Community Interests – WHAT A THEATRE WEEKEND!

GALA COMMITTEE – RIKKI NELSON, SUE GREGOR, CATHY BARBAL, MARYLOU PIEROZZI

The Players of the Glen started their three-run performance of A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody by Ron Bernas, with a red-carpet gala experience that blended elegance and excitement. The lavishly decorated grand lobby buzzed with laughter and conversation, while servers offered delish hors d’oeuvres. The success of the gala was a team effort headed by Cathy Barbal, Sue Gregor, Marylou Pierozzi and Rikki Nelson.

The show opened with an a cappella rendition of Auld Lang Syne performed by Sue Atkins, Ron Barrett, Ana Ellis, Art Essery, Ed Heutteman, Maureen Nauss, Jim Nelson, and Claudie Tweedle.

The cast, directed by Trish Perry, brought this screwball comedy to life with brilliant performances. Matthew Perry (Pat Callaghan) played just the right mix of arrogance and absurdity as he plotted (and failed) to murder his clever wife, Julia (Shirley Evans). Bunny (Jenni Stone), the not-so-clever daughter, brought bubbly energy to the stage, while Donald (Jim Fitzgerald), her clueless fiancé, delivered plenty of laughs with his nervous charm. Buttram (Art Lippens), played the family servant with class and deadpan expressions. Detective Plotnik (Dennis DeLuca) was a scene-stealer playing up the classic bumbling detective with great physical comedy and exasperation while trying to solve murders that never happened. Thanks to an indispensable lighting, sound, and prop crews, well-timed spotlights, sound effects, and props added magic to the stage.

This production was so much more than what the audience saw on stage – it was the dedication and hard work of countless Herons Glen volunteers who made it all possible. From playbill design to set builders to ticket takers to backstage hands, every role was vital.

The Players of the Glen Board want to thank all the residents for supporting the arts within the community: President Bob Agate, Cathy Barbal, Pat Callaghan, Dennis DeLuca, Shirley Evans, Sue Gregor, Sandy Herde, Denise Leclair, Linda Stockbar, and Janice Radcliff.