Talent wanted for Local Stars

MONROE- Mighty Oak Players ready for variety show

By: Al Wicklund
   MONROE — The Mighty Oak Players will hold three evenings of auditions for "Local Stars 2002," a variety production showcasing local talent.
   Auditions will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 11, 13 and 15 on the stage of the Richard P. Marasco Performing Arts Center in Monroe Township High School on Perrineville Road.
   The variety show will have one performance, 7:30 p.m. March 9, at the high school.
   Linda Reynolds, the show’s assistant director, said the directors of the Mighty Oak Players’ show were seeking singers, dancers, comedians, instrumentalists and other acts.
   Ms. Reynolds said entertainers must be performance-ready with two copies of their music or tapes of music to accompany their performances.
   Nancie Gunkelman of the Mighty Oak Players said the auditions are always a surprise.
   "We never know who will come for an audition or what the acts will be like," she said.
   Ms. Gunkelman said there are no hard and fast restrictions for either age or residence.
   "We encourage people from Monroe Township and the surrounding area to participate. As far as age is concerned, we’ve had a number of senior citizens, a 7-year-old singer and all ages in between," she said.
   She said the Mighty Oak Players’ goal is to give people in the area an opportunity to perform.
   "Joyce Kay, who has worked with the local schools, will be our musical director for the show," Ms. Gunkelman said.
   She said the show has had its share of novelty acts and surprises.
   "One year, we had three women who dressed in children’s bonnets and night gowns for a 1930s comic song, called ‘Sisters.’ The 7-year-old, who had a big voice, surprised the audience when in midsong she switched from English to Italian. Last year, we had two outstanding piano players.
   "This year, we’ll have a band that will play in the lobby at intermission and after the show," she said.
   Ms. Gunkelman said the Players have kept the cost of tickets down as part of their goal to offer quality entertainment at reasonable prices. The price will be $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
   She said sometime shortly after Feb. 15, advance tickets will go on sale at the transportation window in the township Senior Center and at the township Recreation Center.
   Proceeds from the talent show will go into a fund that supports a small scholarship for college expenses of Monroe Township High School graduates who have worked with the Mighty Oak Players. The fund also will help with the expenses for a future stage musical being planned by the Players.
   For more information, call (609) 395-0934.