Panhandle Community Theatre to present 'The Zombie'

PACE — The Panhandle Community Theatre will present Tim Kelly’s “The Zombie,” with Joe Perna directing.

So, what should the audience expect from this production when the show opens March 30?

“It’s kind of like an old-fashioned horror thriller,” Perna said. “If you’ve ever seen the old ‘Frankenstein’ movie, he is well-natured at first, but as more people become afraid of him, he becomes a monster. That’s kind of what this play is like.”

The cast includes Ken Armitage of Pensacola as Baron Samedi, Chris Drake of Pensacola as The Zombie, Charles Pate of Pace as Billy Jim Cartwright, Donna Quinn of Pace as Mama Matrisse, Clarissa Canzoniero of Pensacola as Rosemary, Katie Foley of Pace as Vivian, Jason Lewing of Pensacola as Adam, Brittney Leist of Milton as Margo, Zachary Drake of Pace as a zombie, Gisela Phetvorasack of Pace as a zombie, Jerry Valanzano of Pace as a zombie and Pam Sanders of Pensacola as a zombie.

The crew includes director Perna, who also oversees costumes and props; assistant  director Mary Jane Dunlop; technical director Barry Shuck; electrician Dave Cook; lighting and sound technician Dean Emerson; Debi Phillips and Mary Jane Dunlop, paint; photographer Bob Monson; hair and makeup artist Marley Reynolds; Katie Foley, publicity; Jennifer Emerson, who put together the playbill; and Debi Phillips, who painted the swamp mural.

So, what’s the production’s tone?

“It is a horrific thriller with comedic moments,” Perna said.

And how do cast members get themselves into character?

“You get your clothes ready to be a zombie by letting them dry out of our car window and letting your dog run over them,” Sanders said.

“I relax,” Phetvorasack said. “I do a lot of research on the internet. What motivates me, though is it’s a lot of fun. This is the first time I’ve done something dark like this, I usually do comedies with singing and dancing.”

 “I read the play, see what other characters do and say — study it,” Armitage said. “Eventually you’re there.

“You have to start imagining yourself as the character.” 

What: "The Zombie"

When: March 30 to April 2 and April 6-9

Times: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday 

Where: Panhandle Community Theatre, 4646 Woodbine Road, Pace

Tickets: $15 each ($12 on Thursdays)

SHOWTIME

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Panhandle Community Theatre to present 'The Zombie'