The Panhandle Community Theatre is bringing Neil Simon’s ‘The Gingerbread Lady’ to the stage later this month. Although many are familiar with Simon’s more popular plays like the ‘The Odd Couple’ or ‘Barefoot in the Park,’ many might be unaware of ‘The Gingerbread Lady.’
“I am a fan of Neil Simon and I wanted to find a more female driven show,” Perna said. “I like this story. I like the concept of misfits coming together and help each other.”
The play centers on Evy Meara, a who returns home after a stint in rehab due to alcoholism. She is welcomed back by friends, family and acquaintances all of which have issues of their own.
“It is more of what I call a dark comedy,” Perna said. “There are some funny moments, but for the most part it is about people who are struggling to find themselves.”
Perna, a Crestview resident, said the audience can expect to be entertained while relating to the characters and events unfolding on stage. While a couple of the performers are considered acting veterans with the PCT, several members of the cast are fairly new to the stage.
This will be the second PCT production for Milan Smith, who portrays Jimmy Perry. Smith said being a part of the PCT has been a growing experience.
“I have been lucky to find this,” Smith said. “It’s typical community theatre where you learn to perform. Having an experienced director helps a lot.”
Perna is veteran of both acting and directing in numerous stage performance in the area.
Ken Armitage, who plays Lou Tanner, is one of the two seasoned actors performing in the production. Armitage said younger performers are always a welcome addition to PCT.
“It’s an amazing transformation process to where people who don’t know anything about theatre (can) audition and then get the part,” Armitage said. “The next you know, it’s almost like they are seasoned performers.”
Joining the upcoming PCT production is Katie Foley, who plays Toby Landau. Foley said the collaborative performance will play off for the audience come opening night.
“I think the audience can expect to see some fun. We are having a good time,” Foley said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: PCT presents ‘The Gingerbread Lady’
WHEN: Curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. on February 25-27 and March 3-5 and at 2:30 p.m. on February 28 and March 6
WHERE: PCT Woodbine Theatre, located at 4646 Woodbine Road in Pace.
COST: Tickets are $15 and $12 on Thursday
CONTACT: Call 221-7599 or visit www.panhandlecommuntytheatre.com
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Panhandle Community Theatre presents 'The Gingerbread Lady'