Shadow Mountain Community to hold consecutive weekend performances

It's the first time members of Pahrump's Shadow Mountain Community Players have taken on such an endeavor.

The acting troupe has scheduled what they call a "Summer Triple-Header" beginning tonight at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.

The all comedy lineup includes the plays "Not my Cup of Tea," "If Men Played Cards as Women Do," and "The Temp."

"'Not My Cup of Tea' is one we did previously that was received very well by the audience," Assistant Director Laurie McCaslin said. "The actresses who played it said it was one of their favorite roles. We thought that we would go ahead and revive this one because it's well-accepted and people really liked it and humor is a little dry."

McCaslin said the second performance is also a favorite, as it explores the roles of gender in a social setting.

"The play is about taking a women's card game and replacing them with men but you keep the dialog the same," she said. "Women get together and play bridge while having their little coffee klatch, while 'The Temp' is about an incompetent temporary office employee who is sent to totally frustrate a boss lady and her number one secretary because they have to get a report completed, so they called for extra help."

The plays are all one-act performances, with a strong emphasis on comedy.

McCaslin said it the first time the troupe has performed different shows on the same evening.

"We were looking for three one-act plays to do," she said. "A couple of years back we did a double feature, but it's the first time we've done a triple-header," she said.

Tonight's triple-header also includes dinner, courtesy of the Knights of Columbus.

"They are providing the pasta dinner, with meatballs and vegetables," she said. "There will also be ice cream and cookies for dessert. "We have been doing this in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus for the last 10 years or so," she said.

McCaslin said the shows serve as a fundraiser for local organizations.

"In the past, the proceeds would go to the Special Olympics and programs such as that," she said. "We usually split the money where they get their half and that goes to their charitable contributions. What we get goes to fund the production of our plays. What we make on one play, it rolls over and it becomes seed money for the next play."

McCaslin noted the productions, over the years, seem to attract more interest if the actors perform on two consecutive weekends.

"We have found that in the community, the word gets out and it ensures that we can pay all of our overhead for costumes and props," she said. "We cast these shows back in June and we feel that our actors deserve the opportunity to do multiple performances, so all of their work is worth something. "If you are in production for four or five months and you only perform once, that's unfortunate."

Doors open for tonight's performance at 6 p.m., while the show begins at 7 p.m.

Admission is $15 per person, and seating is limited.

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church is located at 781 E. Gamebird Road.

For more information call (775) 727-6145 or (775) 513-8655.