Historical March 1988 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
WHEN: Saturday, April 9, 1988 8:00 p.m. curtain
WHERE: Center of Contemporary Arts 524 Trinity (behind CASA)
WHAT: Community Theatre production of classic melodrama Hors d’oeuvres—cocktail—coffee—dessert—reception
FEATURING: Rita Sweets, Director Sterling neighborhood talent (and others) Cast, crew, cooks, ushers, etc.
SPONSOR: Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council, with support from the Regional Arts Commission
The neighborhood dinner theatre tradition of the 1970’s was revived in 1986 to help celebrate SDCC’s 20th anniversary.
The heart wrenching melodrama “Penelope, Pride of the Pickle Factory” was directed by Rita Sweets and featured the “Double Decade Pickled Players” including: Karen Kelsey, Venita Lake, Tina Offner, Peggy Peters, Roy Bell, Dan Shea, Kathleen Williams, Rich Lake, Paul Kurtz, Betty Nerviani, Al Nerviani, and Cal Stuart, with guest appearances by John Roach and Steve Vossmeyer.
One reviewer (O.K., the only reviewer) wrote of the production: “Following Cal Stuart’s lead, the audience ‘slipped’ into an exciting and enjoyable evening.” (Cal says he was tripped and I, for one, believe him.) Enthusiasm for this event hasn’t waned, and with the help of a Regional Arts Commission grant, SDCC will sponsor another community theatre production next month on April 9. Rita Sweets will again deftly direct many from the “Penelope” cast along with newcomers (to the neighborhood and the stage) and old-timers (who missed the ’86 revival), in another sensational play of villany and heroism.
To the disappointment of many, dinner will not be served after the play this year.
There will be plenty of eating and drinking, mind you. Plans for a reception after the play include a buffet of hors d’ouevres and desserts, cocktails and coffee. Unfortunately, the restrictions on use and the cost of space at COCA, precludes our offering a full sit-down dinner.
In way of consolation to the die-hard diners, we hope to feature the winning entries from the Times hors d’ouevres contest at the reception. (Double portions of that 1000 + calorie per serving snack, please.) The minor details of this production—name of the play, ticket prices, you know, that last minute stuff—will be announced soon. Watch for the April Times and/or flyers for more info. Meanwhile, if you can help with this event in any way, please call SDCC, 862-5122. No, anyone can help.
If you will help, please call. Soon!! Help!! Damsel in distress…
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, March 1988.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1988_03.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
