Seven short plays written by Florida playwrights opened at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center in Odessa, giving Wesley Chapel-area residents a two-hour afternoon of original live theater for $20 or less.
The Wesley Chapel Theater Group's second annual One-Act Festival was held Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, both at 2 p.m. The group selected the seven scripts from more than 50 submissions, according to WCTG spokesperson Samantha Grahn.
"Narrowing it down to seven shows was not easy," Grahn said. "We are especially excited to welcome back playwrights Jessica Burchfield and Keith Whalen, whose works were featured in last year's production."
Burchfield returned with "Non-Weight Bearing," and Whalen with "Coming to Town." The rest of the lineup included:
- "Twelve Books" by Philip Middleton Williams
- "Finding Help" by Marj O'Neill-Butler
- "Zoe's Party" by Lois Findlay
- "On the Likelihood of Elephants" by Brian S. Brijbag, Esq.
- "Priceless" by Samara Siskind
Each play ran about 10 minutes. WCTG described the mix as comedy and drama, with story elements ranging from an elephant in a train station to a grown man who believed in Santa Claus.
All seven productions were directed and performed by local artists. The Wesley Chapel-based group has previously staged "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," according to its website.
Tickets and venue
Performances took place at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa. Tickets were $15 for students and seniors and $20 for general admission through WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.
A third performance was listed for Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m. on the Florida's Sports Coast events calendar at the same venue, although WCTG's announcement listed only the July 18 and July 19 performances. Residents interested in the July 25 performance were advised to check WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org for confirmation.
