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!