RAAPA's annual Dinner Theater

RUMFORD -- Make your reservations now for RAAPA's 14th annual Dinner Thearer on Friday and Saturday, April 29-30 at the Eagles Hall.

The evening will consist of three short one-act plays, a mini-concert by the RAAPA Chorus and a buffet dinner. Cost is $30 per person, which includes the buffet, beverage, dessert tax and gratuity. There will be a cash bar for soft and alcoholic drinks. For a party of eight, you can be guaranteed a table for just your group. Tickets available from the performers or by calling Anita Murphy at 369-0205.

Six women (Nancy Demings, Martha Hanington, Mary Hickey, Debbie Moon, Anita Murphy and Connie Venskus), member of the Red Feather Investment Club, are meeting at a tea room at the request of the Prime Plume (Nancy) because she has some important news for them. As it turns out, each woman has something important to tell. In her usual comic role, Gail Parent plays the part of the really slow and not-too-bright waitress.

Following the play will be the buffet, which will consist of baked ham, lasagna, roast prok, vegetables, bread, salad and brownie sundae.

It was a dark and stormy night at the Grey's Hound Mansion and the barking and howling of the hounds only adds to the character of the play -- murder at the Grey's Hound Mansion.

There is a cast of zany characters, all of whom are awaiting the reading of Earl Grey's will. They include a conceited butler/secretary (Wayne Landry), an eccentric cousin (Nancy Demings), an arthritic housekeeper (Martha Hanington), personal trainer (Steve Borstelmann), a dog trainer (Mary Hickey), the not-too-bright alleged fiancee of the late Earl Grey (Debbie Moon), Earl's hound trainer (Judy Kuhn), and a detective (Jim Robertson).

The choral revue, directed by Judith Kuhn and accompanied by Gail Dorr, will perform several numbers including Over the Rainbow, Fame, and Sweet Caroline. After an absence last year, the dancers, directed and choreographed by Connie Porter, will perform during the singing the And All That Jazz. The troupe includes Debbie Brown, Sue Everett and Christine Murphy.

Ending the evening will be "Fishing Hat," starring Gail Parent and Jim Robertson as Ethel and Albert.

Many others are working or have worked behind the scenes, including Wayne Landry, set design and construction; Connie Venskus, costumes; Anita Murphy, tickets, reservations, table decorations; Steve Borstelmann, Judy Kuhn and Sara Perry, publicity; Michelle and David Larsen, stage manager and asistant; and Gabrielle LaVasseur, programs.