Story set in 1940s Hollywood
County Players closes its 54th season with City of Angels on Friday, May 4 at 8 p.m. The show takes place in glamorous 1940s Hollywood. While trying to maintain his artistic integrity and marriage, a young novelist, Stine (Jarek Zabczynski), attempts to write a screenplay for fast-talking Hollywood producer, Buddy Fidler (Dean Temple). As he creates a story about a private detective, Stone (Jim Nurre), the characters come to life on stage. Beautiful socialite Alaura Kingsley (Sarah Laine Terrell) hires Stone to find her missing stepdaughter (Robin Meade). The stepdaughter ends up naked in Stone’s bed. Stone is beat up by a bunch of hoodlums hired to get him off the Kingsley case. In the end, Stine confronts his sell-out, alter ego Stone and the manipulative Buddy and quits the project. After regaining his dignity, he is able to regain the love of his wife and all ends well.
Jeff Wilson directs, with musical direction by Joel Flowers, vocal direction by Becky Clina, and choreography by Jennifer Turoff. Rounding out the cast are Frank Alfano, Brian Bailey, Larry Berger, Stephanie Blake, Joseph Brenna, Vicky Cooper-Peck, Michele George, Fay Gerbes, Alberto Gonzalez, Marc Hawes, Joy Hubbard, Heather Ludwigson, Brad Moody, Jennifer Morgan, Todd Robinson, Eero Vaitkus, Victoria Vogrincic, and Scott Woolley.
Director Wilson states, “City of Angels is a unique musical that combines a jazzy musical score with 1940s Hollywood glamour and gritty black and white film noir. Most of the actors play parts in both Hollywood and the detective story ‘movie.’ It takes a special group of actors and singers to bring together these diverse elements. It is also a technically challenging show. There are many scene changes and locations to be represented on stage, plus the black and white movie scenes and Hollywood scenes in living color. I’m proud that our talented cast and crew has taken on the challenge and excelled.”
Performances take place May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 8 p.m. and May 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for seniors/children under 12. Tickets can be ordered online at the County Players website or by calling the box office at 845-298-1491. County Players Theatre is located at 2681 W. Main St., Wappingers Falls.
NOTE: City of Angels contains adult content
Photos courtesy of County Players
