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No Mere Shows — Presenting Merely Players

10/01/06

by Melissa Kaiser
News 4U Magazine

Founded in 2005, Merely Players, a non-profit theatre organization still in its formative years, strikes to entertain audiences through their talent and love for quality theatre. For the members it’s about the plays and the players, not lights or fancy sets; it's more about what they are doing, rather than the fluff.

Instead of the traditional four to six plays per season, Merely Players produces a new show each month throughout the year. As one performance takes place, preparation for the next is going on. This essentially works out to about 3 years worth of shows smooshed into one. "Compared to other local theatre, the amount of shows produced is staggering," said President and Artistic Director, Alan Velotta.

Most of their shows are timely, contemporary plays by new or unknown playwrights. Most have a controversial flair — offbeat, silly, crazy, and most certainly not censored. "We produce plays in non-traditional venues. We don't have a theatre, so we create one in a place no one would expect" (Velotta). Zazu, a local nightclub, is their main "theatre." For a mere $5 cover charge, you can see a production that is "every bit as quality show for $5 as you would at bigger productions” for much more. They also do kid-friendly productions at the Daviess County Public Library.

October is a special month for the Players; not only are they doing their usual Tuesday night number at Zazu (“Sorry, Wrong Number”), but they're also presenting “The Rocky Horror Show”!

“Sorry, Wrong Number” by Lucille Fletcher, featuring: Carroll Laswell, Carrie Cooper, Lisa Lamar, Daymon Nantz, Jeremy Scoggins, Randi Shamsabadi and Alan Velotta, is a suspense piece from the '40s — a psychological mystery thriller. It's a Reader's Theatre type production, where the play depends more on sound effects and timing than actions. You can catch this show on Tuesday evenings, October 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th at 8 p.m.

At the end of October, the Players will bring “The Rocky Horror Show” to life in an exciting and much antisi … pated event! Starring: Kevin Roach as Dr. Frank N. Furter, Daymon Nantz as Brad, Melissa "Spiff" Goodall as Janet, Jason Blanton as Riff Raff, Amanda Ball as Magenta, Gjcarra Mattingly as Columbia, Matt Hedges as Rocky, Ryan Henry as Eddie/Dr. Scott, Randi Shamsabadi as Trixie, and Roy Brabham, MD as the Narrator, and featuring: Lacy Boultinghouse, Carrie Cooper and Eva Garcia, this cast is sure to be a dynamic group! Unlike most presentations of “Rocky,” where the movie is shown and players act the lines and dance along, they will actually be performing — no movie, all acting. A live concert version of the familiar tunes, performed by a fabulous ensemble band, featuring: Sheri Landisman as Music Director/Pianist, Barry Kelley on Guitar, Josh Lemons on Tenor Sax, Patrick "Woodie" Calhoun on Electric Bass, and Pete Evans on Percussion, will accompany the actors.

Production dates for “The Rocky Horror Show” are October 27th at 8 p.m. and Midnight and October 28th and 31st at 8 p.m. All shows will be at Zazu with a $5 cover. They will also provide prop kits for $3, which will include all the essential audience participation props, Time Warp dance instructions, and a drink ticket (no outside props allowed). "Audiences are encouraged to come in costume, shout out the lines, sing along and 'do the Time Warp again' with the cast, creating an intimate atmosphere for late night insanity and the full Rocky Horror 'experience'."

November's production, “The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler, directed by Melissa "Spiff" Goodall and Randi Shamsabadi, is sure to cause a stir in Owensboro, but don't assume you know what it's about. Check out www.vday.org for more information. Production dates for “The Vagina Monologues” are November 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 8 p.m. at Zazu.

Merely Players ends their year by taking a look back at all their productions in “Best in Show”, featuring selections from “Quick & Painless,” “All in the Timing,” “Sketch-O-Phrenia,” “Life is Short,” and “An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein.” Production dates for “Best in Show” are December 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th at 8 p.m. at Zazu.

For more information about Merely Players and their productions, please visit www.merelyplayers.org.