Eunice Players' Theatre

Players' Theatre Prepares for Irving Awards

2012-01-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

It’s Irving Awards time for Eunice Players’ Theatre! Ballots and invitations have been mailed and the Board of Directors is busily preparing for the 42nd annual ceremony that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of the previous season.

The theatre staged four shows last year, including “Barefoot in the Park”, “Completely Hollywood (abridged)”, “A Nice Family Gathering”, and the summer musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”. Those who participated in the directing, acting, and technical aspects of those shows have been nominated for corresponding awards, to be voted upon by the season ticket holders. Winners will be announced Academy-Awards style at the ceremony to be held February 11 at the Northwest Community Center.

“A Walk Down Broadway” is this year’s theme, and those attending the ceremony will be treated to an opening dance number by students from Oliva Dodd’s Studio of Dance, and a Broadway musical medley by members of the theatre.

All season ticket holders should have received a ballot and anyone who worked on any of the shows last season should have received an invitation to attend the celebration. Anyone not receiving theirs yet should contact David at 546-0136 or Debi at 457-2156.

Season tickets for the 43rd season go on sale the night of the Irving Awards and can be purchased from any board member in the following weeks. The season opener will be presented in mid-April. For more information about the season, follow the theatre on this or on its Facebook page.

Gift Certificates for 43rd Season Now Available

2011-12-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

Having trouble finding the perfect gift? Give the gift that keeps giving all year long! Gift certificates for the Eunice Players’ Theatre's 43rd Season are available for purchase. A $20.00 certificate includes three shows, a postcard to notify the holder of the upcoming plays, a ballot for voting privileges and an invitation to the annual Irving Awards. For more information, please call David’s Hair Salon at 337-546-0163 or Turning Point at 337-457-2156. To make your shopping easier, Mastercard or Visa will be accepted over the phone.

Call now and experience the joyous look on your recipient's face as they unwrap your generous gift of art! Great for Christmas, birthday, anniversary, just because, etc. Twenty bucks for three high-quality plays - this is a no-brainer!

Annual General Membership Meeting

2011-12-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

The Eunice Players’ Theatre will hold its annual general meeting which is open to all season tickets holders on Tuesday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the theatre at 121 South Second St. in Eunice. The season ticket holders will nominate and elect the upcoming 2012 Eunice Players’ Theatre Board of Directors. All season ticket holders are encouraged to attend.

"A Nice Family Gathering" to Close EPT's 42nd Season

2011-10-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Pictured l-r: Sarah Soileau, John D. Kittles, Deborah D. Ardoin,

Brett Faulkner, Vincent Barras, Michael Sanchez, Angelle Driggs

As the Eunice Players’ Theatre closes its 42nd season, Jody L. Powell brings to the stage “A Nice Family Gathering” by Phil Olson, a two-act heart-warming comedy fit for the Thanksgiving season.

As the players take the stage, the audience finds the Lundeen family gathered for the first Thanksgiving since Dad died. His presence, however, is felt by middle son, Carl, as Dad beseeches him to tell his wife of 35 years that he loved her. The situation gets complicated by Carl’s own feelings of neglect, and when Jerry, Dad’s old golfing buddy, shows up to dinner as Mom’s “date”.

Rehearsals are underway and the cast of stage veterans and those stepping on the Eunice stage for the first time are already creating characters that will have audiences laughing one minute and tearing up the next.

Current EPT board member Brett Faulkner fills Dad’s ghostly shoes. A regular set builder for EPT, Brett started onstage in “To Kill a Mockingbird” at EPT and later won the Best Actor Irving Award for the title role in “Jake’s Women”. He was most recently seen in “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Moonlight and Magnolias”.

Deborah D. Ardoin of Eunice has the role of Dad’s widow, Helen. Debbi is an audience favorite in comedic and dramatic roles as indicated by her many Irving Awards including most recently Best Actress Awards for playing Martha in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and Annie in “Misery”. Her favorite comedic roles include Sister Amnesia in “Nunsense”, and Chick in “Crimes of the Heart”, all at EPT. She is a member of Acadiana Repertory Theatre and Cite des Arts’ improv group, both based in Lafayette.

Vincent P. Barras of Lafayette, playing Carl, is a veteran of over 50 plays throughout Acadiana but this is his first time on the EPT stage. Vincent has held prominent roles in many plays including Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady”, Stage Manager in “Our Town”, and Fagin in and “Oliver!”. He has also directed numerous plays.

Carl’s older brother, Michael, is played by Michael Sanchez of Eunice. This marks his second show with EPT having previously been seen in “Moonlight and Magnolias”.

Angelle Driggs of Eunice has the role of Jill, Michael’s wife. Angelle won a Best Supporting Actress Irving Award for her performance in “Over the River and Through the Woods”. A graduate of Oliva Dodd’s Studio of Dance, Angelle’s dance skills were prominently featured in EPT’s “Grease” and “Godspell”.

Also a graduate of Oliva Dodd’s Studio of Dance is Sarah Soileau of Eunice, making her stage debut as Stacy, the youngest member of the Lundeen clan. Sarah has previously assisted with backstage duties on “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”.

John D. Kittles of Eunice steps in as Jerry. John made his debut on the EPT stage in the lead role in last season’s “What the Bellhop Saw” and has since been seen in Crowley’s Pandemonium Theatre’s production of “A Flea in Her Ear”.

Humor drives the play through family situations that everyone will find familiar - including sibling rivalry and odd dinner fare - but at the story’s heart lies the touching realization that letting loved ones know they are truly loved is a necessity for eternal peace.

Production dates are as follows:
Thursday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 8 at 6:00 p.m. - Dinner Theatre*
Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m.
All seats are $10; dinner theatre is an additional $15.

*Dinner theatre (with steak and trimmings) is scheduled for Tuesday, November 8 at 6 p.m. at Nick’s on Second St., with the performance immediately following.

Individual tickets for the show are now on sale at David's Ltd. Hair Salon and Turning Point in Eunice. You can also call 337-457-2156 or 337-546-0163 to purchase over the phone with Visa or Master Card. More information can be found on EPT’s Facebook page.

Don't Miss "Completely Hollywood (abridged)"

2011-09-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Van Reed, Kevin Courville, Dr. Kevin Miller

Miss the show and you'll never know what these costumes are about or what these guys are up to! Get your tickets, make your reservations, and buckle your seatbelts for this outrageous tour of Hollywood at its funniest!

Tickets Now on Sale for "Completely Hollywood (abridged)"

2011-09-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Van Reed, Kevin Courville, Dr. Kevin Miller

"You'll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life." (Casablanca)

The boys of abridgement prepare to shred all the famous movie lines that you love to quote as Eunice Players' Theatre presents "Completely Hollywood (abridged)", starring Dr. Kevin Miller, Kevin Courville and Van Reed.

This comedy is the second show of the Eunice Players' Theatre 42nd season, so circle your calendar, make your reservation, buy your ticket - and most of all, prepare to laugh!

Tickets are now on sale for Eunice Players' Theatre's production of "Compleley Hollywood (abridged)". Call Debi at 457-2156 or David at 546-0163. For your convenience we can take credit cards over the phone. Season ticket holders can begin making their reservations. Production dates are Sept 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24. Evening performances are at 7:00; matinee is at 2:00.

Eunice Players' Theatre is located at 121 South Second St. in the historic downtown section.

Theatre Prepares for "Completely Hollywood (abridged)"

2011-08-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

L-R: Kevin Miller, Kevin Courville, Van Reed

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO RETURN TO THE THEATRE........They're backkkkkkkkkkk!

After ripping through The History of America and shredding All The Great Books, the three amigos of abridgement are back once again to take on 189 of the most beloved movies of all time and recut the celluloid into pieces. Tinseltown will never be the same after the Eunice Players' Theatre presents "Completely Hollywood (abridged)", directed by Debi L. Crawford and starring Kevin Miller, Kevin Courville and Van Reed.

"Completely Hollywood (abridged)" will run the following dates:
Thursday, September 15
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September18
Tuesday, September 20
Wednesday, September 21
Thursday, Septermber 22
Saturday, September 24
All shows are at 7:00 p.m., except Sunday, which is at 2:00 p.m.
This comedy is the second show of the Eunice Players' Theatre 42nd season. So circle the calendar and plan on some riotous fun as Kevin, Kevin and Van take on Hollywood in ways never imagined.

The Eunice Players' Theatre is located at 121 South Second Street in the historic downtown section of Eunice. Be sure and check out the theatre's Facebook page by this link ---

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eunice-Players-Theatre/118584529630. Become a fan so you can receive Event notices and updates.

School Supplies Collected During "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" Delivered to Local Schools

2011-08-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

L-R: Taylor LaCalle and Angie B. McBride

The Eunice Players' Theatre and the director of the summer musical, Angie B. McBride, collected school supplies during the run of the show, "Schoolhouse Rock Live!". By the end of the production, audience and the Eunice Players' Theatre board of directors had generously supported the school supply drive with a loaded box of much needed necessities. The supplies were reorganized according to age groups and delivered the first week of school to Glendale Elementary and Central Middle School in Eunice.

Auditions to be held for "A Nice Family Gathering"

2011-08-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Eunice Players’ Theatre will hold auditions for the final play of the 42nd season, “A Nice Family Gathering” on Saturday, August 27 at 10:00 a.m., and Wednesday, August 31 at 6:00 p.m. Director Jody L. Powell needs 4 men and 3 women, ages 20’s to 70’s to fill the cast. More people are needed to assist with set decoration, backstage duties, costuming, etc. Auditions for the two-act comedy by Phil Olson are open to everyone who wants to get involved with their local community theatre.

Auditions will be at the theatre at 121 S. Second St. (between Nick’s on Second St. and Bertrand’s Office Supplies). Production for this play will be in mid November. FMI, or to schedule an audition time, call Jody at 337-580-1787.

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Continues

2011-07-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Cast members in the pictures are: Kristi Burleigh, Taylor LaCalle, Angie B. McBride, Gabe Ortego, Deborah D. Ardoin, Jersten Seraile, John Burleigh, Walter Duncan McBride, Andy Doucet, John Christian Lyons and Jeanne Aucoin

Schoolhouse Rock Live! is in full swing and performances will continue through Sunday, August 7. The Emmy Award-winning 1970's Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs is lighting up the stage at the Eunice Players' Theatre. Familiar songs include "Conjunction Junction", "Three Is A Magic Number", "My Hero, Zero", "Rufus Xavier Sasaparilla", "Lolly Lolly Lolly Get Your Adverbs Here", "Do the Circulation", "Interplanet Janet", "I'm Just a Bill", and more.

Remaining dates for evening performances (7:00 p.m.) are:
Tuesday, August 2nd - Dinner theatre night (kid-friendly; $10 extra)
Thursday, August 4th
Saturday, August 6th

Dates for matinee performances (2:00 p.m.) are:
Sunday, July 31st
Sunday, August 7th

Tickets may be available at the door or can be purchased in advance with Visa or MasterCard by calling 457-2156 or 546-0163.

Children's Summer Workshop Completed

2011-07-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Eunice Players' Theatre held the 3rd Annual Children's Summer Workshop on Saturday, July 23rd at the theatre. Angie B. McBride and her staff of Gabe Ortego, Bradley Credeur, Taylor LaCalle and John Christian Lyons successfully led a group of 15 youth from ages 7 to 12 in the basics of theatre craft.

The youth attending were Trinity Wagner, Gabby Fontenot, Michael Gaspard, Logyn Soileau, Sarah Martel, Morgan Domingue, Lillion Ashford, Preslea Laird, Sadie Martel, Abigal Miller, Thomas Norra, Eliza Grace Gotreaux, Kimberly Boullard, Amelia Bellard, and Hannah Boudreaux. (See pictures below.)

EPT is proud to welcome the second generation of actors from current and former EPT actors: Trinity Wagner, daughter of Melaine McGee Wagner; Eliza Grace Gotreaux, daughter of Lisa Ardoin Gotreaux, and Amelia Bellard, niece of Darrel LeJeune.

Opening night a big success for Schoolhouse Rock Live!

2011-07-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

Cast: Kristi Burleigh, Taylor LaCalle, Angie B. McBride, Gabe Ortego, Deborah D. Ardoin, Jersten Seraile, John Burleigh, Walter Duncan McBride, Andy Doucet, John Christian Lyons
Not pictured: Jeanne Aucoin

Opening night was a big success - the cast received a well deserved standing ovation. Tickets will go fast for the rest of the run, so get yours now. Call 457-2156 or 546-0163 to purchase advance tickets with a credit card. We cannot guarantee that there will be tickets available at the door for any given night. Tickets are $10 each; $5 for children age 5 and under.

Remaining dates for evening performances (7:00 p.m.) are:
Wednesday, July 27th
Friday, July 29th
Tuesday, August 2nd - Dinner theatre night ($10 extra)
Thursday, August 4th
Saturday, August 6th

Dates for matinee performances (2:00 p.m.) are:
Sunday, July 31st
Sunday, August 7th

Eunice Player's Theatre Accepting School Supplies during "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"

2011-07-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

The director of the summer musical, Angie B. McBride, is pleased to announce that the Eunice Players’ Theatre will accept donations for school supplies during the run of the musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”. There will be a box set up in the foyer of the theatre that audiences can drop school supplies in and all donations will be turned over to the area schools. “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” is scheduled to open Wednesday, July 27th and run through Sunday, August 7th. For ticket information, please call 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156. Come and enjoy this iconic 70’s groovin’ musical and do a good deed by donating school supplies for our local community!

Children's Workshop Scheduled

2011-07-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the preparations for Schoolhouse Rock Live!, the 3rd Annual Eunice Players’ Theatre Children’s Theatre Workshop will be held on Saturday, July 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kids ages 7-13 will enjoy a fun-filled morning of singing, acting and games while learning the basics in the performing arts. The fee is $10.00 and space is limited so register early! For information, please call 546-0163 or 457-2156. Also, checkout the theatre's Facebook page. The workshop will be held at the theatre at 121 S. Second St. in historic downtown Eunice.

Rehearsing "The Preamble" - Getting Closer to Opening Night

2011-07-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Seated, L-R: Kristi Burleigh, Taylor LaCalle, Angie B. McBride, Deborah D. Ardoin

Standing, L-R: Jersten Seraile, John Burleigh, Walter Duncan McBride, Andy Doucet, John Christian Lyons

Tickets Are Now on Sale for Schoolhouse Rock Live!

2011-07-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tickets are now on sale for the popular summer mucical. The ticket price for this family-friendly show is $10.00 per seat, and for children 5 and under, $5.00 per seat. The show opens Wednesday, July 27 and continues July 29, August 4 and August 6 at 7:00 pm. There will be a 2:00 pm Sunday matinee on July 31st and August 7th. Dinner theatre will be on Tuesday, August 2nd at 6:00 pm. The meal will be a kid-friendly meal catered by Nick’s on Second St. Tickets may be purchased by calling David’s Hair Salon at 337-546-0163 or Turning Point at 337-457-2156. For your convenience, Mastercard and Visa is accepted. Also, be sure and check out the theatre’s Facebook page. Bring the family and sing along to this lively production.

Dates Set for Schoolhouse Rock Live!

2011-07-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Included in the picture: Kristi Burleigh, Deborah D. Ardoin, Taylor LaCalle, John Christian Lyons, Gabe Ortego, Jersten Seraille, John Burleigh

Eunice Players' Theatre continues with rehearsals of the pop culture phenomenon, Schoolhouse Rock Live! and dates are set for the Emmy Award-winning 1970's Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs.

Dates for evening performances (7:00 p.m.) are:
Wednesday, July 27th
Friday, July 29th
Tuesday, August 2nd
Thursday, August 4th
Saturday, August 6th

Dates for matinee performances (2:00 p.m.) are:
Sunday, July 31st
Sunday, August 7th

Make sure to mark your calendars and save the dates.

Director Angie B. McBride is very proud to have an extremely talented cast, who are working very hard to provide a top notch show! Cast members are Deborah D. Ardoin, John Christian Lyons, Gabe Ortego and Jeanne Sonnier of Eunice; Kristi and John Burleigh of Ville Platte; Duncan and Angie McBride and Taylor LaCalle of Lawtell; and Andy Doucet, Jersten Seraile and pianist, Debbie Bertinot of Opelousas.

Also again this year, Mrs. McBride will hold the theatre's annual Children's Workshop, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd. Please watch for future articles for more details about the workshop, and for ticket purchasing information. You can also check out the theatre's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eunice-Players-Theatre/118584529630.

For more information, call Debi Crawford at 337-457-2156.

Cast of Schoolhouse Rock Live!

2011-06-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

Seated on floor - Deborah D. Ardoin, John Burleigh, Kristi Burleigh, John Christian Lyons
Seated in chairs (L-R) Jersten Seraille, Taylor LaCalle, Debbie Bertinot (pianist)
Standing (L-R) Andy Doucet, Duncan McBride

Cast Announced for Schoolhouse Rock Live!

2011-06-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage! The Emmy Award-winning 1970's Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs is lighting up the stage at the Eunice Player's Theatre. Schoolhouse Rock Live! is now in rehearsals. Performance dates are scheduled for Wednesday, July 27th, Friday, July 29th, Tuesday, August 2nd, Thursday, August 4th and Saturday, August 6th at 7:00pm. There will also be two matinees on Sunday, July 31st and Sunday, August 7th at 2:00pm. Make sure to mark your calendars and save the dates.

Director Angie B. McBride is very proud to have an extremely talented cast, who are working very hard to provide a top notch show! Cast members are Deborah D. Ardoin, John Christian Lyons, Gabe Ortego and Jeanne Sonnier of Eunice, Kristi and John Burleigh of Ville Platte, Duncan and Angie McBride and Taylor LaCalle of Lawtell and Andy Doucet, Jersten Seraile and pianist, Debbie Bertinot from Opelousas.

Also again this year, Mrs. McBride will hold the theatre's annual Children's Workshop, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd. Please watch for future articles for more details. Keep checking Facebook for pictures, updates, and ticket information. For more information, contact Debi at 337-457-2156.

Auditions for Summer Musical, Schoolhouse Rock Live

2011-05-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

Auditions for the Eunice Players’ Theatre Summer musical, Schoolhouse Rock Live, are as follows: Saturday, June 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, June 6th and Tuesday, June 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We will be casting male and female roles from ages 15 years old and up in singing and dancing roles. Anyone interested in auditioning for the show or interested in helping, please come to the Eunice Players’ Theatre, located at 121 South 2nd Street, within those dates and times. If auditioning, please prepare a short monologue of your choosing and bring an accompaniment track to sing one solo song. No a cappella auditions will be allowed. The show is scheduled to open mid-July and it is family friendly. If you should have any questions, please call Debi at 337-457-2156. You can also check our Facebook page.

"Barefoot in the Park" Set to Open - Tickets are Available

2011-03-22T20:41:00.001-07:00

Gabe Ortego (standing) as Paul Bratter; Bonnie Pitre (kneeling) as his wife Corie; Ricci Arnaud (sitting) as Corie's mother; and Charles Seale (sitting) as the interesting Victor Velasco

After a long evening out on the town, Corie (Bonnie Pitre) and Victor (Charles Seale) are still going strong!

Paul (Gabe Ortego) and his mother-in-law (Ricci Arnaud) are exhausted avter an adventurous evening out!

The telephone repairman (Tucker Kelly) comes at an awkward time in this young newlywed couple's spat! Also pictured: Gabe Ortego as Paul Bratter and Bonnie Pitre as Corie Bratter.

"Have you ever walked barefoot in the park on a cold spring day?" Pictured: Bonnie Pitre as Corie Bratter and Gabe Ortego as Paul Bratter

Paul (Gabe Ortego) and Corie (Bonnie Pitre) discover that love triumphs in the end!

Tickets are now on sale for the season opener, “Barefoot in the Park”, a two-act comedy by Neil Simon. This production of the play marks a revival on the EPT stage following its first run in 1972. Director Suzanne LaHaye has put together a cast of stage veterans and audience favorites to bring to the stage the story of a newlywed couple who must contend with their own differences - she being free-spirited, he being a strait-laced lawyer - as well as a faulty postage-stamp sized New York apartment, a quirky neighbor and a nosy mother-in-law.

The show will begin its run Thursday, March 24 through Sunday, March 27. Dinner theatre is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Other performances dates include Wednesday and Thursday, March 30 and 31. All evening performances are at 7:00 p.m.; the Sunday matinee is at 2:00 p.m. Individual tickets for the show are $10 and on sale at David Ltd. Salon on Second St. Season tickets may be purchased and more information can be obtained by calling 546-0163 or 457-2156. For $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 42th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase.

More pictures and information about EPT can be found on their Facebook page.

Eunice Players' Theatre Prepares "Barefoot in the Park" as its Season Opener

2011-03-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

Eunice Players’ Theatre is preparing its season opener, “Barefoot in the Park”, a two-act comedy by Neil Simon. This production of the play marks a revival on the EPT stage following its first run in 1972. Director Suzanne LaHaye has put together a cast of stage veterans and audience favorites to bring to the stage the story of a newlywed couple who must contend with their own differences - she being free-spirited, he being a strait-laced lawyer - as well as a faulty postage-stamp sized New York apartment, a quirky neighbor and a nosy mother-in-law.

Filling the roles of the newlywed couple, Corie and Paul Bratter are Bonnie Pitre and Gabe Ortego of Eunice. Gabe was most recently seen in "The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol" as Gordon, for which he won the Best Supporting Actor Irving Award. An accomplished actor in the Opelousas and Eunice theatres, with “Providence”, “A Tuna Christmas”, and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” to his credit, Gabe has also directed “Steel Magnolias”, “Monky Business”, and “The Subject Was Roses”.

Bonnie returns to the stage following her Irving Award-winning performance in “Providence” and a stellar turn in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”. Bonnie appeared in several plays at LSU while earning a minor degree in theatre; she has also been seen on the EPT stage in “Woman” and “The Sound of Music”, and she also ran the lighting for “If the Shoe Fits”.

Longtime EPT actor and frequent set designer Charles Seale returns to the stage in the role of the quirky but charming Victor Velasco after having recently taken part in “Fiddler on the Roof” and co-directed “Deathtrap”. Interestingly, Charles assisted with painting the scenic backdrop for the EPT's earlier production of this show.

Joining the cast as Corie’s mother, Mrs. Banks is Ricci Arnaud from Crowley. Ricci is past president of Acadia Players in Crowley, where she appeared in “The Queen of Bingo”, “A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking”, and “Seven Nuns in Vegas”.

Stepping in as the telephone repairman is Tucker Kelly of Crowley, most recently seen in last season’s “What the Bellhop Saw” at EPT. He’s also had roles in “Bridge to Terabithia” and “Seance in Acadiana” at Acadia Players, as well as numerous high school and church productions.
Rusty Moody of Eunice has the cameo role of the delivery man. Currently the mayor of Eunice, Rusty is returning to the stage after a 20 year absence, having last been seen in “The Nerd” for which he won an Irving Award.

The show will begin its run Thursday, March 24 through Sunday, March 27. Dinner theatre is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Other performances dates include Wednesday and Thursday, March 30 and 31. All evening performances are at 7:00 p.m.; the Sunday matinee is at 2:00 p.m. Individual tickets for the show are $10 and on sale at David Ltd. Salon on Second St. Season tickets may be purchased and more information can be obtained by calling 546-0163 or 457-2156. For $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 42th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase.

More pictures and information about EPT can be found on Facebook and at www.euniceplayers.blogspot.com.

Cast in Rehearsal for Barefoot in the Park

2011-03-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

Gabe Ortego and Bonnie Pitre as Paul and Corie Bratter
Bonnie Pitre as Corie Bratter

and Ricci Arnaud as Mrs. Banks, Corie's mother

The cast is in rehearsal for Barefoot in the Park. Performance dates are March 24-27 and 29-31. Check back soon for full cast announcement and ticket information.

Irving Awards for 2010 Season

2011-02-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

Cast and Crew of What the Bellhop Saw, Best Play

Jody L. Powell and Kevin Miller, Best Actress and Best Actor from The Subject Was Roses

Debi L. Crawford, Jack Burson, Gabe Ortego, presenting the Joanie Kerstein Musical Award for Outstanding Summer Musical Achievement Award to Angie B. LaCalle

Angie B. LaCalle

Gabe Ortego, recipient of Best Supporting Actor award for The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society Production of "A Christmas Carol"

Jerica Guillory, recipient of Best Supporting Actress award for What the Bellhop Saw

Cast of Humpty Dumpty is Missing!, the children's summer workshop,
with directors Debi L. Crawford and Van Reed

Taylor LaCalle

Van Reed, emcee, with some of the Irving Dancers from Michelle's School of Dance

Pilar Parrie and Beth Reed, accepting the award for Best Hair and Makeup

for What the Bellhop Saw

Kevin Miller, Jody L. Powell, and Christian Richard,

cast of The Subject Was Roses

David Manuel, President of Eunice Players' Theatre

Congratulations to all the winners from the 2010 season:

Best Set - Deborah D. Ardoin, Nick Bergeaux, Brett Faulkner, Jeremy Faulkner, Glenn "Jay" Mentel, Jr., Julie Mentel, and Jody L. Powell for What the Bellhop Saw

Best Lighting and Sound - Jody L. Powell, Gabe Ortego, Andre' Andrepont, Amy Martel Rider, and John Burleigh for The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society Production of "A Christmas Carol "

Best Costumes - Melody Kittles, Ching Wasmuth, and Barbara Wells for What the Bellhop Saw

Best Hair and Makeup - Lindsay Conner, Pilar Parrie, and Beth Reed for What the Bellhop Saw

Best Supporting Actress - Jerica Guillory for What the Bellhop Saw

Best Supporting Actor - Gabe Ortego for The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society Production of "A Christmas Carol "

Best Actress - Jody L. Powell for The Subject Was Roses

Best Actor - Kevin Miller for The Subject Was Roses

Best Director - Jody L. Powell for What the Bellhop Saw

Best Play - What the Bellhop Saw

Congratulations to Angie B. LaCalle, recipient of the Joanie Kerstein Musical Award for Outstanding Summer Musical Achievement.

Stay tuned for information about the upcoming 2011 season.

41st Annual Irving Awards

2011-01-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

The board of directors is busy planning for the upcoming 41st annual Irving Awards to be held January 22, 2011. All 2010 season ticket holders should have received their ballots and invitations by now. (If not, call David at 546-0163 or Debi at 457-2156). Please vote your ballot and return it this week. Then plan to join us for a fun eveinig of singing, dancing, dining, socializing and awards.

Season tickets for the 2011 season will be available immediately after the Irving Awards. Plan to get yours so that you don't miss a minute of the excitement that the 2011 season will bring. We'll have comedies, a musical, and a comedy-drama, along with another awards ceremony just for the season ticket holders who will vote on all of the awards. A single ticket is $20; patron and angel packages are available for $75 and $125 respectively.

We look forward to seeing you at this year's awards ceremony and in the audience for our 2011 season! Don't miss it!

General Membership Meeting

2010-12-29T06:09:00.000-08:00

As required by the bylaws, The Eunice Players’ Theatre will hold its annual General Membership meeting on Tuesday, January 4th at 7:00 p.m at the theatre. The 2010 season ticket holders are invited to attend to hear an update on the theatre's business, nominate and elect the upcoming 2011 Eunice Players’ Theatre Board of Directors, and participate in discussion about the 2011 season. All 2010 season ticket holders are encouraged to attend this meeting.

Season tickets for the 2011 season will go on sale after the Irving Awards on January 22. For more information, contact David at 546-0163 or Debi at 457-2156.

Season Ticket Gift Certificates Available

2010-12-19T20:50:00.001-08:00

Having trouble finding the perfect gift? Give the gift that keeps giving all year long! Gift certificates are available for the EPT 2011 season at David’s Hair Salon in Eunice. A $20.00 certificate includes 3 shows, a postcard to notify the holder of upcoming plays, a ballot for voting privileges and an invitation to the annual Irving Awards. For more information, call 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156. Mastercard & Visa are accepted.

Tickets Are Now on Sale for Christmas Comedy

2010-11-14T20:41:00.000-08:00

L-R: Delinda Lafleur, Gabe Ortego, Christy Faulkner,

Cindy Veillon-Mattei, Stacy Moncla

COME SEE WHAT ALL THE FUN IS ABOUT!

Tickets are now on sale for "The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol" directed by Liz Bryan. Season ticket holders should call the reservation number on their season ticket. Individual tickets can be purchased at David's Ltd. Hair and Nail at 204 S. 2nd St. in Eunice or by calling 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156, where Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Eunice Players' Theatre Closes Season With A Christmas Comedy

2010-11-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

The actors at Eunice Players' Theatre are preparing to end their successful 41st season with a Christmas comedy, "The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol", by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr. Director Liz Bryan notes that the comedy is just as long on laughs as its title.

This delightfully light and goofy comedy has the fictitious townswomen's guild mounting their version of the Christmas classic, in the style of community theatre gone awry. The actors enthusiastically portray a dizzy array of characters from the Dickensian favorite and engineer some novel audience participation. Their share of mishaps, miscues and misunderstandings create an evening of entertainment and a new look at Scrooge and Tiny Tim that one will not soon forget.

Christy Faulkner of Eunice opens the show as Mrs. Reece, the guild's chairwoman, and leads the audience through the show as a variety of other characters including Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Audiences will remember Christy's work in other EPT comedies including “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”, “Bathroom Humor” and “Jake's Women”. She also portrayed the reverend mother in “Agnes of God” at EPT.

Also returning to the EPT stage is Delinda Dowell Lafleur of Eunice. Delinda was previously seen in “Steel Magnolias” and “The Queen of Bingo”. In addition to her hilarious character acting for the latter show, Delinda also won an Irving Award for Best Costumes. In the current play, Delinda starts off as Felicity, then pirouettes her way through other characters including some male ones, and Half of the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Former EPT actor is Stacy Moncla of Eunice. She was the other half of the comedy duo for “The Queen of Bingo”, for which she won the Best Actress Irving Award. Other comedic work at EPT includes “Drinking Habits” and “The Girls of the Garden Club”, and she showed her dramatic capabilities in “David’s Mother”. Stacy is cast as Mercedes, who in turn plays memorable Bob Cratchit, plus a few other characters, all while wearing a neck brace as a result of her character’s car accident.

Joining the cast from Opelousas is Cindy Veillon-Mattei. Cindy has an impressive list of credits from Opelousas Little Theater, including “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, “Noises Off”, “Steel Magnolias”, and “Bats in the Belfry”. Cindy plays the guild's perpetually grumbling Thelma, thereby having the ideal quality for the principal role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Stepping in as Gordon, the stage manager for the play within the play is Gabe Ortego of Eunice. Although Gordon's duties are supposed to be offstage, he ends up on the stage as Mrs. Cratchit, Jacob Marley, and several ghost versions. An accomplished actor in the Opelousas and Eunice theatres, with “Providence”, “A Tuna Christmas”, and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” to his credit, Gabe has also directed “Steel Magnolias”, “Monky Business”, and this season’s “The Subject Was Roses”.

The show is suitable for all ages, and children will particularly appreciate the slapstick humor, which makes it a holiday treat the entire family can enjoy, as well as an introduction to the holiday classic. The show opens Saturday, November 27, and is followed by other performances Sunday, November 28 at 2:00 p.m., then Tuesday, November 30 through Saturday, December 4. All evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is the Tuesday, November 30 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Ticket information is upcoming. FMI call 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156, or look for EPT on Facebook and at www.euniceplayers.blogspot.com.

Scenes from The Subject Was Roses

2010-10-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Christian Richard as Timmy Cleary; Kevin Miller as John Cleary
Kevin Miller as John; Jody L. Powell as Nettie Cleary

Scenes from The Subject Was Roses - Tickets Now on Sale

2010-09-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

Jody Powell and Kevin Miller

Jody Powell and Christian Richard

Kevin Miller, Jody Powell, and Christian Richard

Tickets are now on sale for The Subject was Roses, a two-act family drama by Frank D. Gilroy. The show will open with a matinee on Sunday, October 3 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Remaining performances dates include October 6-10, with evening performances at 7:00 p.m. and the Sunday performance at 2:00 p.m. Season ticket holders should call 866-856-3653 to make reservations. Those without season tickets can purchase tickets by going to David Ltd. Hair Salon at 204 S. Second St., Eunice, or by calling 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156 where Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Season ticket packages are still available. Tickets are $10; dinner (steak, sides, dessert) plus ticket is $25. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice. Find Eunice Players' Theatre on Facebook.

Cast Announced for The Subject Was Roses

2010-09-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals are underway at the Eunice Players' Theatre for The Subject Was Roses, the second production of the 41st season. Gabe Ortego, director of the two-act play by Frank D. Gilroy, is proud to announce an outstanding cast composed of theater veterans and an exceptional newcomer.

The play centers on John and Nettie Cleary, and their son, Timmy, a young man returning home from World War II. As the family drama unfolds, marital strains between John and Nettie become apparent, and Timmy provides the tension-relieving humor in his attempts to smooth the waters over his parents' turbulent relationship. The Broadway play and subsequent movie had outstanding success with critics and the public alike and they won many awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for drama, Academy Awards for the actors, and the Tony Award for Best Play. The Subject Was Roses was previously presented by Eunice Player’s Theatre in 1971 in the second season.

Playing the role of John is Dr. Kevin Miller. An EPT board member and winner of several Irving Awards, Kevin has shown his penchant for comedic and dramatic acting in roles in Greater Tuna, All the Great Books (abridged), Misery, and Never Get Smart With an Angel. He’s eager to show audiences that even though John Cleary has a rough exterior, the man has an interior struggle to repair relationships he’s neglected over the years. Kevin is a member of Acadiana Repertory Theatre (ART), a professional theatre company in Lafayette.

Also a member of ART and an EPT board member, Jody L. Powell portrays Nettie, a woman who is overprotective of her son and hurt by her husband’s misdeeds, yet still manages to achieve emotional growth. Powell is no stranger to the EPT stage, having most recently been seen in The Last Night of Ballyhoo for which she won the Best Actress Irving Award. Other acting roles include Myra in Deathtrap and Dr. Livingston in Agnes of God. She is also known for directing To Kill a Mockingbird, Always…Patsy Cline, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and this season’s opener, What the Bellhop Saw.

Joining the cast as Timmy is Christian M. Richard. A home school graduate, Christian is a freshman at LSU-E studying architecture. Although this is his first play on stage he did run the light board for EPT’s summer show, Humpty Dumpty is Missing. Christian is an artist with talent in drawing, painting, and playing the bass guitar and the ukulele. Christian has also done sketch work at religious retreats.

The show will open with a matinee on Sunday, October 3 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Remaining performances dates include October 6-10, with evening performances at 7:00 p.m. and the Sunday performance at 2:00 p.m. Season ticket holders should call 866-856-3653 to make reservations. Those without season tickets can purchase tickets by going to David Ltd. Hair Salon at 204 S. Second St., Eunice, or by calling 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156 where Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Tickets are $10; dinner (steak, sides, dessert) plus ticket is $25. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice. Season ticket packages are still available. Check out Eunice Players' Theatre on Facebook.

Auditions Scheduled for "The Subject Was Roses"

2010-08-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Eunice Player’s Theatre proudly announces auditions for "The Subject Was Roses", the second show of the 41st season. Director Gabe Ortego is looking to fill the following roles:

* Nettie Cleary- age 40-55, the matriarch of the Cleary family. She is devoted, loving, and often taken for granted.

* John Cleary – age 40-55, patriarch of the Cleary family. He is gruff, stoic, and often misdirects the anger he feels about life’s missed opportunities toward his family.

* Timmy Cleary- age 18-28, he is the only son of Nettie and John Cleary. He has recently returned home after serving in World War II. Funny, good natured, and loyal, he is the mediator between his parents.

"The Subject Was Roses" was first presented by The Eunice Players' Theatre in 1971 during their second season. The play, by Frank D. Gilroy, is the recipient of the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama as well as the 1962 Tony Award for Best Play. It is forever captured on film in the Academy Award winning movie version starring Patricia Neal, Jack Albertson, and Martin Sheen.

Auditions will be held at the Eunice Players' Theatre at 121 S. Second Street in Eunice as follows:

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, August 12, 2010 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Auditions for the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Frank D. Gilroy are open to everyone who wants to get involved with their local community theatre, either in an acting role or to assist with set decoration, backstage duties, costuming, etc. All who audition for speaking roles will be asked to perform a cold read from the script that will be provided by the director. The performance dates will be in the fall. For more information, contact Gabe Ortego at 337-331-0806.

Children's Workshop

2010-07-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Humpty Dumpty is Missing! is in Production

2010-07-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

LOOK OUT, The Sky Is Falling!
At least according to Sophia Raffai as Henny Penny
From Far left, Sarah Martel as Alice, Noah Kittles as Rip Van Winkle

and Caroline Martel as Mistress Mary

Make-up artist, Ashton LaCalle, puts the finishing touches
on Traelyn Brasseaux as Billy Goat Gruff

Make-up artist, Ashton LaCalle, puts the finishing touches

on Murphy Richard as the Troll

As Arnold S. says...we will pump you up, aarrrrggghhhhh!
The King's Men in "Humpty-Dumpty Is Missing!"

Horses and Bunnies and Trolls, Oh My!

2010-07-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Eunice Players' Theatre presents the children's production of
"Humpty-Dumpty Is Missing!"
July 15, 16, 18, 20-23
For ticket information, please call 337-457-2156 or 337-546-0163

Old Mother Hubbard and Mother Goose Size Up the Suspects

2010-07-12T19:46:00.001-07:00

Front Row: Logyn Soileau and Ally Klein
Back Row: Sarah Martel, Luke Toepfer and Brandon Persica
Eunice Players' Theatre presents the children's production of
"Humpty-Dumpty Is Missing!"

Humpty Dumpty Cast in Rehearsal

2010-07-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Front: Sarah Martel as Alice, Brandon Persica as Sammy Scoop

and Caroline Martel as Mistress Mary

Front Row: Tyler Martel as that waskaly wabbit, Peter Rabbit
Middle Row: Grace Toepfer, Jesslyn Holcomb and Sadie Martel

as Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail
Back Row: Brooke Aguillard, Jamila Smith, Victoria McGee

and Nicole Bertrand as The Wall

Cast Announced for Humpty-Dumpty Show

2010-06-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Director Van Reed and the cast of "Humpty Dumpty Is Missing"

Hot off the presses….Humpty-Dumpty is missing! Or at least that is what is being claimed by the Eunice Players’ Theatre as it introduces the summer children’s show. Directors Debi L. Crawford and Van Reed are pleased to announce the cast for the two-act whodunit of “Humpty-Dumpty Is Missing!” written by Joseph Robinette.

The twenty-three cast members, who range in age from seven to fourteen, include Brandon Persica as Sammy Scoop, Sarah Martel as Alice, and Luke Toepfer as the police chief. Witnesses include Logyn Soileau as Little Bo Peep and Mother Hubbard, Ally Klein as Little Red Riding Hood and Mother Goose, Joshua McGee, Jeno Holcomb and Shiloh Kittles as the King’s Horses and the King’s Men, and Victoria McGee, Nicole Bertrand, Jamila Scott and Brooke Aguillard as the Brick Wall.

The suspects in this mysterious case of the fallen egg includes Caroline Martel as Mistress Mary, Noah Kittles as Rip Van Winkle, Sophia Raffai as Henny-Penny, Jillian Johnson as Rapunzel, Bryce Pavich as the Handsome Prince, Murphy Richard as the Troll, Traelyn Brasseaux as Little Billy Goat Gruff, Grace Toepfer as Flopsy, Jesslyn Holcomb as Mopsy, Sadie Martel as Cottontail, and Tyler Martel as Peter Rabbit.

Christian Richard will be handling lighting duties while Mila Raffai is in charge of makeup, Ashton and Taylor LaCalle create the set design, and Beth Smith is the stage manager.

“Humpty-Dumpty Is Missing!” runs July 15, 16, 18, and 20-23. Dinner theatre is July 20. Tickets must be purchased for this summer show since it is not included in the season package. For ticket information, please call Turning Point at 337-457-2156 or David’s Hair Salon at 337-546-0163.

Auditions for Children’s Show by Eunice Players’ Theatre

2010-05-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses….Humpty-Dumpty is missing! Or at least that is what is being claimed by the Eunice Players’ Theatre as it introduces the summer children’s show. The directors, Debi L. Crawford and Van Reed, are pleased to announce that auditions will be held for “Humpty-Dumpty is Missing! or The Mysterious Case of the Fallen Egg”, written by Joseph Robinette, on June 8, 9 and 10.

The directors are looking for kids from ages 10 – 15 to fill the roles of some of the most beloved nursery rhyme characters known. The story opens with Sammy Scoop, a 1940’s private eye, facing the challenge of the sudden fall and disappearance of the jolly Humpty-Dumpty. Together with his side-kick, Alice from Dallas, they bring in all of the possible suspects who might have had a motive. Some of the suspects include Henny Penny, Mistress Mary, Rip Van Winkle, Peter Rabbit and his sisters, Rapunzel and the Handsome Prince.

Auditions for “Humpty-Dumpty Is Missing!” will be held for kids ages 10 -15 on June 8, 9, and 10, at the Eunice Players’ Theatre at 6:30pm. The directors would like to stress that no stage experience is needed. Also, the directors need kids in the same age range who would like to work in the other areas of the theatre such as the lights and sound, costumes, make-up and stage hands. This is an excellent hands-on experience for kids who would love a theatre experience!

The Eunice Players’ Theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in downtown Eunice. The children’s show runs July 15, 16, 18, and 20-23. For more information about auditions, please call Debi L. Crawford at 337-457-2156.

What the Bellhop Saw opens Thursday April 15

2010-04-14T04:15:00.000-07:00

Back row (L-R) Noah Kittles, Morgan Booty, Casey Harmon, Glenn "Jay" Mentel, Jr., Angelle Bellard, John D. Kittles, Jerica Guillory
Middle row (L-R) Shiloh Kittles, Deborah D. Ardoin, Shane Guilbeau, Tucker Kelly
Bottom row (L-R) Aaron Booty, Sarah Martel

After weeks of rehearsal, the Eunice Players’ Theatre is set to open its 41st season with “What the Bellhop Saw” a two-act comedy by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore on Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m.. Director Jody L. Powell chose the show for its broad comedy, split-second timing and audience appeal. Everyone needs to make plans now to see the show before dates sell out.

The story centers on two brothers, Wally, a bellhop in New York’s finest hotel, played by Casey Harmon of Crowley, and Georgie, the world’s most hen-pecked husband, played by John D. Kittles of Eunice. Georgie’s plan to have an affair with his secretary, played by Angelle Bellard of Duson, is thwarted when his abrasive wife, played by Jerica Guillory of Eunice, arrives on the scene.

Unbeknownst to any of them, the same room is secretly rented to an author believed to have written a controversial book, played by Larry Reppond of Eunice, and the inept CIA agent hired to guard him, played by Tucker Kelly of Crowley. Wreaking havoc on all of them with a pig mask and a ticking bomb is an assassin bent on killing the author, played by Glenn “Jay” Mentel, Jr. of Opelousas.

The adjacent room holds a guest who wants peace and quiet while seemingly having a party of her own, played by Deborah D. Ardoin of Eunice, while the author’s pig-tailed daughter, played by Sarah Martel of Eunice is hidden elsewhere in the hotel
The bumbling hotel manager, played by Shane Guilbeau of Lafayette, and an aspiring-actress hotel maid, played by Morgan Booty of Crowley, find themselves in the middle of the shenanigans as identities are confused, and the bellhops keep multiplying.

With this crazy cast of characters running in and out of windows and doors and hiding under the bed, things quickly spin out of control and into a delightfully absurd evening.
Other performances set to follow opening night are April 16 – 17 and 21 – 22 at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre (with steak and trimmings) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following.

Season ticket holders should call the number on their ticket for reservations. Individual tickets are available at David’s Ltd. at 204 S. Second St. or by calling 457-2156. Season tickets are still on sale; for $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.
More information can be found on Facebook or at euniceplayers.blogspot.com. Don’t miss your chance to see this side-splitting comedy.

The Cast Getting in Character

2010-04-03T20:49:00.001-07:00

Just another night, goofing around on the set of What the Bellhop Saw.

Pictured L-R are Deborah D. Ardoin, Morgan Booty, Jerica Guillory, Glenn "Jay" Mentel, Jr., Larry Reppond, Tucker Kelly, John D. Kittles. Stay tuned for more picutres to come.

Tickets on Sale for "What the Bellhop Saw"

2010-03-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

Tickets are now on sale for "What the Bellhop Saw" and can be purchased at David's Hair Salon (204 S. 2nd St.) or call 546-0163. All seats $10; Visa and MasterCard accepted.

Show dates are April 15-17 and 21-22 at 7:00 p.m. & April 18 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is April 20 at 6:00 p.m. ($15 additional charge). Season tickets are still available - $20 for 3 shows - a real bargain! Patron and Angel packages are available too. Contact David at 337-546-0163 or Debi at 337-457-2156 or any board member.

First President of EPT Crosses to Another Stage

2010-03-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.eunicetoday.com/content/king-karl-derouen-touched-lives-many From The Impossible Years 1980
Karl in the red shirt from Guys and Dolls 1977

at the Irving Awards with Doris Stagg 1971

From Dames at Sea 1973

EPT lost its founding member and first president in the death of King Karl DeRouen Wednesday night. Karl had a great fondness, enthusiasm and fervor for EPT. He was one of those that built the theatre from the ground up in the early days, literally and figuratively. He was one of the ones talking to the city council, securing lighting, hanging curtains, building flats, etc. He knew many people in town and was instrumental in bringing many of them onto the stage and into the theatre. He provided equipment from the radio station and was largely responsible for any sound effects and other recordings that any play needed. He was a driving force behind the development and continuing existence of EPT.

For the next two decades he acted in 13 plays and worked on at least 20 more, either doing set construction, lighting and sound, or publicity. He was a frequent and recurring host of the Irving Awards and he is one of a handful of people to have received the Tim Wooten Award.

We'll miss you, Karl.

Comedy Opens 41st Season

2010-03-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

As the Eunice Players’ Theatre opens its 41st season, Jody L. Powell brings to the stage a hilarious, fun-filled show, “What the Bellhop Saw”. The two-act comedy written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore is sure to leave audiences squealing with laughter as one comedic gag falls atop the other at breakneck speed.

Rehearsals are underway and the cast of stage veterans and those stepping on the Eunice stage for the first time are already creating characters that fill a hotel room with physical comedy, mistaken identities, a lot of money and a little bit of romance.

Making his stage debut is John Kittles of Eunice, playing Georgie, the hen-pecked husband of Arlene, played by Jerica Guillory of Eunice. Guillory was previously seen on the EPT stage in “Never Get Smart with an Angel”. Angelle Bellard of Duson steps in as Georgie’s secretary and the object of his affection. She has been seen on the EPT stage in “Providence”, “Bus Stop” and “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”.

Portraying Georgie’s brother, Wally the bellhop, is Casey Harmon, a 16-year stage veteran from Crowley. Casey was most recently seen in Opelousas Little Theatre’s musical version of “Jekyll and Hyde” and he won the American Assn. of Community Theatre's Best Actor award for his portrayal of Lennie in “Of Mice and Men”.

Tucker Kelly and Morgan Booty, both from Crowley, fill the roles of Stan, a bumbling CIA agent and Missy, the hotel maid, respectively. Both were seen in “Bridge to Terabithia” and “Seance in Acadiana”, put on by the Acadia Players, as well as numerous high school and church productions.

Newcomer to the stage is Larry Reppond, of Eunice, fulfilling the role of Roger Fish, a renowned author whose life is in danger for having written the misunderstood book, “The Satanic Nurses”. Babu, the terrorist out to kill him, is played by Glenn “Jay” Mentel, Jr. of Opelousas. Jay most recently brought his gift for physical comedy to the EPT stage in “If the Shoe Fits” and the OLT stage in “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)”.

Bringing a healthy dose of comedy to Eunice for the first time is Shane Guilbeau, who plays Mr. Bickhardt, the hotel manager. Shane has become a local favorite in his home town of Lafayette for creating the Cajun comic character Grosbec, and playing multiple outrageous characters in “Greater Tuna” and “A Tuna Christmas”.

Rounding out the cast are Sarah Martel and Deborah D. Ardoin of Eunice. Only ten years old, Sarah is already an active violin player with the Eunice Symphony Orchestra. Ardoin is a long-time member of EPT and a founding member of the newly developed Acadiana Repertory Theatre. She is a multiple Irving Award winner, most recently for Best Actress in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”.

The humor in this play lies in a bunch of goofy people all descending on the same hotel room at the same time, with everybody frantically running in and out of doors, donning disguises, hiding and scheming and generally getting in trouble. Believe it when you’re told this is the making for a delightfully absurd evening of pure comedic gold!

Evening performances will be held April 15 – 17 and 21 – 22 at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre (with steak and trimmings) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Individual tickets for the show are not on sale yet although season tickets may be purchased and more information can be obtained by calling 457-2156 or 546-0163. For $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 40th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase.

Auditions Scheduled for "What the Bellhop Saw"

2010-02-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

The Eunice Players’ Theatre will hold auditions for the first play of the 41st season, “What the Bellhop Saw” on Tuesday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. Director Jody L. Powell needs 8 adult men, 3 adult women, and one girl age 10-12 to fill the cast. More people are needed to assist with set decoration, backstage duties, costuming, etc. Auditions for the two-act comedy by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore are open to everyone who wants to get involved with their local community theatre. Auditions will be at the theatre at 121 S. Second St. (between Nick’s on Second St. and Bertrand’s Office Supplies). Production for this play will be in mid April. FMI call 337-580-1787.

Season Tickets Now on Sale for 2010 Season

2010-02-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2010 season of shows. Individual tickets are $20 each and allow entrance to 3 shows, reservation rights for seating, and an invitation and voting privileges for the 41st Annual Irving Awards. Patron and Angel packages (for $75 and $125 respectively) are also available for purchase.

Season tickets may be purchased from any board member or charged to Visa or Master Card by calling Debi Crawford at 337-457-2156 or David Manuel at 337-546-0163.

2010 Season:
April - What the Bellhop Saw - directed by Jody L. Powell
Early Fall - The Subject Was Roses - directed by Gabe Ortego
Late Fall - The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Town Women's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol - directed by Liz Bryan

2010 Board Members: David Manuel, Van Reed, Liz Bryan, Lise Richard, Debi L. Crawford, Ching Wasmuth, Stacy Moncla, Cathy Dischler, Suzanne LaHaye, Denise Fusilier, Kevin Miller, Jody L. Powell, Angie B. LaCalle, Gabe Ortego

Irving Award Winners

2010-02-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Best Play - Greater Tuna - L-R: Gabe Ortego, Denise Fusilier, Kevin Miller, Director Ching Wasmuth, Van Reed, Jody L Powell, Vincent Veillon, Barbara Wells, Deborah D. Ardoin

Congratulations to all Irving Award winners!!

Best Set - Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Brett Faulkner, Liz Bryan, Jerica Guillory, David McGee, Jody L. Powell

Best Lighting and Sound - Greater Tuna - Deborah D. Ardoin, Rick Nesbitt, Gabe Ortego

Best Costumes - Greater Tuna - Jody L. Powell, Denise Fusilier

Best Hair and Makeup - Moonlight and Magnolias - David Manuel, Pilar Parrie

Best Supporting Actress - Amy Martel Rider as Mss Poppenghul in Moonlight and Magnolias

Best Supporting Actor - Brett Faulkner as Victor Fleming in Moonlight and Magnolias

Best Actress - Deborah D. Ardoin as Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Best Actor - Van Reed as 10 characters in Greater Tuna

Best Director - Debi L. Crawford for Moonlight and Magnolias

Best Play - Greater Tuna

Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical - Duncan McBride

Best Perfomance by an Actress in a Musical - Holly Bell

Joanie Kerstein Musical Award (for outstanding contriubution to Eunice Players' Theatre musical productions) - Debi L. Crawford

KATC TO FEATURE EUNICE PLAYERS' THEATRE DURING LIVE REMOTE

2010-01-21T20:41:00.000-08:00

As part of the Eunice Players' Theatre's 40th anniversary season celebration, KATC Channel 3 will be on hand Thursday, January 28 to feature the theatre during a live remote broadcast. Good Morning Acadiana anchor Tom Voinche will return to his old stomping grounds to host the show from the EPT stage. Voinche is a former EPT actor and board member.

EPT president David Manuel is pleased to announce that the theatre will be featured several times during the entire morning show's broadcast from 5:00 to 7:00 a.m. Although the hurs are early, he is inviting EPT supporters to come to the theatre and be a part of the live audience. "We welcome anyone who has worked on a show, has a season ticket, or wants to experience EPT for the first time".

During the broadcast, Voinche will interview current board members, review pictures of EPT from days gone by, and reveal the magic behind the scenes that comes from the lighting and sound booh, the makeup counter, and the dressing room.

Manuel notes that the KATC show will be the springboard into the Irving Awards to be held Saturday, January 30. Invitations have gone out to current season ticket holders, as well as former members and performers who helped build EPT and keep it successful over the past four decades. Still, anyone with a connection to EPT who hasn't received and invitation and wants to attend the invitation-only event should call Manuel at 337-46-0163 or Debi Crawford at 337-457-2156.

"This is a time to celebrate the legacy left by the founders and the contribution that EPT has made to Eunice and the surrounding area," Manuel stated. "Join us in supporting live local theatre by comint out Thursday morning and all season long." Season tickets will go on sale the night of the Irving Awards and can be purchased from any board member in the following weeks.

Singers Getting in Tune for the Irving Awards

2010-01-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

The Eunice Players' Theatre is preparing for the 40th Annual Irving Awards and Dance for Saturday, January 30th. This stellar group of preformers were all involved in the theatre's summer musicals over the past 40 years and were invited to come back and sing a medley of songs saluting the theatre's past musicals. The music is under the direction of Angie LaCalle and pianist Jimmy Broussard and this will be presented on the night of the Irving awards. This gala event is by invitation only.

In this photo: Pat Dossman, Barbara Voinche, Sharon Blankenship, Holly Bell, Gabe Ortego, Gracie Feucht, John Burleigh, Kristi Burleigh, Christian Miller, Audrey Bell, Paula Vizinat Feucht, Liz Bryan, Taylor LaCalle, Darrel LeJeune, Angie LaCalle, Jimmy Broussard, Lisa Vizinat.

Dancers Prepare for the Irving Awards

2010-01-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

The Irving Dancers are busy preparing for the opening dance number for the Eunice Players' Theatre's 40th annual Irving Awards and Dance on Saturday, January 30th at the St. Thomas More Social Hall. This honorary dance group will preform to "One" from the broadway musical, "A Chorus Line", choreographed by Oliva Dodd and London Dodd from Oliva Dodd's School of Dance in Eunice. The event is by invitation only.

Sitting from left to right: Natasha Raffai, Elizabeth Heinen, Mehgan Fontenot. Kneeling: Sadie Fontenot, Victoria Heinen, Amelia LeJeune, and Mila Raffai. Standing: Courtney LeJeune, Kimberlyn Fruge and Jordan Siebert. Not pictured: Lauren Heinen and Andre Powell.

Singers Wanted for Irving Awards

2010-01-11T04:01:00.000-08:00

Angie LaCalle is putting the word out to anyone who ever participated in a musical on the Eunice Players' Theatre stage: she wants you to be a part of the musical medley covering the past 40 years of musical productions at this year's Irving Awards ceremony on Saturday, January 30. Rehearsals will be held Sunday, January 17, and Sunday, January 24 at 4:00 p.m. at the theatre (121 S. Second St., Eunice).

If you are interested or have any questions, please call Angie at 337-580-2567 as soon as possible so she can arrange the appropriated medley. As this year is our 40th anniversary, the musical entertainment is going to be bigger than ever and we need your voice to help us celebrate the years. Call to join in the fun, and reminisce with your old friends !

Eunice Players' Theatre Reaching Out for Past Patrons, Cast, and Crew Members

2010-01-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

In preparation for the upcoming 40th Annual Irving Awards on January, 30, the Eunice Players’ Theatre is searching for past patrons and cast and crew members. Board president David Manuel says, “This year’s awards ceremony is going to be a blowout; we want these people to get an invitation and come to the party.” He’s looking for past participants and season ticket holders to come home to the EPT, not only to join in the awards celebration but also to become a season ticket holder again, take a role on the stage, or lend a hand backstage.

Historian Debi Crawford echoes his sentiments, adding, “We culled our scrapbooks and found that we’ve lost contact with many people in Eunice and the surrounding area who used to belong to EPT. We need these people to let us know where they are.”

Attendance at the awards ceremony is by invitation only, for current season ticket holders and those who worked on the past season’s shows, but in this special anniversary year, invitations will go out to those with a historical connection to the theatre as well. The board is seeking email and postal mailing addresses that will be used to send invitations and notification of upcoming shows.

Manuel believes former patrons will remember the fun of Irvings past and encourages anyone with past involvement who doesn’t receive an invitation to send their contact information to euniceplayers@gmail.com or call Crawford at 337-457-2156 or Manuel at 337-546-0163. They can also join EPT’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Eunice-Players-Theatre/118584529630?ref=ts

As in years past, music will pave the way for the evening’s entertainment from beginning to end. Irving Dancers will open the show with “One” from “A Chorus Line” choreographed by Oliva and London Dodd. An added feature this year is the return of a live band to perform after the awards are handed out. Desire Street Band from New Orleans will play a variety of favorite tunes just right for dancing.

Irving Awards Slated for January 30, 2010

2009-12-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

The 2009 season marked 40 years of continuous operation since Eunice Players' Theatre opened its doors in 1969 and there's going to be a party! The Board of Directors is preparing for the 40th Annual Irving Awards on January 30, 2010 and they're looking for people to join in the celebration. Those welcome include past season ticket holders and anyone who was part of a cast or crew for any past show. In addition to recognizing the four shows from the 2009 season, there will be musical tributes and a slide show to take patrons back in time through 40 seasons of shows - and in the tradition of Irvings past, there will be a live band for revelers to dance the night away.

If you've missed Eunice Players' Theatre and want to see what we've been up to, or you want to reminisce with fellow cast and crew mates, call Debi at 337-457-2156 or David at 337-546-0163 to give us your address as the Irving Awards are invitation only. We'd love to see you again and have you re-join Eunice Players' Theatre.

Theatre Gift Certificates Available

2009-12-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

Having trouble finding the perfect gift? Give the gift that keeps giving all year long! Gift certificates are available at David's Ltd. Hair and Nail for the Eunice Players’ Theatre 2010 season. A $20.00 certificate includes 3 shows, a postcard to notify the holder of the upcoming plays, a ballot for voting privileges and an invitation to the annual Irving Awards. For more information, please call 546-0163 or 457-2156. To make your shopping easier, Mastercard or Visa will be accepted over the phone.

General Board Meeting set for December 16

2009-12-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

The Eunice Players’ Theatre will hold the annual general meeting which is open to all season tickets holders on Wednesday, December 16th at 7:00 pm. The season ticket holders will nominate and elect the upcoming 2010 Eunice Players’ Theatre Board of Directors. The meeting will be held at the Eunice Players’ Theatre, located at 121 South Second St. in Eunice. All season ticket holders are encouraged to attend.

Moonlight and Magnolias opens November 7

2009-11-05T04:08:00.000-08:00

L - R: Michael Sanchez as Ben Hecht, the Hollywood screenwriter,

Wesley Saunders as David O. Selznick the Hollywood producer

of "Gone With The Wind",

and Brett Faulkner as the director Victor Fleming

Amy Rider and Wesley Saunders

Comedy to Open November 7

2009-10-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

Pictured from left to right: Michael Sanchez as Ben Hecht, Wesley Saunders as David O. Selznick and Brett Faulkner as Victor Fleming

Under the direction of Debi L. Crawford, the actors of the comedy “Moonlight and Magnolias” are romping around the Eunice Players’ Theatre stage as they busily prepare for the opening of the third show of the season.

The year is 1939, and famed Hollywood director, David O. Selznick, has shut down production of his epic movie, replaced his director with Victor Fleming, and called in the wonder boy of screenwriters, Ben Hecht. It is only left to the imagination what happens in that locked office for five long days and nights as the three Hollywood power houses rewrite the script for one of the most beloved films of all time, “Gone With the Wind”.

The dates for the production of “Moonlight and Magnolias” are set for Saturday, November 7 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, November 8 at 2:00 pm. Dinner theatre, which is a steak dinner and dessert, catered by Nick’s on Second St., is set for Tuesday, November 10th at 6:00 pm. The comedy continues November 11, 12, and 14 at 7:00 pm and closes Sunday, November 15th with a 2:00 pm matinee. Single tickets ($10) and Dinner theatre tickets ($25) are available for purchase at David’s Hair Salon or by calling 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156. The theatre accepts Visa and Mastercard for purchase of tickets.

The director would like to stress to people with peanut allergies that real peanuts and peanut shells will be used during production. Also, this show contains strong language. For more information, please call Debi L. Crawford at 337-457-2156.

"Moonlight and Magnolias" in Rehearsal

2009-09-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

The cast of "Moonlight and Magnolias", under the direction of Debi L. Crawford is in rehearsal, preparing for the show to open in early November.

The two-act comedy by Ron Hutchinson is set in 1939 as the great Hollywood producer, David O. Selznick, shuts down production of his epic movie, "Gone With the Wind", fires his director, and calls in the wonderboy of screenplays to rewrite his movie. Shut in his office for 5 long days and nights, it is only left to the imagination what these the three Hollywood powerhouses did to rewrite what would become one of the greatest epic films of all time.

The cast includes Wesley Saunders of Pine Prairie as producer David O. Selznick, Michael Sanchez of Eunice as screenwriter Ben Hecht, Brett Faulkner of Eunice as director Victor Fleming, and Amy Rider of Eunice as the secretary.

Dates: November 7, 11, 12, 14 at 7pm and November 8 & 15 at 2pm. Dinner theatre with steak catered by Nick's on Second St. is November 10 at 6pm. Tickets will go on sale in late October.

Stay tuned for pictures and notice of tickets on sale.

Breaking News - Credit Cards Now Accepted

2009-09-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

The Eunice Players' Theatre is excited to announce that patrons can now purchase individual and season tickets with a credit card! Visa and MasterCard are accepted when purchasing tickets in person at David Ltd. Hair and Nail Salon at 204 S. Second St., Eunice, or over the phone at 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156.

Tickets Now on Sale for "Greater Tuna"

2009-09-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Tickets are now on sale for "Greater Tuna" the first of two fall offerings in the Eunice Players' Theatre's 40th anniversary season. The play runs September 12, 16, 17, and 19 at 7:00 p.m., and September13 and 20 at 2:00 p.m. The dinner theatre performance is September 15 at 6:00 p.m. Dinner consists of barbeque chicken and fixin's with apple pie for dessert. Tickets are $10 (additional $15 for dinner) and available at David Ltd. Hair and Nail Salon, 204 S. Second St., Eunice, or by calling 546-0163. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Directed by Ching Wasmuth, and written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard, the play stars Kevin Miller (above left) and Van Reed (above right). Each actor portrays 10 different characters: strange men, old women, children, even Yippy the Dog. Quick costume changes and a variety of characterizations showcase the talents of these two veteran actors whose names are synonymous with high quality comedy.

The play itself, about a day in the life of the odd citizens of Tuna,Texas’ third-smallest town, has won rave reviews as a sure-fire hit on Broadway and in community theatres across America. Season tickets may still be purchased by calling 457-2156 or 546-0163. For $20 a season ticket includes 2 shows, reservation rights for seating, and an invitation and voting privileges for the 40th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.

Greater Tuna

2009-08-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Bertha and Charlene Bumiller, as portrayed by Kevin Miller and Van Reed respectively, share a special mother-daughter moment as they discuss the recent cheerleader tryouts. These are just a few of the characters to take the audience through a day in the life in Tuna TX as the Eunice Players' Theatre presents Greater Tuna September 12 - 20.

Cast in Rehearsal for Greater Tuna

2009-08-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Eunice Players’ Theatre is pleased to announce the return of Kevin Miller and Van Reed in Greater Tuna, the side-splitting comedy featuring the citizens of Tuna, Texas' third smallest town. The long-running off-Broadway hit written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard features the two actors bringing twenty characters to life through quick costume changes and a variety of characterizations. You’ll come to know Arles and Thurston, disc jockeys from the local radio station, OKKK; Hank and Bertha Bumiller and their children, Stanley, Charlene, and Jody; Didi Snavely, owner of Didi's Used Weapons ("If we can't kill it, it's immortal"); Reverend Spikes, president of the Smut Snatchers of the New Order; Yippy the Dog; and more.

This play is being presented under the direction of Ching Wasmuth as a special encore presentation in the theatre’s 40th anniversary season. Greater Tuna was an audience favorite when it was first presented at EPT in 1992 starring Glenn Mentel and Vince Fontenot. In 2001, audience members came to know more of Tuna’s citizens when Wasmuth presented A Tuna Christmas with Miller and Reed.

Tickets will soon be available for purchase; in the meantime, mark your calendars for September 12, 16, 17, and 19 at 7:00 p.m.; September 13 and 20 at 2:00 p.m.; and September 15 at 6:00 (dinner theatre) so you’re sure not to miss this show that promises to be a barrel of laughs!

Dorothy Meets Alice

2009-07-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

Oz and Wonderland come together Pictured are (kneeling) Kristi Burleigh, Audrey Bell (on the middle row) Michael Sibille, Natalie Sibille, Taylor LaCalle, Darrel LeJeune, Gracie Feucht, (standing) Duncan McBride, and Bradley Credeur.

The Wicked Witch (Angie B. LaCalle) and The Queen of Hearts (Holly Bell)

The Henchmen of Wonderland (Jeanne Aucoin and John Burleigh)

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Musical Set to Open

2009-07-06T19:49:00.001-07:00

Under the direction of Angie B. LaCalle, the cast and crew of "Dorothy Meets Alice" are ready to open the show!

Regular performance dates for the show include July 8, 9, 15, and 17 at 7:00 p.m. and July 12 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Turning Point and David‘s Ltd. Hair and Nail in Eunice. General Admission is $10 for adults and children over age 5, and $5 for children age 5 and under.

The dinner performance is scheduled for Thursday, July 16; tickets for dinner plus the show are $20 for adults and children over 5; $15 for children age 5 and under.

This lively musical is fun for all ages and promises to have children squeal with delight at the sight of some of literature's favorite characters from "The Wizard of Oz" and "Alice in Wonderland."

Against the backdrop of the woodsy scenes, complete with bits of Oz and Wonderland, the actors sing and dance their way out of the confusion brought about by the dream of a modern-day girl.

Comedy drives the show rather than an abundance of songs, and there's enough action (running and hopping and falling down, oh my!) to keep young children entertained.

The story is simple and easy to follow, with plenty of wackiness, corny jokes, and larger than life villains - including a (not-so-scary) monster. Audience members won't pay attention to their watches, until the show ends and they'll wonder how the time passed so quickly.

This show is not on the season ticket so anyone wanting to see the show will need to purchase a ticket. For more information about the play or the workshop, call 337-457-2156 or 337-546-0163.

Childrens Workshop
In addition to the show itself, LaCalle has planned a three hour workshop on Saturday, July 11 beginning at 9:00 a.m. for children ages 8-12. The workshop will include singing, acting, and games designed for children to learn the basics of the performing arts. Registration fee is $10, which also allows the child entrance to the Sunday, July 12 matinee performance. Space for the workshop is still available but limited so interested parties should register soon.

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Children’s Workshop to Accompany Summer Musical at Players’ Theatre

2009-06-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Walk by the Eunice Players’ Theatre on any given week night and you’re likely to hear the cast rehearsing the upbeat songs featured in “Dorothy Meets Alice”, the theatre’s summer offering. The family-friendly musical, directed by Angie B. LaCalle, follows the adventures of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and Alice, from Wonderland, as they unscramble their friends who have become mixed together by an unwitting young lady in modern times.

In addition to the show itself, LaCalle has planned a three hour workshop on Saturday, July 11 beginning at 9:00 a.m. for children ages 8-12. The workshop will include singing, acting, and games designed for children to learn the basics of the performing arts. Registration fee is $10, which also allows the child entrance to the Sunday, July 12 matinee performance. Space for the workshop is limited so interested parties should register soon.

Regular performance dates for the show include July 8, 9, 15, and 17 at 7:00 p.m. and July 12 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Turning Point and David‘s Ltd. Hair and Nail in Eunice. General Admission is $10 for adults and children over age 5, and $5 for children age 5 and under.

The dinner performance is scheduled for Thursday, July 16; tickets for dinner plus the show are $20 for adults and children over 5; $15 for children age 5 and under. The dinner menu consists of catfish bites and popcorn shrimp with french fries, and brownies and ice cream for dessert. This show is not on the season ticket so anyone wanting to see the show will need to purchase a ticket.

For more information about the play or the workshop, call 337-457-2156 or 337-580-2567.

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Summer Musical: Dorthy Meets Alice

2009-06-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Show Dates - July 8, 9, 12, 15, 16 & 17.
Performances at 7 pm and 2 pm for Sunday Matinee.
Dinner Theatre: July 16th

Family-friendly show!!! Tickets are $10
Children 5 & under - ticket admission is half price - $5
NOTE: This is not a season ticket show.

Children's Workshop - July 11th - Cost $10 (Sunday matinee performance included)
Be looking for future articles on more information concerning the workshop.

"Two of literature's most unforgettable young ladies get mixed up
together in a magical, musical meeting that produces hilarious results
as the audience becomes reacquainted with a cast of familiar characters
and sees them in a new light. This fun filled romp follow Alice and
Dorothy and their coteries as they try to unscramble their stories with
the help of the contemporary young lady who started the whole thing
when she put off a book report until the very last minute."

Book and Lyrics by Joseph Robinette
Music by Karl Jurman

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Ray Blum Raves About "Virginia Woolf"

2009-05-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

The following review ran in the May 15, 2009 issue of The Daily Advertiser.

Perform: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf wins, places and shows

There is a maxim that "Nothing is ever easy." Ask Jody Powell, the director of Eunice Players' Theatre's production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and I am certain that she would enthusiastically agree.

Seems that about a week before the show was originally set to open, she lost the show's male lead. The role of George is one of the most emotionally complex and difficult ones in all of American theater, and to lose that character would normally be the death knell for the play.

I have spent a great deal of time in past columns crowing about the high, professional quality of the local performers who grace our community theater stages. One such actor is Blaine Peltier, who stepped in to fill George's shoes. The play's opening was postponed one week and, like a crocus rising out of a snowbank, blossomed into a beautiful splendor.

Let me state, early on, that Eunice Players' version of Virginia Woolf is the best production of the Edward Albee classic I've ever seen, bar none. I have seen every one of the performers in other productions, but I have never seen any of them come close to the truly gifted level of quality that they demonstrate in Powell's play - individually or in ensemble.

The three-act play is about two couples whose behavior exemplifies dysfunction. Virginia Woolf was a 20th century British feminist and novelist who pioneered the literary style known as stream of consciousness by examining her characters' psychological and emotional relationship to reality. Albee, the playwright, let his characters bash themselves and each other in an attempt to illustrate their unwillingness to look reality in the eye.

George (Blaine Peltier) is a middle-aged, embittered history professor married to his college president's daughter, Martha (Deborah Ardoin). After a faculty party, they invite a new professor and his wife to their house, arriving at 2 a.m. Nick (Gabe Ortego), a biology teacher, is supporting his unsteady and mousy wife, Honey (Bonnie Pitre) who is already three sheets to the wind. Everyone continues to drink while Martha and George both verbally and physically engage in cruel battle in front of their guests. The younger couple is simultaneously fascinated and embarrassed by the "fun and games" and remain at the weird gathering even when the abuse is turned toward them as well.

Honey periodically passes out and vomits out the booze so she can regain consciousness and rejoin the fray. Like a deer frozen in the headlights, Nick is seduced by Martha, while like some sort of demonic conductor, George directs the emotional maelstrom with a glassful of scotch as his baton.

As black and pessimistic as the play might seem, the ending gives a glimpse of redemption. Nick and Honey have stumbled off to their home and George, with his arm around Honey, tenderly sings a parody of the Disney lyric, "Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Martha, in a finally fragile voice, responds, "I am, George. I am."

Most audiences are aware of the play through the film production featuring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the major roles. The movie was a two-plus hour exercise in screaming. The Eunice play was a two-plus hour exercise in fine acting.

What a difference! Simply being loud is a weak way to present great emotion. What Ardoin, Peltier, Pitre and Ortego gave us was high emotion demonstrated through their bodies, their facial expressions, various grunts and groans and the wonderful way they delivered their lines.

Each of the quartet executed everything that a performer should, and did it in a way that by rights should have earned an Equity card for each. I feel sorry for a director with one or two blazing performers imbalanced by a handful of weak and indifferent performers. Not only does the play suffer, the stellar performances labor under the same consequence. Not so with Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The ensemble performance given by the four Thespians has very few peers on any stage, anywhere.

This season is Eunice Players' Theatre's 40th anniversary. What better way to put a jewel atop the crown than to present a play as worthy of ovation as Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
I give The Georgie to the whole magilla, director as well as cast! Huzzah, huzzah, huzzah!

Ray Blum is a freelance writer who covers theater and performance in Acadiana.

Stage Prop Has Interesting History

2009-05-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

“Pow! You’re dead” is the line Blaine Peltier delivers to Deborah D. Ardoin as Gabe Ortego and Bonnie Pitre watch in fear in one of the many unsettling moments of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, being staged at the Eunice Players’ Theatre. The gun Peltier holds has a history uniquely tied to the play, as well as the subsequent movie. This is no ordinary stage prop; there are only a few of its kind in existence. Known as “The Virginia Woolf Gun” among stage prop rental houses, this particular one was actually used in the movie and handled by Richard Burton as he aimed it at Elizabeth Taylor.

Playwright Edward Albee conceived a gun with an unusual discharge, then set about to have it fabricated by Centre Firearms in New York City in preparation for the Broadway premiere in 1962. By the time the play closed in 1964, a movie version was in the works and the gun was sent to Los Angeles where Burton used it during filming. It later made its way back to its creator in the heart of Manhattan where it remains today. As Joe DeCunzo, owner of Center Firearms, explained to Jody L. Powell, director of the local play, “We only rent it out about twice a year now. Over the past 40 years, the play’s popularity ebbs and flows.” He’s proud to state that his shop has the original gun, even though certain parts have needed to be replaced over the years.

Theatre goers have a chance to view this iconic piece of Broadway and cinematic history when EPT opens its production with a matinee beginning Sunday, May 3 at 2:00. Other evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday, May 6 - 9 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for these performances are $10 and available at David Ltd. Hair and Nail Salon on Second St. or by calling 546-0163. Dinner theatre is Tuesday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at Nick's or by calling 457-4921. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice. Visit www.euniceplayers.blogspot.com.

Play Opens Sunday at Eunice Players' Theatre

2009-04-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

After weeks of rehearsal, the cast of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is ready to open the show. The three-act peek into the fictional lives of George, Martha, Nick and Honey, written by Edward Albee and directed by Jody L. Powell, is the first show of the Eunice Players' Theatre's 40th anniversary season.

Written and set in the early 1960’s, the play focuses on George and Martha, played by Blaine Peltier and Deborah D. Ardoin respectively. Despite how deeply they care for each other, events have turned their marriage into a repetition of insults fueled by alcohol. When Gabe Ortego’s Nick and Bonnie Pitre’s Honey stop in for a drink one night, they are unable to escape being used as pawns in their hosts’ psychological games. While the storyline may sound distasteful, it does make for an entertaining night at the theatre - TV dramas and reality shows don’t get any better than this! Despite the show’s length, the actors’ snappy banter keeps the action moving and the audience will find sharp humor in many of the sequences.

The cast has jelled to a point where they bring out the best in each other as actors. Rehearsals have bred familiarity, adding believability and realism to the characters. Audiences will witness daring performances, enhanced by period costumes and hairstyles, a set design conveying realism, and specialized lighting and sound effects. Considering the subject matter, and the brief amount of smoking on stage (with stage prop cigarettes), this play is intended for mature audiences.

The play begins with a matinee on Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday, May 6 - 9 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for these performances are $10 and available at David Ltd. Hair and Nail Salon on Second St. or by calling 546-0163. Dinner theatre is Tuesday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at Nick's or by calling 457-4921. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice. Visit www.euniceplayers.blogspot.com.

Season tickets may still be purchased by calling 457-2156 or 546-0163. For $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 40th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.

Rehearsal Pictures

2009-04-22T21:39:00.001-07:00

Deborah D. Ardoin, Blaine Peltier, Gabe Ortego and Bonnie Pitre rehearse upcoming scenes, preparing for opening day on Sunday, May 3.

Cast Change Prompts New Dates at Players’ Theatre

2009-04-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

The show must go on! Such is the cry of many a director when faced with an unexpected turn of events that threatens to derail a production. And such is the attitude of director Jody L. Powell as she announces a new cast member and new dates for Eunice Players’ Theatre’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” by Edward Albee.

“Despite the need to make a change at this late date, we’re fortunate to have the very talented Blaine Peltier assume the role of George,” Powell stated. With a BFA in Theatre, Peltier has over 20 theatrical productions and 2 films under his belt. Peltier is currently the head of the Theatre Arts Department for the Lafayette High School Performing Arts Academy and he is a co-founder of Acadiana Repertory Theatre, Inc., a non-profit, professional theatre company. A quick study, Peltier is up to the challenge of taking on George, a role he’s been waiting for the chance to play. “I know the character; he’s complex and fascinating. Just reading his lines in the script and feeling his mood shifts puts me in the right mind set,” Peltier commented following his first rehearsal with the cast.

As Peltier becomes acclimated to the local stage, the cast and crew breathe a sigh of relief that their show will go on, albeit a week later. The play will now open with a matinee on Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday, May 6-9 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for these performances are $10 and available at David Ltd.Hair and Nail Salon on Second St. or by calling 546-0163. Dinner theatre is Tuesday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at Nick's or by calling 457-4921.

Season ticket holders who made reservations should call the answering service to reserve a new date. Patrons who purchased individual tickets or a dinner ticket may exchange them for a different night by returning to the point of purchase. The Board of Directors regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Season tickets may still be purchased by calling 457-2156 or 546-0163. For $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 40th Annual Irving Awards. Angel andpatron packages are also available for purchase. The theatre is locatedat 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.

Cast in Rehearsal

2009-04-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

The cast of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" rehearses as their upcoming opening date approaches. Pictured from left to right are David McGee, Gabe Ortego, Deborah D. Ardoin and Bonnie Pitre.

Tickets now on sale for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

2009-04-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

Tickets are now on sale for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", the first show of the Eunice Players' Theatre's 40th anniversary season, written by Edward Albee and directed by Jody L. Powell. Pictured above (L-R) are David McGee, Gabe Ortego, Deborah D. Ardoin and Bonnie Pitre as they rehearse a scene. The play begins with a matinee on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday, April 29 through May 2 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for these performances are $10 and available at David Ltd. Hair and Nail Salon on Second St. or by calling 546-0163. Dinner theatre is Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at Nick's or by calling 457-4921. Season tickets may still be purchased by calling 457-2156 or 546-0163. For $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 40th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.

Hope to see you at the show!

Eunice Players' Theatre Opens 40th Anniversary Season With A Classic

2009-03-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

As the Eunice Players’ Theatre opens its 40th Anniversary Season, Jody L. Powell brings a classic piece of American theatre and cinema to the stage, Edward Albee’s explosive “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”.

Written, staged on Broadway, and brought to the silver screen in the 1960’s, the same decade as the origin of EPT, this drama about the complexities of human relationships and the games we play with ourselves and each other tells the tale of marital warfare between George and Martha.

Stage veteran Deborah D. Ardoin of Eunice gives us Martha, daughter of a college president, who still struggles for her father’s acceptance. Debbi is no stranger to difficult roles, having played Chick in “Crimes of the Heart” and Annie Wilkes in “Misery”, for which she won the Best Actress Irving Award, and Yente in “Fiddler on the Roof” for which she also served as music director.

Former EPT actor David McGee returns to Eunice to play George, a history professor at Martha’s father’s college. Now living in Jennings, David has been active in their community theatre as an actor and set builder. EPT audiences may remember him in the roles of Bo Decker in the original “Bus Stop” and Bill Sikes in “Oliver".

The role of Honey, a plain, sickly woman disillusioned by marriage is played by Bonnie Pitre, a Eunice native who returns to the stage following her Irving Award-winning performance in last season’s “Providence”. Bonnie appeared in several plays at LSU while earning a minor degree in theatre; she has also been seen on the EPT stage in “Woman” and “The Sound of Music”. She also ran the lighting for “If the Shoe Fits”.

Rounding out the cast as Nick, the college’s new and ambitious biology teacher, is Gabe Ortego of Opelousas. Gabe was previously seen on the EPT stage in “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and "Providence". Gabe has many credits from Opelousas Little Theatre, including director of “Monky Business” and “The Last Five Years”.

The show will open with a matinee on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Other performances dates include April 29 - 30 and May 1 - 2 at 7:00 p.m. Individual tickets for the show are not on sale yet although season tickets may be purchased from any board member. For the price of $20.00, a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 40th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase.

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STAY TUNED......

2009-03-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for more exciting news about "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and the Eunice Players' Theatre's 40th Anniversary Season!

For more information call Jody Powell at 337-580-1787.

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Auditions set at Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? ~ Feb. 25-26

2009-02-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

Auditions for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? are set for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Eunice Players' Theatre, 121 S. Second St., Eunice. Men and women are needed to fill roles for characters ages 30-50. People to help backstage are also needed.

For more information, call Jody L. Powell at 580-1787.

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Season Tickets For Eunice Players’ Theatre

2009-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

The Eunice Players’ Theatre is pleased to announce that season tickets are available for the 40th season. It promises to be a season with high drama and hilarious comedies. Opening in mid-April is the drama, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, directed by Jody L. Powell; in early fall is the hilarious revival comedy, Greater Tuna, directed by Ching Wasmuth; and in late fall, the comedy/drama, Moonlight and Magnolias, directed by Debi L. Crawford.

Season tickets for the 2009 season are now available for purchase at Louis Wright’s or Turning Point in Eunice. For the price of $20.00, a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 40th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase. For more information, please call 337-457-3330 or 337-457-2156.

Join the fun in celebrating 40 years of comedy and drama with the Eunice Players’ Theatre.

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2008 Irving Award Winners

2009-01-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

"Mama Mia" was the theme of the annual 39th Eunice Players' Irving Awards held Saturday at the Courtyard at Nick's on Second Street.

The shows competing for awards included: Last Night of Ballyhoo, All The Great Books (abridged) and Providence. The summer musical, “Broadway on 2nd Street” was also recognized.

The awards ceremony began with Frank Tujague presenting the Best Set. The winner was "The Last Night of Ballyhoo," with Brett Faulkner, Liz Bryan, Deborah D. Ardoin and Taylor LaCalle.

Presenting the Best Lighting and Sound award was Beth Manuel. Winning the award was, All The Great Books (abridged) with Deborah D. Ardoin, Randy Fontenot and Van Reed.

Best Costumes went to All The Great Books (abridged) with Liz Bryan, Suzanne LaHaye, Cathy Dischler and Jody L. Powell. Presenting the award was Dr. Allen Butler.

Becky Daigle presented the Best Hair and Make-Up. The Last Night Of Ballyhoo won in the category. Those honored were Connie Thibodeaux, David Manuel, Pilar Parrie, and Brandi Fontenot.

Pat Dossman and Dwight Jodon presented the Best Supporting Actress. The award went to Bonnie Pitre as Sara Kass in Providence.

The Best Supporting Actor went to Van Reed as Professor in All The Great Books (abridged). This presentation was given by Holly Bell.

Kenneth Pitre presented the Best Actress, the award went to Jody L. Powell as Boo Levy in The Last Night of Ballyhoo.

Sherald Smith presented the Best Actor. This award went to Kevin Miller as Coach in All The Great Books (abridged).

The Best Director went to Debi L. Crawford in All The Great Books (abridged). Butch Frasier presented the award.

Pam Quirk presented The Best Play award. Winning Best Play was All The Great Books (abridged).

The 40th season will open with the production, Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf, which will be presented in mid April. Other plays include Greater Tuna and Moonlight and Magnolias.

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EPT Takes Providence to Cite des Arts in Lafayette

2009-01-08T14:32:00.001-08:00

By special invitation, the Eunice Players' Theatre's production of Providence will be performed at Cite des Arts in Lafayette [109 Vine Street (Downtown)]

Performance dates are January 29, 30, 31 at 7:30 p.m. For reservations call 291-1122. Ticket are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

www.citedesarts.org

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Irving Awards January 17

2008-12-16T12:18:00.001-08:00

The Annual Irving Awards will be January 17, 2008 at the Courtyard at Nicks. Three shows will be competing for the coveted Irving Awards: The Last Night of Ballyhoo, All the Great Books (abridged) and Providence.

The 2009 Irving Awards will pay tribute to the music from the musical Mama Mia.

For information, please contact 457-3330 or Debi Crawford at 457-2156

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Season Tickets Now on Sale

2008-12-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

Season Tickets for the 2009 season are now on sale.

A single ticket is $20 and entitles you to reserved seating at all three regular season shows and a ticket to the 2010 Irving Awards. A Patron membership is $75 and entitles you to 4 tickets and 2 Irving Award invitations. An Angel membership is $125 and you received 6 tickets and 4 Irving Awards tickets. All Patrons and Angel membership receive their names on the 2009 program.

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Providence • Nov 2-9

2008-10-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

What began as an exercise in non-linear narrative writing is now a full-length play, currently being prepared for showing as this season’s final production at the Eunice Players’ Theatre. “Providence”, written by Cody Daigle of Scott, LA, infuses a present day storyline with flashbacks that reveal events occurring in the months leading up to the opening scenes of the play. Jody L. Powell, director of the play, assists the audience in shifting through time by lighting changes, set arrangement, and seamless scene changes.

The story begins and ends with two couples in an airport, with an individual from each couple on the verge of a new beginning. Their futures are uncertain as they take risks that may change their relationships with those closest to them. Unlike traditional plays where the first few scenes are used to set up the plot, this play delivers the main event early on, while the rest of the story has the characters living with the effects.

Having seen a reading of “Providence”, Powell knew it was a play she wanted to stage one day. “I’ve admired Cody’s work for years and am delighted to share his work with others. It’s a rare opportunity to direct a script written by someone with his talent from this area.” Daigle is pleased to see the play being produced by the Eunice institution. “It’s an honor that my work was chosen when there are so many other options,” he stated.

Daigle’s work is well written, with conversations between the characters so real and honest, that it was chosen by Maeutic TheatreWorks, an off-Broadway company in New York City, to be a part of their 2008 season. The show ran for a month in February and received positive reviews. Byrne Harrison of Stage Buzz Review called it a “a beautiful and touching work of art not to be missed”.

Laurie Lawson, critic for a theatre based website, noted the use of sophisticated and sharp humor to reveal the development of an unexpected, emerging friendship between two men. Their conversations are underscored by the meaning of “providence” as it becomes more than just a destination when the word is capitalized.

This marks the third play Daigle has had produced in New York City, including “Life/Play” at the International Fringe Festival in 2007, and “The Last Night of the World” in 2006. His works have also been produced in Lafayette over the past several years.

On the heels of the show’s New York success, Powell assembled a cast of experienced actors she knew would deliver the range of emotions these multi-faceted characters have to display. Andre Andrepont, Angelle Bellard, Gabe Ortego, and Bonnie Pitre fulfill their duties admirably following weeks of character exploration and development that will leave audiences pondering the similarities between the life experiences they share with the characters.

The show will open with a matinee on Sunday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is scheduled for Monday, November 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Other performances dates include November 5, 6, and 8 at 7:00 p.m., and the play will close with a matinee performance on Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. Season ticket holders should call 866-856-3653 to make reservations. Individuals without season tickets can purchase tickets by calling Louis Wright's Store at 337-457-3330. Tickets are $10; dinner (steak, sides, dessert) plus ticket is $25. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.

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Providence • Nov. 2-9, 2008

2008-10-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals are underway at the Eunice Players' Theatre for “Providence”, the final production of the season. This two-act play written by local playwright, Cody Daigle, was produced off-off-Broadway earlier this year and was deemed a critical success. Jody L. Powell, director of the show, is proud to announce an outstanding cast, composed of theater veterans and returning favorites.

The play involves Neil and Jo, a married couple undergoing stressful times, and Mark and Sara, two friends at a crossroads as one prepares to start a new phase of life at the other’s insistence. An unexpected life-changing event brings the two men together to form a new friendship based on shared emotions. The story is beautifully told through a blending of current events and personal flashbacks.

Playing the role of Neil is Andre Andrepont of Opelousas. Although Andre is most active at Opelousas Little Theatre, his most notable role having been Elwood P. Dowd in “Harvey”, he previously amused audiences on the EPT stage as Nick in “Over the River and Through the Woods”.

Appearing as Jo, Angelle Bellard has recently been playing on various stages in Acadiana including Abbeville and Lafayette. Eunice audiences may remember her roles Cherie in “Bus Stop” and Nicki in “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”.

Joining the cast as Mark, Gabe Ortego is fast becoming a Eunice staple as he was cast earlier this year as Joe in “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” and last year as Motel in “Fiddler on the Roof”. Gabe has many credits from Opelousas Little Theatre, including director of “Monky Business” and “The Last Five Years”.

Bonnie Pitre returns to the EPT stage as Sara, after having appeared in “Woman” and “The Sound of Music”, and running the lighting for “If the Shoe Fits”.

The show will open with a matinee on Sunday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is scheduled for Monday, November 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Other performances dates include November 5, 6, and 8 at 7:00 p.m., and the play will close with a matinee performance on Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m.

Season ticket holders should call 866-856-3653 to make reservations. Individuals without season tickets can purchase tickets by calling Louis Wright's Store at 337-457-3330.

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All the Great Books (abridged) • Sept 13-20

2008-09-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Kevin Courville, Van Reed and Kevin Miller star in All the Great Books (abridged). Tickets on sale now. Scroll down for ticket information.

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All the Great Books (abridged) • Sept. 13-20

2008-08-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kevin Miller, Kevin Courville and Van Reed hit the stage to present "All the Great Books (abridged)" by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor at the Eunice Players' Theatre. Directed by Debi L. Crawford, this is the second show of the theatre's 39th season.

The two-act comedy re-educates the audience on their literary knowledge of the world's greatest classics. Who needs The Illiad and The Odyssey when there's The Idiodyssey? The classic, Little Women, is boring until the coach explains it as a play-by-play football diagram. Why should anyone read Charles Dickens' novels when it's presented as a soap opera? No need to read the 1500 page War and Peace when it can be reduced to a 10 minute dramatic presentation. This fast-paced comedy will leave you laughing in the aisles.

Show dates are:
Saturday, September 13 at 7:00
Sunday, September 14 at 2:00 (matinee)
Monday, September 15 at 6:00 - Dinner Theatre*
Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00
Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00
Thursday, September 18 at 7:00
Friday, September 19 - NO SHOW
Saturday, September 20 at 7:00

All seats are $10. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling Louis Wright's Store at 337-457-3330 (Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00) or 337-457-2156 Monday through Saturday. All tickets must be paid in advance by check only; no credit cards accepted. The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.

*Dinner is served at 6:00 at Nick's Restaurant next door to the theatre. The show starts in the theatre at 7:00. The menu is steak with appropriate side dishes; dessert is served at intermission. Ticket price is $15 in addition to the $10 for the price of the show.

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