"Last year was a really good season," Quale said. "Attendance was up, and we're hoping to match that this year, with this season."
Quale is proud to say that Entertainment, Inc! has never repeated a show in more than 20 years of production and this season is no different. Four new and interesting plays will be shown throughout the year.
Entertainment, Inc! will open its 2005-2006 season with "California Suite," a Neil Simon comedy, Oct. 6 to 10.
The play offers a glimpse into the lives of four sets of visitors to a Beverly Hills hotel through four one-act plays. As with all of Simon's work, this show will bring that unmistakable taste of real life to the stage that makes us believe and allows us to relate. "Meet Me in St. Louis," this season's musical offering, will run from Dec. 1 to 5.
The warm-hearted story tells of a family as they anticipate the 1904 World's Fair, and features a variety of well-loved songs.
"People love musicals, and we try to keep those in the family," Quale noted.
"Amadeus," a production in conjunction with Williston State College will show Feb. 9 to 13.
"Amadeus" is the dramatic story of the life of Mozart. Set amidst the opulence and splendor of the 18th century Vienna, Peter Shaffer's thrilling, and often wickedly funny play, pits blazing human ambition against heavenly genius, in what becomes a battle of life and death.
"Loveland/Boot," a two-person play written by former Williston resident Jack Dyville, will run March 23 to 27. The show has already been cast, and will feature Jim Ryen and Judy Billehus.
The show has been in theater competitions in the last month, has gotten some good reviews and is advancing well, Quale said. Dyville wrote it about a year ago, and a reading of the show was done in Williston last winter by Ryen and Billehus.
"People were moved by it, and thought it would make a good choice," Quale said.
"Loveland/Boot" explores the relationship between two unlikely acquaintances: A 76-year-old former chorus girl with Alzheimers and a recently separated short order fry cook from New York city.
The season will close with "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress," showing May 4 to 8. "Five Women" was written by the creator of Sex in the City, and will feature a cocktail theater and a dinner theater.
The show is an irreverent and funny look at the intricacies of friendship and the power of similar dressing, set during an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tenn., estate.
Offering a little bit of everything,
"We look for a variety and a season that is balanced," Quale said. The goal is to include shows with small and large casts, and subjects that will appeal to every possible audience member.
Try-outs for the first show will be held tomorrow and Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Old Armory Theater. Quale will be casting four women and four men to fill the roles in this fun-filled Neil Simon comedy.
"We always welcome newcomers," Quale said. And not just actors. "We need a lot of support personnel," he added.
In addition to actors and personnel, Entertainment, Inc! is also looking for community support.
"We are currently in a season ticket and patron drive," Quale said.
He stressed that local support is key to the success of Entertainment, Inc!. "We do get some grant funding, but that is also based on local support," he said.
Season tickets are currently available from the box office. They run $50 for an adult and $20 for a student. Regular priced tickets throughout the season are $12 for an adult and $6 for a student.
Becoming a season ticket holder offers great savings, in addition to first choice reservations, with the option to reserve tickets two weeks before the opening performance, and an easy ticket exchange program in case of a scheduling conflict.
If you are looking to offer your financial support to Entertainment, Inc!, there are a variety of levels of patronage. Each level includes membership in Inc! and the patron's name in the program.
Benefactor - $75, one season ticket
Builder - $150, two season tickets
Community Leader - $300, four season tickets
Co-sponsor - $500, six season tickets
Sponsor - $1,000, 12 season tickets
For more information on season tickets or becoming a patron, or to get involved with the productions, contact the Entertainment, Inc! office at 577-3179 or stop by the office, located in the basement of the Old Armory building at 320 First Ave. E. between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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