SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The PAC Rats Theatre Company of South Suburban College will present Play On!, the hilarious Rick Abbot comedy. Performances will take place in the Kindig Performing Arts Center on the college’s Main Campus on September 18, 19 and 25 at 8 p.m., September 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and September 27 at 2 p.m.
Amateur dramatics takes a good-natured ribbing in this behind-the-scenes comedy about the perils of community theatre. A theatre troupe is mounting of a local playwright’s original murder mystery. With no royalty fees to pay, the company thinks it got a great deal until the playwright continues to interrupt the rehearsal process with constant rewrites and changes. To add to the problems, the cast and crew are starting to get on each other’s nerves. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show with bickering actors, bumbling crew and backstage romances in full swing. Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is opening night where anything that can go wrong, does.
The cast includes: Pat Nevins of Homewood as Auggie, the capable but pessimistic stage manager; Sandra Wagner of Lansing as Gerry, the often exasperated director; Kevin Hathaway of Park Forest as Lou, the sad-faced sound, lighting and scenic technician; Laura Tiemens of South Holland as Violet, the not-too-bright ingénue; Heather Young of Chicago as Polly, a character actress; Julian Hall of South Holland as Henry, the character actor and Polly’s husband; Charlie Furtek of Lansing as Billy, a spirited young actor; Rob Smagacz of Calumet City as Saul, an actor who can’t resist a wisecrack; Michelle Castellanos of Lansing as Smitty, the inexperienced high school actress; and Betty Owens of Glenwood as Phyllis, the novice, inept playwright.
The play is directed by Thornton resident Cathy Hundt, set design by Dean Scalzitti of Hegewisch, and lighting design by Lydia Bellamy-Palma of Park Forest. The costume designer is Joanna Tassin of Park Forest, with Melody Jones of Calumet City as her assistant. Angela Martin of Midlothian is the stage manager. Anne Begora of Chicago is designing the props for the production and Jordan Swierczyna of Robbins is the sound designer.
Tickets are just $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 55 or better, and $6 for students. Group rates are also available. Ticket reservations can be made through the 24/7 box office voicemail line at (708) 210-5741, or email boxoffice@ssc.edu.
South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available.
