Our final production of the 2009-2010 season is “Tut, Tut, Tutsy” directed by Laurie Carter. This is a fun, fast-paced murder mystery farce that will appeal to everyone!
Mortimer Tutley has just purchased a canopic jar that contains King Tut’s liver. When he receives a threatening note from King Tut demanding his liver back, he sends his lawyer, Bowsley, to hire a private detective to find out who really sent the note. Bowsley comes back with the PI’s two maiden aunts instead. Mavis and Maybelle Pepper aren’t exactly sure what they’ve gotten themselves into, but they’re game! During the course of their investigation, they also meet Mr. Tutley’s nurse, Adelaide; his cousin’s boy, Quincy who manages the day-to-day operations of Ooch Pooch Dog Food; Quincy’s sister, Etheljean, the actress who is obsessed with mounting a production of “Peter Pan” so she can play Tinkerbell; Paisley, Mr. Tutley’s niece, and her boyfriend Jarred; the housekeeper Mrs. Drayton; and Sonora and Lillian, two advertising interns who are really IRS agents. A couple of dead bodies turn up, but eventually the mystery is solved.
Returning to the Peninsula Players’ stage is Karl Johnson (Mortimer Tutley), Rita Smith (Adelaide), Sherry Owens (Maybelle), Ed Ahlers (Quincy), Tracy Roach (Etheljean), Madison Baker (Paisley), Michael Veland (Jarred), and Brandy Honcoop (Lillian). New to the Peninsula Players are Dennis DeSeranno (Bowsley), Wendi Peterson (Mavis), and Shalane Wellard (Sonora). This will be Diane DeSeranno’s first foray on stage – portraying Mrs. Drayton – but she has helped behind the scenes, most notably with “Steel Magnolias.”
The crew includes Sherry Ahlers (Producer extraordinaire!), Marlene Shepherd (costumes), George Power (sound and set), Lynda Layne (set painter – wait until you see her paintings!), Jay Shepherd (set), Scott Clardy (lights), and Jessey Kalz (Assistant to the Director).
Special thanks to Dean Mead who found a mummy for us!
The biggest challenge during Tutsy was casting. Not enough people auditioned. Personal phone calls were made. Cajoling and pleading worked wonders. And finally, FINALLY, the play was cast. Have you ever wanted to act out? Please consider trying out for any Peninsula Players production. We’re a fun bunch…just ask any of us! Maybe you want to be involved, but not on stage? We’re always looking for crewmembers and volunteers.
Come see “Tut, Tut, Tutsy” and find out what happens! The play opens Friday, May 21 and runs two weekends with three performances each weekend. Tickets are $10 and are available at Okie’s Thriftway in Ocean Park, Stormin’ Norman’s in Long Beach, and The Imperial Schooner in Ilwaco.
Laurie Carter.
