The cast and crew of SPATS have been busy getting their new production Doin’ Time at the Alamo ready for local theater fans and aficionados. The comedy by Mary Hanes has a unique premise and setting that shows promise for an evening of laughter and delight. The play takes place in a rundown Texas motel named the Alamo which happens to be across the street from a Federal penitentiary. On weekends it gets busy with people coming to visit family and loved ones doing time in the prison.
The action takes place on a hot 4th of July weekend in the lobby of the hotel where five women spend time together while they wait to visit the men in their lives in prison. They while away the hours making wisecracks, playing cards, sending out for Chinese food, planning a wedding and helping each other forget about their loneliness as they do their own time as prisoners of their love for these wayward men.
The cast of characters includes Glen Beaks the owner of the Alamo, whose father died in prison; Janet Cacaci, a tough New Yorker about to marry a two timing mobster; Joe Venezia, Janet’s reluctant bodyguard; Melissa Woelfer, Mrs. W. who enjoys life with her husband behind the walls and her daughter Louanne who has a thing for Joe Venezia; Judith Bridges, a newcomer to the hotel who is visiting her husband for the first time; and Elizabeth Grant a 70 year old spinster, believer in numerology and has made the shocking announcement that she is marrying her 20 year old inmate boyfriend this weekend. If that doesn’t wet your appetite for an evening of good entertaining theater that SPATS productions are known for, then you’re “Doin’ Time” in the wrong places.
Doin’ Time at the Alamo opens on Saturday, May 7, with a 7 p.m. show and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 8. Admission is $15. The other dates are May 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees are 2 p.m. Donate a can of food for the local Food Bank and receive $1 off the admission price.
The San Pedro Actors Troupe Playhouse is located at 730 American Avenue. Call (520) 896-9496 for reservations.