Joe Hooker as Rudy, Angela Klocke Forbes as Ellen, Hannah Goodman as Annie, Michael Sauer as Eddie, Don Frimming as Walter, Karra Rae Robinson as Maureen & David Trump as Georgie.
Sunset Players, Inc., a Westside fixture in community theater for over 30 years, opens its 2012/2013 season in the new Arts Center at Dunham with Tom Dudzick’s KING O’ THE MOON on October 12, 2012.
Revisit the Pazinski family in this hilarious, heartfelt sequel to “Over the Tavern.” Set in the rebellious 1960s, Rudy, all grown up at 22, is a seminary student who is rethinking his father’s deathbed wish for him to become a priest. Eddie, on the verge of fatherhood, is about ship out for Vietnam. Their sweet sister Annie is contemplating divorce and Ellen, their widowed mother, sees a new romance blossoming.
Join the family as they gather to honor their late father’s memory and quickly become entangled in each other’s lives. As with Tavern, there is never a dull moment in KING O’ THE MOON as the Pazinski household hurtles towards the next decade.
Mike Burke, who directed “Over the Tavern” in 2008, returns to direct KING O’ THE MOON. “I was fortunate enough to have directed the first play in this trilogy about the Pazinksi family for Sunset and I really liked that script. I feel that, in some slight way, that I have become friends with these characters and seeing them come alive again has been a treat,” says Burke.
The cast includes Angela Klocke Forbes as Ellen, Hannah Goodman as Annie, Joe Hooker as Rudy, Michael Sauer as Eddie, Karra Rae Robinson as Maureen, David Trump as Georgie, and Don Frimming as Walter.
Angela Klocke Forbes reprises her role as Ellen from “Over the Tavern.” Why? Klocke Forbes confides, “I’ve been privileged to play Ellen twice now. She’s tough and capable, not at all a pushover, but nevertheless warm and giving. I think she reminds me very much of my own real-life mother, so I hope I’ve done her justice.”
David Trump, a newcomer to the Sunset Players, has the difficult job of portraying Georgie, the Pazinski’s mentally challenged son. “Someone once said that acting is not about hiding who you are on stage, it is about being completely honest and letting out emotions hidden within your soul … in many ways, I feel like Georgie helps me do that. He helps me be a kid again and the person that deep down I always want to be. Simple, pure, and fun.”
Hannah Goodman sees connections between the script and recent events in our nation. She comments that, “performing this particular play could not ring more true with the news recently. Our show celebrates the first landing of the moon by Neil Armstrong, and he passed away August 25th, 2012 in Cincinnati. There are two phrases: ‘Art imitates Life,’ and ‘Life imitates Art.” Ms. Goodman feels that both apply to the show.
Michael Sauer’s draw was very personal, “I saw “Over the Tavern” a bit ago with my mother. We both thoroughly enjoyed the production and found the Pazinski family endearing as well as realistic. My mom grew up in a Catholic household in the 50s, so she found the storyline especially appealing. I am thrilled to be able to tell the rest of the story, as the family grows up and faces the challenges of a new decade.”
Don Frimming, playing Ellen’s love interest Walter, is “well known as a community theater ‘pro,'” as a fellow cast member puts it. Definitely not his first time on stage, nor will it be the last, Don is nonetheless excited about playing Walter, “I love my character, he’s warm, kindly, sincere and direct. Also, I haven’t played the love interest for many years!”
The cast has been rehearsing in a temporary space in the Arts Center at Dunham while volunteers and workers have been refurbishing the building. The entire cast and crew are excited to be part of the first Sunset show in the Arts Center. Again, Klocke Forbes, “Being the first Sunset show at the newly renovated Arts Center at Dunham is an honor. The space is well on its way to becoming a Westside jewel. I’m personally very excited about it, and I don’t even live on this side of the river, much less this side of town! I strongly encourage folks to come out and see for themselves.”
Show dates are October 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, & 27. All show times are at 8 PM except the Sunday, October 21st matinee performance at 2 PM. Performances will be held at the Arts Center at Dunham, 1945 Dunham Way, Cincinnati 45238.
Tickets are $14 or $12 for students, seniors, and groups of 10 or more. For ticket information call 513-588-4988 or visit www.sunsetplayers.org.
MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS
