THEATRE GUILD OF ANCON UPDATE

Dear Guild Members and Theatre Lovers,

We are getting ready to begin our 52nd exciting season! We will open on Sept. 21 with the long awaited return of Bill Gonzalez who is directing this season's opening show "DINNER WITH FRIENDS," which won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2000.

We will follow up last year's hugely successful "Christmas Carol" this time with "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE," a faithful stage adaptation of the 1940's Frank Capra classic Christmas movie. The cast will be filled with students from the International School of Panama and Balboa Academy as well as the many wonderful and familiar talents of former Guild actors.

In 2002, the Spring play is still under review, but we do have Carlos Williams scheduled to return in May to direct the heartwarming "ON GOLDEN POND." This season promises to be a season of riveting drama and classic family entertainment.

Our board members have been working hard recently to come up with the new membership fee structure and we would like your input. One suggestion is that we ask for a $10 fee (up front) to cover the mailings and give each member a 50 percent discount at the ticket window. A more popular choice seems to be reducing our fees to a flat $30 (which would include one ticket to each of the Guild sponsored productions, special opening night events, as well as the Christmas play). A family membership would be $60 (good for two adults and up to three children). We would love to hear your opinions on the matter! Please email: guildofancon@hotmail.com

UPCOMING THEATRE GUILD DATES TO REMEMBER:

Sunday, August 26, 2001. 4-8 p.m.

Auditions for "IT'S WONDERFUL LIFE." 28 parts in all from ages 70-7.

For more information, call Catherine Hopkins at 264-8562 or email: clhopkins@hotmail.com. The show will be directed by Catherine Hopkins.

Rehearsals begin Monday, Oct. 1. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 23-25, 31 and Dec. 1-2, 2001.

* Friday, September 21, 2001. Curtain 8 p.m.

Opening night of "DINNER WITH FRIENDS" directed by Bill Gonzalez. The Pulitzer prize-winning play about a 12-year friendship between two married couples. The relationships are put into sharp focus after one couple announces their impending divorce. Starring Catherine Hopkins, Tod Robberson, Melodie Faulkner and Jerry Duggan. Produced by John Carlson and Margaret Ender. Reservations call: 212-0060.

We have an amazing season planned, we hope you'll join us!

Sincerely,

Catherine Hopkins
President of the Board of Governors
The Theatre Guild of Ancon