by Ron Bates

I’m delighted to share one of my favorite plays with you, Eat Your Heart Out. I came by it while perusing the archives of plays presented at the Temple Theatre. Finding my original script from 1984, I submitted it to the Script Committee with the hope of being a player again.

We had a difficult time finding a director, so with the encouragement of my fellow actor/director and longtime friend, Cyndie Maxwell (Co-Director), I agreed to direct. I wanted to cast as many actors as possible, as opposed to the author’s plan of using only five actors to play all the parts. Eventually, after casting a wide net (pun intended), we found the needed actors.

Cast of “Eat Your Heart Out”

Eat Your Heart Out is the story of Charlie (played by Doc Bennett), a New York actor working as a waiter in a variety of Manhattan restaurants until he gets his big break. On his way to the big time, Charlie serves a variety of people, including the girl desperate to like snails and oysters to please her fiancé, a kookie astrologer, a really hungry man, and, of course, agents, directors, actors, and other New York characters. He’s optimistic and quite professional in all that he does, but will he make it?

Cast of “Eat Your Heart Out”

I’m pleased that the Kings Players, Kings County’s longest running community theatre group (over 60 years at the Temple Theatre in Hanford), will present this three-act comedy using seasoned actors, as well as theatre newcomers. Patrons may be familiar with featured players RaeLynn Royer and Annie McGrath. Other members of the cast include Susan Alcala, Pepper Jay, Francis Liantonio, Dana Schriver, Dwayne Tubbs, and Alipio Lorenzo.

Cast of “Eat Your Heart Out”

I’ve participated with the Kings Players for 40 years as an actor, and am delighted to share directing duties with Cyndie Maxwell. We have been in many productions together over the years. I’m also pleased to have the first-rate tech support of Ace Silveira and stage manager, Sable.

The play runs from May 24th through June 15. There will be two Saturday matinees in addition to the four regular Sunday matinees. Reservations may be made at kingsplayers.org, or by calling 559 584-7241.

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and also on podbean.

Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.