PC Players Presents “The Mousetrap”: a Formula for Entertainment
Carrie Mataraza
Watch the cheese catch the mouse in The Mousetrap, in our Renaissance Theater Oct. 23 through 26. PC Players brings PebbleCreekers the whodunit that set the style and pace for the entire genre when it was first presented 72 years ago. A mystery classic, it has never gotten stale or old. Agatha Christie’s iconic thriller has all the usual suspects and is cleverly written to keep audiences guessing the outcome. In fact, Christie’s formula has been used ever since by countless mystery writers who know that it works!
So come and be part of the guessing game and have a great time figuring out who the murderer really is. Be warned, though, Christie is a master at creating the twists and turns that make it such fun to be in the audience. Who in your party will get it first?
Tickets for The Mousetrap are already on sale but there are some good seats left for those who may have just returned from a summer away. This show will be a terrific start to the Performing Arts season whether you’ve been away or you are a year-rounder just hearing about this production. Jump online to get your tickets. Go to the HOA website at pebblecreekhoa.org. You do not have to log on to the website. Just click on Things to Do and then scroll down to Ticket Sales and link to The Mousetrap. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. If you need help with your purchase, you can contact Marcia Hall Brown at [email protected] or 505-321-9220. Only $16.50, all fees included, buys you a really great evening in PebbleCreek. We hope to see you there!
“A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol” Tickets on Sale
Laurie Farquhar
Don’t forget to get your tickets this month for ShowTime’s fall production of A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol. A musical twist of everyone’s favorite Dickens’ tale, this is one holiday play that could become your favorite.
The story takes place on Christmas Eve 1943 and the Feddington Players are preparing a live radio broadcast of their updated version of A Christmas Carol. But their hole-in-the-wall studio in Newark, N. J., presents a few challenges with its noisy plumbing, electrical blackouts, and raucous partiers outside. In addition, they have invited an aging Broadway star to play the role of Scrooge, but he has never performed on radio and he has a devastating secret that could put the broadcast in jeopardy.
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol will run six nights from Nov. 18 through 23, with all performances in the Renaissance Theater starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets go on sale on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. They will be sold online only on the HOA website at pebblecreekhoa.org. Just click on “Things to Do” and “Ticket Sales.” You do not need to log into the website to make your purchase.
All seats are $16.50 each, which includes the service fees. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
If you need help with your purchase, please contact JoAnn Smyth at 623-466-8471 and she will be happy to assist you over the phone.
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol combines a heartwarming holiday story with all the chaos and craziness of a live radio show. And because it takes place during the Golden Age of Radio, you can expect many of the fun features of those long-ago programs, such as singers harmonizing on the commercials, a piano player providing background music, and, best of all, a foley with a strange assortment of everyday objects to make unexpected sound effects.
Make sure you get your front row seat for this delightful foray into the madcap world of live radio from a bygone era where unexpected developments can happen at a moments’ notice. It’s a holiday story unlike any that you may have heard before.
PC Singers Presents “A Festive Winter Night”
Donna Swagger
“Hot Chocolate,” anyone? That’s just one of the many scrumptious numbers that the PebbleCreek Singers will be serving up for their 2024 holiday concert, “A Festive Winter Night.” Concert dates are Wednesday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater.
The concert opens with “Come on, It’s Christmas,” a lively medley comprised of familiar Christmas favorites. The magic of the holiday season continues to unfold as the full chorus, small ensembles, and soloists share a variety of holiday songs for every musical taste. Enjoy listening to several traditional carols. Revisit some perennial pop favorites with exciting new arrangements. Rejoice in some sacred and gospel music. Delight in some wintry songs that spark memories of snowy days and warming up by the fireplace. The concert closes with a powerful, majestic rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Director Jerry Drake has planned a dazzling and versatile program that is certain to put audiences in the holiday mood!
The chorus welcomes two new members: Pat Glasman and Judy Pendergast, Altos. We also have four singers who have rejoined: Nancy Davis, 1st Soprano; MaryJo Wagner, 2nd Soprano; Judi Alonzo, Alto; and Gloria Lloyd,Tenor.
Online ticket sales begin Monday, Nov. 4 at 8 a.m.—mark that date on your calendar. Look for more information in next month’s PebbleCreek Post.
PC Players Is Holding Auditions for Their Comedy, “Becky’s New Car”
Lori Adair
PC Players is looking for actors to shine in a thoroughly original comedy, a devious and delightful romp down the road not taken, that also has some serious overtones. Written by Steve Dietz, “Becky’s New Car” has a cast of three women including the lead, and four men. Sue Tearpak is directing. Performances are scheduled for March 11 through 15.
If you are excited about trying out for this fun and funny production, here’s what you need to know. Auditions will be held Monday, Nov. 4 and Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Palermo Room (Tuscany Clubhouse). To sign up for your audition, see Patti Wegehaupt in the Activities Office beginning Oct. 1, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. We suggest that you call ahead to ensure Patti is available at 623-535-9854. You may choose the day you’d like to audition.
To review the full script ahead of time, go to tinyurl.com/BNCScript or point your phone’s camera at the QR code. Materials will be provided at the audition so be prepared for a cold read. We ask that you plan to stay for the full three hours.
Rehearsal read-throughs will begin in December, dates and times TBA with full rehearsals beginning Jan. 6. Please email Sue Tearpak at [email protected] for behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunities for the production.
To review the full script, go to tinyurl.com/BNCScript.
Auditions Are Being Scheduled Now for ShowTime’s “Singin’ in the Rain”
Carrie Mataraza
The shift from silent films to Talkies was an immense jump for the movie industry—traumatic for many and wonderful for others. The classic musical Singin’ in the Rain is about that change, the story of a theater company as it struggles to survive the technical and talent challenges of the transition. Told via comedy, beautiful songs, dance, and wonderful characters, it is the ShowTime production for Spring 2025.
Director of our PebbleCreek production, Kathy Mitchell, is putting out the audition call for cast members who will bring this show to life. There are 26 roles in Singin’ in the Rain, 12 featured speaking parts including four leads who sing and dance, six ensemble singers, and several smaller roles with some lines and walk-ons. Dance Fusion under the choreography of Karyn Horst will perform, also.
Kathy said that not all roles require singing or dancing and some actors may have multiple small parts to play. “The music is so enjoyable this show gives people with a variety of talents the opportunity to perform in a popular show that is still as vibrant and fresh as it was when it debuted in 1952,” she said.
Singin’ in the Rain will be on stage for six performances, March 31 through April 5, 2025.
Rehearsals will begin with a read-through on Dec. 10 and continue after that beginning Jan. 7, 2025.
Audition dates and times for Creekers who want to participate in this rousing musical are Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom, and Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater. Audition packets are online now at https://tinyurl.com/PCRen. They provide all the show details including music and audition script links as well as character descriptions. You can schedule your audition appointment through Patti Wegehaupt in the PebbleCreek Activities Office. The cast announcement will be Nov. 25.
If you have questions or want further information, please contact Kathy Mitchell at [email protected].