The problem with the now-ubiquitous pre-show cell phone announcement is that it doesn't go far enough.
Most offer some variation on the standard request to turn off anything electronic that beeps, chimes, chirps or rings.
We need to add "or glows" to the list.
While it should be obvious -- but clearly isn't -- text messaging, along with using your phone to check the time or as a substitute flashlight for program reading, can be distracting to those around you.
In a darkened theater, an illuminated cell phone screen casts a glow that can be seen from several rows away. It's also a potential distraction to the actors as it illuminates the user's seemingly disembodied face. Those onstage can see its specter floating in the dark sea of the house like the ghost of Hamlet's father.
Now that even 9-year-olds are packing, it's important for cell phone users to be mindful of the impact that cell phone use of any kind has on those around them.
Simply put: The use of electronic devices for any purpose is not acceptable during performances.
Green Tree dinner theater
On April 8, producer Jude Pohl will open a second dinner theater, this time in Green Tree.
This venue will be in addition to the Perry Como Dinner Theatre in Canonsburg, which he will continue to operate.
The inaugural production at the Green Tree Holiday Inn will be "Feelin' Groovy," a musical homage to the era of love beads, black lights, flower power and bell bottoms that features the music of the Mamas and the Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, the Beatles, Beach Boys and Burt Bacharach. It ran last summer at Pohl's Canonsburg location.
Pohl's four-show 2005 season will feature shows at both locations.
"Son of Movie Madness" (April 29 through May 21), "Red, White & Country" (July 29 through August 20) and "The Nun Before Christmas" (Nov. 25 through Dec. 17) follow "Feelin' Groovy."
Each show will play for two weekends at the Perry Como Dinner Theatre and then move to the Holiday Inn for two more weekends.
In addition, "Moments to Remember" will be performed only at the Green Tree Holiday Inn on June 17, 18, 24 and Sept. 17.
For those who are keeping count, the Green Tree operation is Pohl's 19th. A local producer since 1976, he has offered cabaret shows in banquet halls, hotel meeting rooms and other venues in a variety of suburban and urban locations.
He's best known for his success as the local producer of "Nunsense," which he believes holds the title as the longest-running show in Pittsburgh's history.
"Feelin' Groovy" will open April 8 and play Fridays and Saturdays through April 16 at the Green Tree Holiday Inn, 401 Holiday Drive, Green Tree. A buffet dinner will be served at 7 p.m. followed by the show at 8. The all-inclusive price is $35.
Details: (724) 746-1178.
Mountain Playhouse summer season set
Four comedies and three musicals are planned for the 2005 summer season at The Mountain Playhouse in Jennerstown.
The season will run June 18 through Oct. 9 and include:
- "Sentimental Journey: The Rosemary Clooney Songbook," June 18 through July 3.
- "Incorruptible," July 5 through 17
- "Crazy for You," July 19 through Aug. 7
- "Tom, Dick and Harry," Aug. 9 through 21
- "Communicating Doors," Aug. 23 through Sept. 4
- "Fully Committed," Sept. 7 through 18
- "Always ... Patsy Cline," Sept. 21 through Oct. 9.
Subscriptions ranging from $77.50 to $163.20 are on sale, as are single tickets that range from $9.50 to $27 for comedies and $15 to $32 for musicals.
Details: www.MountainPlayhouse.com or (814) 629-9201, ext. 290.
