August 9, 1977

The Courier-Times

Summer Theater in Park Starts Last Full Week

 

            Summer Theater in the Park begins its last full week today at 8 p.m. in the Shelter House in Memorial Park with the captivating romantic comedy, “The Rainmaker,” by N. Richard Nash.

                With each of the plays presented during the five-week season being in the showcase for this final week, the schedule will continue Wednesday with “The Star-Spangled Girl” by Neil Simon, a story about the complications that develop when two young protest writers meet head-on with a super patriotic girl who is a member of the United States Olympic Swimming Team.  In a review of the play in The Courier-Times July 15, Betty O’Neal Giboney described the show as “one of the best acted, tightest-directed shows seen here in recent years.”

                “Two by Two,” a musical retelling of Noah and the Ark fills the bill on Thursday, with Director Dick Willis making Noah a human, delightful character.  The show holds the audience attendance record for Summer Theater in the Park and reservations for Thursday’s final performance should be made early.

                Friday, “The Prince From Pendlepoop” makes its last appearance for the summer.  An original musical by Dick Willis and Sherrie Burke, the show is a musical spoof of the college musicals of the 1920s. 

                Saturday night’s performance of “Goldilocks” will complete the Summer Theater in the Park season for 1977.  It is the most spectacular of the five productions featuring the largest cast, most elaborate scenery and the greatest number of costumes.  It is a musical comedy romp about the early days of silent movie making.

                Praising his talented company, Director Dick Willis said, “It has been a tremendous undertaking.  The shows are good, the audiences have been wonderful, our bills and company are paid, and we’re making money!”

                He added that now, all the company would like to have is sold-out houses each night this week.

                The box office is located in the lobby of Smith Auditorium and is open during the day.  Telephone reservation may be made by calling 529-9912.  From 6 p.m. until show time, the box office is located in the Shelter House.