ANNOUNCING OUR 2022-23 SEASON
DEATHTRAP
A thriller in two acts by Ira Levin
Directed by James J. Meritt
October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29 2022 at 7:00PM
October 16, 23, & 30 2022 at 2:00PM
Comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl (portrayed by Chris Chiola), a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a “dry” spell which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script, a thriller from Clifford Anderson (portrayed by Matthew Allen Bergkamp), a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college. Sidney immediately recognizes this script by the student as a potential Broadway hit.
Sidney and his wife Myra (portrayed by Berta Limbaugh) devise a plan, which on the surface is to offer Clifford a collaboration with the successful playwright for co-credit; an idea which he quickly accepts. Audiences soon find out there is a deeper plot afoot. The Bruhl’s new neighbor, psychic Helga ten Drop (portrayed by Kristi Hanson) senses danger and tries to warn everyone, only to be ignored. Sidney’s attorney Porter Milgrim (portrayed by Gerry Cortimilia) visits their cottage to discuss Sydney’s predicament and luckily escapes involvement in the twisted plot; or does he?
DEATHTRAP provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness and offers hilariously sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be enthralled and spellbound until the final, startling moments of the play.
DEATHTRAP was first performed by TAPA players in 2001 at The Blue Heron under the direction of founding TAPA board member Becki Wilhelm. Gerry Cortimilia was the Stage Manager and is thrilled to be on stage this time around. We are all looking forward to presenting this new revival of a beloved favorite of the stage.
LOVE, LIES, & THE DOCTOR’S DILEMMA
A comedic farce by Michael Parker & Susan Parker
Directed by Ann Harper
January 27, 28, February 3, 4, 10, & 11 2023 at 7:00PM
January 29, February 5, & 12 2023 at 2:00PM
Widow Joan and her gardener Sandy try to hide their relationship and what’s growing in the greenhouse. Joan tells one little white lie that grows into a hilarious afternoon complete with an aging movie star, a mobster intent on collecting a debt, and a neighbor who leaves chaos in her wake. Love, Lies, & the Doctor’s Dilemma is just what the physician ordered! Click HERE for audition information.
Auditions will take place on Thursday November 3 from 6:00 to 8:00PM and Saturday November 5 from 2:00 to 4:00PM. Prospective actors may choose one date or both. Director Ann Harper welcomes theater newcomers, those with a bit of experience, and veteran actors. She asks for a willingness to learn and enthusiasm for theater. Click HERE for the audition packet. Audition packets are also available by contacting the director through TAPA’s phone (503) 812-0275 or via email at annieschnitz@icloud.com. People interested in helping behind the stage may also contact Ms. Harper. There is always room for volunteers at TAPA.
FOUR OLD BROADS
A comedy by Leslie Kimbell
Directed by Chris Chiola
April 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 2023 at 7:00PM
April 16, 23, & 30 2023 at 2:00PM
Beatrice Shelton is a retired burlesque queen who lives in Magnolia Place Assisted Living with her best friend Eaddy Mae Clayton. Beatrice is desperately in need of a vacation, but she craves something more interesting than yet another trip to that “precious little German village” in Helen, Georgia. A Sassy Seniors Cruise through the Caribbean may be just the ticket if she can just convince Eaddy to go with her rather than praying for her. Unfortunately, Nurse Pat Jones has started working at Magnolia Place and it’s no longer the pleasant home they’ve become accustomed to. Retired Elvis impersonator Sam Smith keeps trying to bed every woman in the building while Maude Jenkins is obsessed with her favorite soap opera and planning her own funeral. Meanwhile, the newest resident, Imogene Fletcher, is suddenly losing her memory, but why? A mystery unfolds with laughter as the gals try to outsmart the evil Nurse Jones and figure out why so many residents have been moved to “the dark side”. Just what exactly IS Nurse Jones’ mysterious pill, and what happened to Doctor Head? Beatrice teams up with Imogene and Maude and put their plan in motion. Hilarity ensues as Imogene goes undercover and Maude enters the Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Pageant to throw Nurse Jones off their trail. If they can solve the mystery, they just might make it to the cruise ship after all and have the vacation of a lifetime. Watch these sassy sleuths dig for clues when Leslie Kimball’s FOUR OLD BROADS hits TAPA’s stage.
THE GIN GAME
A drama by D.L. Coburn
Directed by Robert Buckingham
June 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & July 1 2023 at 7:00PM
June 18, 25, & July 2 2023 at 2:00PM
Fonsia Dorsey, a new resident at a nursing home for senior citizens, meets Weller Martin, a loner and longtime resident at the home. Weller decides to help Fonsia work out the newbie jitters by playing a game of gin rummy. Having never played the game before, Weller teachers Fonsia the basics and she instantly has a case of beginners’ luck. This builds her confidence and hilariously irritates Weller, as he assumed an easy victory. This begins a friendship where the two play gin rummy and discuss their families, money, society, and the outside world. The Gin Game, 1978 Pulitzer Prize winning drama written by D.L. Coburn, is a poignant story of people who fight loneliness, loss, and each other while playing Weller’s favorite game and the only thing that helps counter a lifetime of defeats.
