Arts & Entertainment

Korean War Veterans To Speak To Community Theater Troupe

The Village Players are in rehearsals for the fall production of "M.A.S.H." at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico.

Korean War Veterans have accepted an invitation to speak to the cast members of the upcoming Village Players production of M.A.S.H., according to producer and co-director Gail Pierce. The meeting is scheduled to take place Sept. 17 at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico, at 506 Fifth Street.
 
"The offer to have the Korean War Veterans come out and share their experiences and stories during the Korean War was made at the Korean War Memorial Dedication service, July 27, at the Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa," Pierce said. "The cast and crew of the M.A.S.H. production, 30-plus people, are eager to meet  the Korean Veterans and hear their personal experiences from the Korean War."

M.A.S.H. follows the unit of medical personnel stationed at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War.

"It's exciting when history comes to life at our theater," Pierce said. "Historical shows are my favorite to direct and this show offers the added element of comedy."

Pierce said she was moved by the dedication ceremony in July.

"Never was I so moved by such a display of patriotism, even 60 years later by the men and women who severed in what's referred to as the Korean War," Pierce said. "An Unexpected tear came to my eye as during the open ceremonial speech it was said, 'Better late than Never,' with such dedication and honor for what they had accomplished. I can't remembered a ceremony that I've been so moved by. I wouldn't want to have missed the privilege to be there to experience it.

She added that "the cast is large and the show offers a lot of room for both comedy and improvising." Also, that she is extremely lucky to have one of our areas finest directors and actors working on the show, Domin Pazo," who last directed the Village Players' summer 2013 production of Les Miserables.

"We decided to direct this one together," Pierce said. "Our show will have the added element of realism provided by the generosity of our Korean Veterans."

M.A.S.H. opens at the James McCabe Theater on Oct. 18, at 7 p.m., with a dinner-theater show. The fundraiser for the James McCabe Theater is sponsored by La Septima, featuring chicken and yellow rice,    black beans salad and Cuban bread. Ice Tea and water will be complimentary; all other beverages will be $1 donation. Desert will be donated by Radar O'Riley. Ticket Price for the opening night dinner show is $25.  Seating is limited.
 
For further information or reservations call 813-643-8292, the Village Players information line, and leave your name and phone numbers; someone will return your call promptly. 

Additional show dates are Oct. 19 and 25-26 and Nov. 1-2. Doors open 7:30 p.m.; curtain time is 8 p.m. There is a matinee Sunday, Oct. 27, with doors open at 2:30 p.m. and curtain time 3 p.m.
 
General Admission is $14. Tickets for seniors, students and military, with identification, cost $12. Group sales of 12 or more cost $10, with reserved seating available upon request.
 


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