Lots of Pictures on Line - for Cast Shots, CLICK HERE!
For Performance Shots, CLICK HERE!
For Random Rehearsal Shots, CLICK HERE!

DINNER THEATER 2003 REPORT:

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye. . . Selling Guido of Toledo is Declared. . . a Success”

Once again, a successful production is completed. There is something rewarding about completing such a big production and looking forward to the next one. Each year seems to get better and more people want to be involved. 

We were particularly blessed this year with having Karen Radford (Scott Weaver’s fiancé) available to step in as our Town Crier when Larry Spencer was in the hospital. The big surprise was when Larry was able to play the Town Crier on Sunday night, and everyone in the cast, including the director was surprised as he began his first, “Hear Ye, Hear Ye.” 

Another incredible addition was having Patty Logan assist with the costumes. She made many of them, and then with the assistance of Nancy Pearsall, borrowed costumes from the University of Toledo Theater Department. Another addition was Laurie Sistrunk and her excellent leadership and organization with the decorations and food. Joyce Norman also cooked a fabulous dinner for us on Friday night. Mark Suffron and Anthony Weaver were responsible for our incredible sets. Mark also created our antique programs. 

Scott Weaver was the “MAN WITH THE PLAN” that did the research and brought the story to life with his wit, wisdom and God given writing talents. Scott always makes the play fun because he can create realistic sound effects (example; Betty Lou Whinnies, squishing noises, and several different frog ribbits). Behind the scenes was Lois Smith coordinating the servers, Shannon O’Boyle coordinating sound and lights. Thank you to Joe Coley for heading up the ticket sales. Also, a thank you to Dr. Andersen for being available for six straight evenings in his cameo appearance as the FB Pastor from 150 years ago!! (The real guy’s picture is hanging in the back hallway). Kelly Stockner - thank you for helping with set changes, Dennis Baker and Jim Mawer - thank you for video taping and thank you to everyone who was forgotten in this article. There were so many volunteers!

Cast Members you were awesome!!!! Dr. Andersen, Natalie Sistrunk, Meghan and Judy Bryson, Shannon, Becky and Larry Spencer, Karen Radford, Joe Coley, Bob Quigley, Mark, Danielle and Alex Suffron, Jackie Zureich, Shane Piasecki, Scott Weaver and our singing sisters; Debbie Dielman, Nancy Martenies, Cindy Schafer, Cheryl McAllister and their musical mother Vivian Schafer. As always, thank you to our families and spouses for allowing us the time to spend with the FBC Dinner Theater!

Finally, thank you to our Director, Gigi Mawer, who besides providing us with excellent direction, assisted with the costumes, props (was there any furniture left in your house?), decorations, ticket sales, promotion, and our resident Molly Maid. (The cast generally gets very sloppy come performance week, but Gigi made sure that our dressing rooms were kept neat and tidy)!

Dinner Theater Facts and Figures:

• Mark Suffron had 100% attendance for rehearsals.
• 365 people attended the 5 shows that were presented.
• 80 of those participants do not attend church and we hope that some of them keep coming back to visit!
• 60 volunteers were involved.
• We had 21 cast members! This is compared to 8 cast members 2 years ago!

The cast and crew are always a little sad when the show is over, but we know we will continue to grow in our friendships and work together again in future projects and productions.