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JBSA News
NEWS | May 14, 2010

LPAG brings 'Speed Date' to Arnold Hall

By Patrick Desmond 502nd Air Base Wing OL-A Public Affairs

Bears, clowns and art therapists, Oh my!

If it's one thing the Lackland Performing Arts Group's production of the one-act play "Speed Date" has, it's variety.

The show, opening May 14 at the Arnold Hall Community Center ballroom, presents the story of 11 speed daters' sometimes-unpredictable search for love on Valentine's Day at a community center in Anywhere, America.

Janet Allard's script is not such an easy directorial debut, as Staff Sgt. Brandon Smith, Cryptologic Systems Group, discovered at the group's first rehearsal a month and a half ago.

Stepping into the role, Sergeant Smith said the transition from actor to director has been an eye opener.

"I went into it thinking, 30-minute show, no problem," the sergeant said. "This will be easy."

Sergeant Smith said he learned how to put a text into action and performance.

"You get the script and have to figure out how to place these people so that it makes sense and the audience can follow it correctly," he said. "It opens your mind up to the grand scheme of all it takes to make a show happen."

Despite changes in the cast, including the loss of one of his lead actors, Smith said it's been a rollercoaster ride overall, but that everyone has stepped up to make sure the show goes on.

Taking over the lead role two weeks prior to rehearsals, Jessica Turner plays the main part of Laura, the speed date facilitator.

"She's fun to play because you can really be out there and be wild with her," Ms. Turner said. "Girls can relate to her, especially when you try to find somebody and everyone seems kind of psycho."

Matthew McKenna plays John, a person prone to mimicking his dates' likes and dislikes.

"He just got out of a relationship," Mr. McKenna said. "His girlfriend left him and he's here looking for something, but not having much luck."

The two characters are at the mercy of a motley bunch of first-date caricatures: divorcee, always a bride's maid, cat lover, business woman, homemaker, nerd, hipster, lover, art therapist, and even someone who is just really into the musical "Cats."

Staff Sgt. Mark Gabenski, 802nd Force Support Squadron, plays lover and smelly Frenchman Françios, a character role he enjoys for its eccentricity.

"It's kind of different than my norm," Sergeant Gabenski said. "He reminds me of Pepe Le Pew a little."

And if that doesn't sate the audience's need for variety, "Speed Date" also has parts for a clown and a person wearing a bear suit.

The eclectic evening includes a cocktail hour with live-singing performances, from 6-7 p.m., short skits, 7-8 p.m., and the 30-to-45-minute play. Light hor doeuvres will be served and a pay-as-you-go bar is available.

Tickets are $15; the event is free for spouses of deployed with Airman and Family Readiness Flight DePlayment tags.

To reserve tickets and a table for tonight or Saturday, call the Arnold Hall Community Center at 671-2619 or 2352.