Leisure Time returns to Valley Center Stage this weekend with ‘Billy Dupree Show’


March 29, 2012 · 2:11 PM

Join the cast and crew of a small radio station — KORK Radio, as they produce a live broadcast for the fictitious Leisure Time Soap company.

In its fifth installment of the “Leisure Time” series, a satirical take on the radio shows of the 1940s, Valley Center Stage presents the “The Billy Dupree Show” for one weekend only. Shows are Friday and Saturday, March 30 and 31, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are 12.50 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.

The show is hosted by an Orson Welles wannabee, Billy Dupree. Along with his announcer, band leader, faithful sound effects man, and some strange guest stars, Billy stumbles through the show keeping to that old saying “the show must go on.” There are spoofs of old radio serials and commercials and musical numbers by the station’s songstress Rhonda Reeter, accompanied by band leader John Chmaj and his Chmabees.

The cast includes Greg Lucas as Billy Dupree, Gary Schwartz as a hammy old time thespian with Robin Walbeck-Forrest as his equally dingy actress wife, actress-singer Kathy Roche Zujko plays the lovely warbler, Rhonda Reeter, Craig Ewing is the announcer, and Fred and Becky Rappin round out the cast and crew of KORK radio.

The show is written by local playwright Jamie Gower with music by the Cascade Jazz Trio (performing as John Chmaj and the Chmajbees).

Valley Center Stage has run “Leisure Time” shows since 2006.

Valley Center Stage is located at 119 W. North Bend Way, in North Bend, on the second floor of the Masonic Lodge.

For more information and tickets go to www.valleycenterstage.org or call (425) 831-5667.

 

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