Irving Awards Slated for January 30, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

“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

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

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

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

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?"

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

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......

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

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

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

"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

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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