charmingly nostalgic memory play, Neil Simon’s "Proposals" recalls the summer of 1953, and the last time the Hines family gathered at their retreat in the Poconos. It’s a summer of romantic entanglements, which intertwine the nine characters’ lives one idyllic afternoon. As heartbreakingly honest as it is hilarious, "Proposals" was well received in its 1997 Broadway run.

Guest artist Jacqueline Roberts has been cast in the lead role of Clemma Diggins. Cast members include Marc Petersen as Burt Hines; Lindsy Fennellas Josie Hines; Lewis Garvin as Ken Norman; Edward Fraim as Ray Dolenz; Carol Kahn Parker as Annie (Hines) Robbins; Michael Fletcher as Vinnie Bavasi; Jennifer Godwin as Sammii; and Jon Brooks as Lewis Barnett.

Director is Stan Dean; assistant director is Kelly Ryan; student director is Vincent Teschel; technical director is Bob Gandrup; and costume designer is Edee Green.

Admission is $8; children, students, and senior citizens are $6; free for PJC students, faculty, staff and PJC Senior Club members.

For details, call the Lyceum Box Office at 484-1847.

Local ‘sitcoms’ at the Imogene

Recently six local writers accepted the challenge of the Milton/Pace Writers Group to write a television sitcom. On May 12, 13, and 14, at 7:30, the six sitcoms will be presented on the Imogene Theatre stage as part of a twoact comedy entitled "An Evening of Sitcoms."

Although the other writers have previously written for the stage, Gail Ready, who has been active in little theatre for years as both actor and director, is a novice writer. It was her love for the theatre which spurred her to try her hand at writing "Online Lies", about a woman seeking love but afraid to tell the truth about herself.

"Inside the Covers" by husband Rick Ready and "Dead Men Don’t Sneeze" by Janet Noecker Simonson, along with Gail’s sitcom, comprise Act One.

Act Two incorporates Elisa Austin’s "The Opportunist" about Margarit, a Cuban gold digger living in Miami, "Roaming Charges" by Judy Hodges, the story of a man living in the past who begins an irrevocable adventure when he purchases an antique phone booth, and "Silver Threads" by Myra Shofner in which four lovely ladies over 55 reconcile aging and execute a satisfying revenge.

Two of the writers, Gail Ready and Myra Shofner are the directors of this original production and also have roles in "Silver Threads." Ready recently directed "Steel Magnolias" for the Imogene Little Theater in which Shofner played Clairee.

The Santa Rosa Literary Society is producing "An Evening of Sitcoms" as part of its goal to encourage local writers to pursue their craft. Prior to the show, at 6:30, SRLS members will offer for sale Southern Side UP 2005, a book of short stories and other writings by regional writers. Writers will be on hand to sign books and refreshments will be served.

For Pensacola Children’s Chorus, it’s ‘SHOWTIME’

The Pensacola Children’s Chorus presents "SHOWTIME 2005" on Friday and Saturday, May 6 & 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Saenger Theatre.A popular springtime extravaganza for thousands of area residents, "SHOWTIME" features the singing, dancing and acting talents of over 300 performers, ages 8-18.

This year’s event is subtitled "Curtain Up! Light the Lights!" and includes "The World Comes to Broadway", Disney classics, "Songs of the South", and a dazzling patriotic finale.The Children’s Chorus is under the direction of Susan and Allen Pote with Debbie Denes as choreographer, with additional choreography by Donna Mixon, Karen Hebert and Emily Mixon. LaRaye Ryan is the costumer, and Mario D. Cieri is the lighting designer. Ticket prices for "SHOWTIME 2005" are $26, $23 & $12 (subject to processing fee) and will be available through the Saenger Box Office 434-7444.