May 9, 2011

Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre kicks off June 9

The spring semester is drawing to a close at Harding University, and
that means Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre is just around the corner.
This year’s theme, ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly, celebrates everyone’s
favorite holiday, Christmas, during our favorite season, summer.

The show line-up kicks off June 9 with “Every Christmas Story Ever
Told (And Then Some),” a comedy by Michael Carleton, Jim Fitzgerald
and John K. Alvarez. The play runs June 9-12 and 16-18. The plot
focuses on three actors who, instead of performing Charles Dickens'
beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, decide to perform
every Christmas story ever told — plus seasonal icons, holiday
traditions, pop culture, and every carol ever sung. It is a silly,
madcap romp through the happiest holiday season.

The Futrelle sisters (Frankie, Honey Raye, and Twink) are back in
“Christmas Belles,” a comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie
Wooten. This time they are trying to pull off a perfect Christmas
program. Things get Southern crazy with squabbling sisters, family
secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis
impersonator. There is no Silent Night in Fayro, Texas! The show runs
June 30, July 1-3, and July 7-9.

The final show in the series runs July 21-24 and 28-30. “Plaid
Tidings,” a musical by Stuart Ross with music by James Raitt, Brad
Ellis, Raymond Berg and David Snyder, is truly heaven sent. The boys
from Forever Plaid are back from the beyond to do a Christmas special.
At first they aren't sure why, but a phone call from the heavenly
Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they're needed to put a little
harmony into a discordant world.

Season tickets are $60, and sales begin May 9. Individual show tickets
are $25 and go on sale May 23. Tickets may be ordered at
www.hardingtickets.com or in person at the box office. Box office
hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
beginning May 16. For more information, call 501-279-4580.

All shows will be held in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center on the
Harding University campus.