Friday, February 7, 2025

Anybody Out There?

Popcorn Players kick off 2025 with farcical comedy

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AZLE — The Azle Arts Association is back for 2025 and ready to present its first show of the year. “Anybody Out There,” was written and published by acclaimed dramatist John Patrick Goggin in 1972. It will be co-directed by Rozanne Gann and Emily Ball.

“I have never directed it before but am a fan of the writer — John Patrick. I read the script and then passed it to Emily Ball and she found a passion for it,” co-director Rozanne Gann said. “The humor in this play is great. I think the audience will really like it. Rehearsals have been really good — we have a very mixed cast of young adults to the tried-and-true older cast members. I hope (the audience) comes away with a really fun night! They should also see that an unusual mistake can lead to a happy ending.”

Some people have the worst luck, and that includes the play’s protagonist, Oliver Pankey. When anything goes awry, the finger always mistakenly points to Pankey. Misunderstandings and misidentification lead to misfortune, misadventure and metamorphosis in this farcical comedy.

“With this play, I’m most excited about having such an amazing cast and crew that really brings the energy to every scene,” Ball said. “I wanted to be a director because I like telling people what to do, and this way I can put that into something good! This is my third show to direct. I think every production I direct strengthens me as a director whether I realize it in the moment or not. Rehearsals have been going amazing. I could not ask for a better co-director than Rozanne Gann. I hope the audience gets to laugh and walk away with a new appreciation for life!”

“Anybody out there?” cast will include:

  • Oliver Pankey — Jacob Heath
  • Sophia Goggan — Lisha Nurmela
  • Millie Milhaus — Rebecca Crabtree
  • Thief — Joshua Holden Jr.
  • Herbie Henderson — Steve Sandfort
  • Officer — Scott Nurmela
  • Anita Wrenn — Carol Braden
  • Doctor Dickey — Boyd C. Mooney
  • Bill McSwain — Jerry Hall
  • Stranger — James Kelly

Popcorn Players Theater is located at 1012 Southeast Parkway in Azle, and tickets are available in-person, online at www.azlearts.org, or by phone at 817-238-PLAY. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $10 for the Sunday matinee.

Production dates:

  • Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2:30 p.m.