Local News
Palestine Community Theatre stays busy
‘Mousetrap’, musical auditions start this month
By CHERIL VERNON
Community Editor
As the Palestine Community Theatre prepares to stage Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” the PCT also is opening auditions for its Christmas musical production of “Bah Humbug!”
Performances for “The Mousetrap” are planned Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at the historic Texas Theater, 213 W. Crawford St. in downtown Palestine.
“The Mousetrap” made its London debut on Nov. 25, 1952 at The Ambassadors Theatre and later transferred to the St. Martin’s Theatre, where it is still running today and holds the prestigious record for longest-running play.
PCT board member and show director Amelia Cook said “The Mousetrap” is a fun whodunit the family will enjoy.
“Agatha Christie herself controlled all the rights to this play. She would not let it be made into a film, because that would broadcast the ending to the entire world. She’s kept ‘The Mousetrap’ a play for that reason alone. What fun is a whodunit if you already know who done it, right?” Cook said.
Opening night begins at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 with the popular wine and cheese, punch and cookie reception. Friday and Saturday evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. All adult opening night tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 to 18. For all other performances of “The Mousetrap,” advance tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 to 18. Tickets can be purchased at Education Unlimited (903-723-8383) and the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce (903-729-6066). Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 - 18. “The Mousetrap” will take place prior and during Palestine’s Wonderfall Octoberfest festival on Oct. 3 1.
Auditions for the Christmas production “Bah Humbug!” will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Texas Theater.
“We invite everyone who wants to be involved with this show in any capacity to come and fill out an audition form. There are many singing and non-singing roles for adults of all ages and a limited number or children’s roles with a minimum age of 10,” Cook said. “Performers are encouraged to bring a prepared song to auditions.”
An accompanist and a CD player will be available for the auditions. In addition to the vocal audition, there will be some reading from the script as well as character work and movement. Interested persons are asked to bring their schedule for the next few weeks to auditions in order to note any conflicts with the rehearsal schedule. Show dates are Dec. 11-13.
“’Bah Humbug!’ the musical is sure to be a holiday production that our community will cherish for years to come,” Cook said. “’Bah Humbug! is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic ‘A Christmas Carol.’ The show will also re-visit Christmases past at the Texas Theater and as it tries to help John Morris regain his Christmas spirit.”
Longtime PCT member John Morris is the director for the Christmas musical.
For information about auditions, sponsoring the show, or supporting PCT in any way, call Morris at 903-723-8383.
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