DUBOIS -The Paul G. Reitz Theater in DuBois contiues to celebrate its 20th Anniversary of fine entertainment in the region, as Cultural Resources, Incorporated and the Reitz Theater Players present Ed Graczyk’s Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean April 27, 28, and May 3, 4, and 5 at 8:00 p.m. and April 29 at 2:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Kohlhepp’s True Value Hardware and County National Bank, the production is set in 1975. A group of friends, who call themselves The Disciples of James Dean, reunite at the Kressmont Five and Dime on the 20th anniversary of the star’s tragic death. Director Jonathan Heid say the play is “a great story about the length to which people will go, to provide themselves with the comfort of a delusion – when all it does is waste their years and experiences that could benefit them.”
One of the Disciples, Mona (Diane Laubacker) clings to the belief that her son was fathered by James Dean while she was an extra in the film, “Giant” that was filmed in a nearby town. A mystery woman named JoAnne (Mary Beth Geppert) comes to the Five and Dime, and causes an emotional uproar. Through a series of flashbacks, the six members reveal secrets dating back to 1955.
Heid adds, “Five and Dime is a great ensemble piece that features strong individual performances by some very talented actors who succeed in bringing the individual character nuances to life.” The cast includes Cheryl Husted (Juanita), Michelle Davis Weible (Stella Mae), Alyssa Wood (Edna Louise), and Valerie Kucenski (Sissy). Leigha Pertz (young Sissy), Mia Kovalyak (young Mona), and Hunter Pataski (Joe) round out the cast in the flashbacks.
The production includes some adult themes, and may not be suitable for children.
Tickets are $10, and are available in DuBois at Kohlhepp’s True Value Hardware, Catherine’s Cache on Main Street, Rosie’s Book Shoppe on Midway Drive, S & T Bank on Liberty Boulevard, Stew’s Brews Coffee House on South Brady Street, and Jim Stellabuto’s Everything Underfoot on Beaver Drive. To reserve tickets, or for more information, call (814) 375-4274 (4CRI).