Darragh Doiron
The Port Arthur News
— Even before a donation of 84 tuxedos, Act 1 Scene 1 Theatre Company was ready to play.
This new group has overcome the paperwork to take the stage. “Southern Hospitality” will be their first performance, set for April.
“We’ve been working on a business plan, a name and mounds of IRS paperwork for months,” Cindy Thomas, treasurer, said. “On December 26, 2009, we received our approved name from the Secretary of State. It was a great Christmas gift.”
She says that having a name to call their own gave the founders the boost they needed to push through the start-up process.
Founders include John and Ann Holland, Phillip and Roxane Gray, John and Cindy Thomas, Craig Bertrand and Don Suarez. Thomas says the combined experience of these founders spans decades and each brings his or her own talent and expertise to the organization.
"I am honored to be working with the members that have joined our group so far", Phillip Gray, president, said. "Our main focus will be providing a quality theater experience to the folks that see our shows. With this group, I am certain we can do it."
First Christian Church in Port Arthur is planning to host the company’s three scheduled dinner shows. “Southern Hospitality” is the third play in the trilogy about the funny and lovable people of Fayro, Texas. Audiences will recognize many actors and actresses who have held roles in the previous “Dearly Beloved” and “Christmas Belles,” as seen in Port Arthur Little Theatre productions. Director Benny Bryan and assistant director Don Suarez anticipate being able to offer the community another family-friendly entertainment option, Thomas reports.
Ann Holland, the group’s secretary, has been driving around with a vehicle full of tuxedos from Tuxedo Junction, which she says she’s itching to put into use.
“We always need tuxedo jackets. Having done costumes for 10 plus years, there are very few shows that we didn’t use tux jackets in some way. They can be made to look like other things,” Holland said. “Tails can look like they’re from the old west, or Victorian or Edwardian. They’re just versatile. And the pants can be used with so many other things.”
ddoiron@panews.com
