Starlite Players laugh at life’s twists and surprises with “Thank You—I Think” on Nov. 10-11-12-13;
Last show of 2016 includes 61st production since company’s debut in July 2015
SARASOTA, FL: Starlite Players closes out 2016 with “Thank You—I Think,” a collection of four short comedies that laugh at life’s twists and surprises. The plays will be staged on Thursday through Saturday, November 10-11-12, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the casual, intimate theater upstairs at the Starlite Room (starlitesrq.com), 1001 Cocoanut Avenue. The November show includes the 61st production by Starlite Players since its debut in July 2015. The performing arts company stages an evening of new, short, comedies for one weekend each month, with a break in December for the holidays. It will resume its regular monthly schedule on January 19-22, 2017 with “Looking Back, Looking Ahead.”
Starlite Players is the only performing arts company in the area, and one of the few in the nation, that stages new work consistently. Its focus is on talented theater professionals from the Tampa Bay area although it has recently broadened its script selection process to include playwrights from around the world according to Jo Morello, founder and producing artistic director. Most of the Starlite Players’ productions are world premieres and several scripts have been award-winners, she said.
The plays are:
- “Close Encounter” by Robin Pond; directed by Ren Pearson. Jack makes an internet date through the “Close Encounters” website with unexpected results. Jill is far different than he expected. She’s gorgeous but somehow out of this world—and she requires more than he wants to give. If he yields, can he live with the consequences?
- “Sticky Situation” by Lewis Shilane; directed by Melliss Swenson. The janitor had put sticky sealant on the bathroom floor and Marty’s feet get stuck. He sits on the toilet lid to ponder and gets stuck there too. Passerby Sandy tries to help but also gets stuck—on his lap. The two strangers call 9-1-1 and wait, trying to create a believable explanation for the intimate situation. Who knows where it will lead? (Premiere production)
- “Dolly Gets Her Shot” by Cary Pepper; directed by Mark Woodland. In the trendy “Dolly” restaurant two self-important, rough-edged film producers argue over who has the best first act, who has the best ending for their film—and discover that their server has all the answers.
- “Frisking Happy Gaylord” by Les Hunter; directed by Melliss Swenson. Charlie wants to turn himself in but his murder confession is so outlandish, his weapon so imaginary and his behavior so bizarre that Lt. Friske sends him away. Was that a mistake? ? (Premiere production)
Tickets are $17.50 and include the four comedies as well as a 15% discount on an optional pre- or post-show dinner at The Starlite Room. For show tickets and information: www.starliteplayers.com, [email protected], and 941.587.8290 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Also see the Starlite Players Facebook page. For dinner reservations: 941.702.5613. (Please note the spelling of “Starlite.”)
