In the 62nd Season at Totem Pole Playhouse-Fayetteville, PA, audiences will be treated to six shows never before seen on the Totem Pole stage plus a special preseason presentation. Some favorite company actors, such as Sean Fri from 2011's Honus and Me, Artistic Director Ray Ficca and long time favorite Wil Love have already committed to performing in the 2012 season. In addition to the usual six self-produced plays and musicals, The Playhouse will host an additional show involving another very familiar and very popular face at The Playhouse.
Artistic Director Ray Ficca and Playhouse fixture Wil Love (42nd season at The Playhouse) will star in the latest installment of the "Tuna" comedy series, Red, White and Tuna. The series has been a smash hit across the country for almost 30 years. The play offers a glimpse into a day in the life of the colorful and hilarious denizens of the fictitious town of Tuna, TX. Sparks fly as they come together for 4th of July and the Tuna High School reunion. Love starred in first offering of the series, Greater Tuna, at The Playhouse in the early 90s. F & M Trust serves as the sponsor of this show.
Robbie Limon returns to the theater after two hugely successful shows last season, playing to packed houses in both Hank Williams: Lost Highway and the musical Southern Crossroads. Next summer he'll be inhabiting another iconic singer as he brings the story of Buddy Holly to the stage in a special presentation. An Evening with Buddy Holly will precede the first show of the season with seven special performances from May 16-20, 2012. This show is sponsored by the new FM 96.3 and Route 30, Too!.
Along with Red, White and Tuna, the 2012 main lineup at The Playhouse includes the country musical Chaps (sponsored by Walker, Connor & Spang, LLC and Country Legends 92.1), romantic comedies Moon Over the Brewery (sponsored by M & T Bank and Dr. Paul E. Orange Family Medicine) and Almost Maine (sponsored byOrrstown Bank and Main Line Broadcasting), the comedy escapade Travels With My Aunt (sponsored by Essis &Sons Carpet One and Rotz and Stonesifer, CPA), and the season finale Cole (sponsored by Franklin County VisitorsBureau) , a musical celebrating the life and music of the iconic Cole Porter.
"It's an ambitious line-up, that's for sure," says Ficca. "But I think our audiences like it when we swing for the fences. Last year was one of our strongest ever, and I think the only way to follow that up is to try and top it. This year, we have a very funny season, a very romantic season, and some Cole Porter as well!"
Many local businesses have signed on to sponsor and generously support the shows in the 2012 season.
Included in that list is, along with Totem Poler John Putch and his movie Route 30, Too!, slated to premiere at the Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg in September 2012. "The cost of live theatre is not going down, it is always going up. "We deeply depend on our sponsors to keep our Playhouse as affordable possible for our community while maintaining the artistic excellence that audiences have come to expect. We ask that our patrons and the community support our sponsors for their commitment to our live professional theatre," says Ficca. Any new business who might be interested in learning more about show sponsorship opportunities may call the theatre for more information. 717-352-2164.
Tickets for the 2012 season are on sale by phone, mail or online at www.TotemPolePlayhouse.org.
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