OCP annual fundraiser begins Thursday

The cast of OCP Fun for Funds has been rehearsing nonstop to bring a great show to the stage for theater patrons this week. Pictured are cast members performing “Under the Sea.” Join them for fun, hors d’oeuveres, wine and dessert Thursday through Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. RECORD PHOTO: Mike Louviere

Orange Community Players, Inc. will present the 10th annual Fun for Funds this week at 7:37 p.m., Thursday through Saturday at 708 W. Division Ave., in Orange. The fundraiser is used to raise additional funds for building repairs and updates to equipment.

In most years passed, it was a review of Broadway show tunes, but this year it is an animated musical revue with an emphasis on Disney. Co-directors Sebastian “Rico” Vasquez and Paul Burch are excited about the show. Burch said there are a lot of new performers. “We start the show with ‘Circle of Life’ and that is what we are about,” said Burch. The late Jeff Hattman was the last remaining charter member of OCP. When she passed, they dedicated the next season to her. This year they have seen many new faces. “That is the Circle of Life,” said Burch.

They have been working until the wee hours of the night to prepare the show with rehearsals sometimes going to almost midnight.

The difference in the Fun for Funds show is that besides enjoying great musical entertainment, you also get wine, desserts and hors d’oeuvres. Admission to the special offering is $25. They suggest getting your reservations in as soon as possible, so they know how much food to prepare.

It’s important to note that season ticket holders are not guaranteed seating without reservations. Reservations are held until 7:30 p.m. for evening performances.

The doors open at 7 p.m. with hors d’oeuveres and wine served before the show. Dessert and coffee is served at intermission.

Act I performances include: “Circle of Life”,” He’s A Tramp,” “Bella Notte,” GATP Commercial, “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “ The Prayer,” “In My Own Little Corner,” “ Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “There’s Something There,” “I’m a Believer,” Dixie Swim Club Commercial, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” “Happy,” “Gospel Truth” and “Deliver Us”

Act II: “Belle,” “Hellfire,” “He Lives in You,” “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” Shipwrecked Commercial, “You’ve Got A Friend in Me,” “Once Upon a December,” “Prince Ali,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Land of 1000 Dances,” Sweeney Commercial, “Heaven’s Eyes,” “Somewhere Out There” and “Under the Sea.”

Is your favorite song included?

The cast includes: Jade Hollier, Alina Scogin-Holley, Judy Smith, Blake Clingaman, Michelle Clingaman, Bryan Buzbee, Cydney Hines, Joshua Scales, Ciarra Kendall, Ariel Bowling, Eli Bowling, Aimee McNeil, Jonathan Umbenhaur, Bridget Parker, Jonathan McCollum, Keri Foreman, Natasha Franks, Michael Hudnal,l Terence Holley, Codie Vasquez, Chase Courtier, Alyssa Foreman, Lisa Huckaby, Grace Huckaby, Adriana Francis, Alyssa Humphrey, Sherri Wood, Jim Wood, Yecenia Alvarez, Yizelle Alvarez, Vivanette Morciglio, Lulu Morciglio, Audury Rogers, Bella Rogers and Tyler Foreman.

For reservations call 409-882-9137, leave your name, number of people in your party and the night you wish to attend. Tickets are also available online at http://www.orangecommunityplayers.com. If you purchase tickets online, your reservation will be recorded automatically.