A Show and a Party! Saline Area Players' 40th Anniversary Gala on June 22

Imagine going to the theater, and in one night watching a star-studded cast, and seeing 11 musicals and 4 plays all in the span of 90 minutes.  Then imagine following up this performance with a party in a premiere downtown restaurant in which you can hobnob with the stars and have hors d’oeuvres along with a cash bar.  And imagine that this is all for the mere ticket price of $10.  Well, you don’t have to imagine anymore, because that is what will happen when you come to Saline Area Players 40th Anniversary Gala on June 22 at 8 PM at Liberty School. 

The stage will be packed with numerous performers who have graced the Saline Area Players’ stages for 40 years.  Everyone performing has been in multiple SAP shows and have given countless hours of backstage help.  You will also be treated to a slice of history as a few fun reminiscences are shared.  Plus, you might even be surprised to meet a few strange “characters.” Everyone performing will reprise a role that they owned when on the SAP stage in the past.  The rehearsals are underway and the enthusiasm is contagious as members of the group from all four decades are connecting with old friends or meeting for the first time. The talent is stellar and it is coming alive again.

For example, Alison Robison who was the leading lady for many a SAP musical is coming back to reprise a song from South Pacific, the second musical that SAP ever performed, and in which she played Nellie Forbush.  Our MC, Don Shelton, who performed for years with the group, will pepper the night with interesting facts about the Players and will also participate in a few surprise performances himself. I will perform a song I did in 1987 – I can’t believe I’ve been in the group that long, not to mention still be able to sing.  You’ll hear the love duet Something Good from The Sound of Music sung by Saline residents Jane Arvidson Panikkar and Richard Knapp.  Plus there is a lot more.  Rehearsals have been exciting - the performances are top notch – filled with pizazz, charisma and talent!

And the stories that I’ve heard…. Like about how the director of Bye Bye Birdie made the Mrs. MacAfee character “bounce” throughout the show.  Or how there was a stencil to paint the ship on Ralph Swenarton’s stomach (character of Luther Billis) before he went on in South Pacific.  Or the time that the broom in the Wizard of Oz….    Well, you’ll have to see the show for more!

The 40th Anniversary Gala will be performed at 8 PM on June 22 at Liberty School, 7265 N. Ann Arbor St, Saline, and be followed by a party at Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack, 104 E. Michigan Ave, Saline.  Party attire is encouraged, and come early to enjoy the many photos that chronicle our 40 years.  For full information about the show and for information on how to buy tickets ($10 each), check out the website at www.salineareaplayers.org.   This is by far the best deal in town!

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