New theater group launching first production

Eileen Brennan and Susan Sarandon played them on Broadway. Now, Dee Thomas and Diane Koelsch will play the housewives in the comedy "A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking," the first production by new theater group The Bonita Players. They call it their "pilot production" as the first performance is private, for the residents of Citrus Park and Bell Villa only. But they have been in touch with the city of Bonita about playing at Riverside Park.

"I've put them in touch with Arlene Houston, our special events coordinator, who is working with them on possible dates," said City Manager Gary Price. "I think it would be a great addition to the Riverside Park venue."

The Players will present the Broadway comedy on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the clubhouse at Citrus Park. An adult comedy in two acts by John Ford Noonan, it revolves around two very different housewives who find out they have a lot in common, including cheating husbands.

German producer and director Heinz Fischer, along with wife Edith, who is co-producer, are excited about the first show and about bringing different productions to Bonita. Heinz has extensive community theater directing experience from Germany.

"My husband also did a Western Open Air Festival in Austria," said Edith, while Heinz worked with the cast. "We always wanted to do something with theater in Bonita. They have a lot in Naples, and Fort Myers, but not in Bonita. We started in Citrus Park because this is where we live, and we are very excited about possibly working with the city."

They vacationed in Bonita for the last nine years from their home in Bavaria, but are now year-round residents.

"We actually started working on this idea last summer, and more at Christmas," said Edith.

They are also scheduled to do "The Last Of The Red Hot Lovers" April 11 again at Citrus Park.

"We will begin casting right away, and are specifically looking for a male character about 50, along with others," she said.

Interested actors and actresses of all ages can e-mail the Fischers at twtfischer@aol.com.

"I love everything about this play," said actress Thomas.

She's an actress and dancer who has performed in numerous community theater productions outside of Philadelphia.

"There's some dancing, and a lot of interaction between the two women," said Penny LeClaire, who is helping out with the production, especially with props. They've specifically made their scenery very portable, in hopes on taking their plays to public venues.

Actress Koelsch, who is also a pianist, has performed in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin. One of her favorite lead roles was in "The Haunting of Hill House." She has worked with the Naples Players, and done comedy and drama.

"There is so much energy in the play, and Dee and I have good chemistry," she said.

"You can see it," said LeClaire.

The music in the play is ABBA, which is very upbeat. In one key comedic scene, the women dance to ABBA while doing laundry, with a broom for a microphone.

Besides the city, the group is also available for country club performances, and fund-raisers.

Currently about 14 members, the group is also interested in welcoming anyone who is interested in joining, for all the other parts of productions besides acting, such as building sets.

Residents of Citrus Park and Bell Villa can purchase tickets at the Activities Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The show will take place at 1 p.m. on Feb. 11, and the cost of tickets is $5.