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"We're thrilled to team with The Classic TV Preservation Society," says producer/co-director Derek Zemrak. Adds CTVPS founder Herbie J Pilato, "It's an honor to work with such a prestigious establishment as the Rheem Theatre, while also being granted the opportunity to combine classic TV and live theatre in such a unique way."
Zemrak and Pilato envision an eclectic list of classic TV events and productions for the Rheem Theatre, including special screenings of classic TV shows, personal appearances by classic TV celebrities, and more. "Classic TV has never been more popular than it is today," says Zemrak, "and to be able to connect with the CTVPS and celebrate it all in a positive way is exciting."
For starters, Zemrak adds, "Most baby boomers remember the classic television show 'Three's Company' and I thought it would be fun to bring it to the stage." The evening will include a video presentation on the late 1970s, and a live stage performance complete with '70s and '80s TV commercials. After the production, audience members can join the cast for a meet and greet, holiday cookies, and eggnog.
"Three's Company" was a sitcom that aired for eight seasons on ABC, from March 15, 1977 to Sept. 18, 1984. Based on the British sitcom "Man About the House," the story revolves around three single roommates: Janet Wood, Chrissy Snow, and Jack Tripper, who live together in a Santa Monica, California apartment complex owned by Stanley and Helen Roper.
The Bay Area/Lamorinda cast includes: Janet (Suzie Mele), Chrissy (Nicole Berzins), Jack (Derek Zemrak), Mrs. Roper (Patti Leidecker) and Mr. Roper (Lance Mack). The play is co-directed by Reed Summers-Pirkle and Zemrak.
Tickets are $25 for this laugh-out-loud evening and can be purchased online at www.lamorindatheatres.com or at the Rheem Theatre box office. While the 6 p.m. show on Saturday, Dec. 8 is sold out, at press time tickets were still available for the 8 p.m. Dec. 8 show and the 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 9. Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item for the Contra Costa Food Bank. Proceeds for the evening will be donated to the CTVPS and the Moraga Community Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
For more information, visit: www.classictvpreserve.org and www.moragacommunityfoundation.org.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA