The Show Must Go On

Photo: Members from the cast of the Summer Music Review and Dinner Show scheduled for August 8-9 at First United Methodist Church Orange. RECORD PHOTO: Penny LeLeux

Penny LeLeux

For The Record

They lost their theater home in Hurricane Harvey and lost a beloved member of their community a few months ago, but in theater, everyone knows the show must go on.

Without a functioning theater, Orange Community Players, Inc. has been relying on their neighbors to continue performing.

They just completed their Young People's Theater Workshop with performances last weekend at North Orange Baptist Church. A total of 32 young people participated according to program director, Andrea Eymard.

“This year, with the formation of OCP's Junior Board, we were able to incorporate youth in all areas of the production,” said Eymard. “Several of the Jr. Board worked behind the scenes of rehearsals and performances.”

Logan Eymard served as the Assistant Director, Jack Reneau, worked lights and sounds, and Hollie R was Stage Manager while Bella M tended props and was the backstage crew.

“The cast and crew had a great time putting on ‘15 Reasons NOT to be in a Play...and A Play.’ They chose a 70's theme for costumes and sets,” said Eymard. She said all the cast and parents helped make this "a groovy production."

Cast list includes: Bella M, Devan E, Shelby E, Adley S., Hollie R, Jack R, Logan E, Benjamin E, Sami B, Alex D, Paige D, Ella F, Mattison G, Zoe H, Kiera H, Madison L, Julia M, Kaylie M, Macy M, Abigail M, Anna M, Clara M, Rachel M, Chloe P, Joanna R, Braylee R, LeAnn R, Addison T, Payton V, Jesee V, Sara W and Sophia W

Eymard said approximately 245 people attended the four performances

“Thank you to everyone who came out and supported these talented young people. They are the future of live theater. Thank you to our many corporate sponsors, as well,” said Eymard. “Peace, love and theater!”

Paul Burch and Codie Vasquez are directing the Summer Music Review Dinner Show as a joint production presented by Orange Community Players and First United Methodist Church Orange 6:30-9:30 p.m., August 8 and 9 at FUMC. They will join forces to produce two elegant evenings of fine dining and theatrical entertainment.

“The production is dedicated to our late friend and treasured colleague, Joshua Scales,” states the event announcement.

The dinner show will feature the talents of Caroline Armstrong Dennis, Janet Bland, Ariel Bowling, Judy Smith, Cydney Vásquez, Rico Vásquez, Tanya Guillotte, Meg Brown, Amy Picard, Krystal Smith, Kimberly Manning, Penny Wheeler, Doug Rogers, Justin Sanders, Blake Dennis, Milton Hardin and OCP Youth and more.

Tickets are $50 and include a gourmet candlelight dinner. The four course dinner begins with your choice of soup: tomato bisque or cream of potato; deluxe garden salad with creamy balsamic vinaigrette dressing; entrée is a choice of roasted tenderloin of beef or grilled fillet of red snapper with baked russet, and choice of spring medley of vegetables or asparagus ala Doug, and finishes with dessert, coffee and tea.

Vasquez suggests getting a Thursday ticket if you want to see Milton Hardin perform, as he will not be there Friday. He will be competing in The Voice Beaumont at Rumors.

You can purchase tickets through their Facebook event page or through ticketstothecity.com