Pelican Players put on the hits - of the '30s

SUN CITY CENTER - Abbott and Costello, Burns and Allen and The Shadow will come alive again May 2 through 7 during the Pelican Players production of Radio Theater 2003.

This year's show, Don't Touch That Dial, is a docudrama about 1930s-era radio programs, which were performed before a live audience. Actors will re-create popular programs to examine the humor, politics and music of radio's golden age.

Organizers say this year's production will be bigger than ever.

"Last year we sold out, so we added shows and moved into a larger venue," said Robert J. Benford, the producer. "It was a smash hit. Many residents in the area find nostalgia appealing."

The cast includes Lew Resseguie and Edward Brown, who play radio performers of that era.

Resseguie, a professional New York actor and singer, has performed with Angela Lansbury, Helen Hayes, Julia Roberts and Robert Conrad.

Brown, a former NBC writer and newscaster, wrote the script.

Don't Touch That Dial opens on New Year's Eve 1939 and reflects on the highlights of that decade, including political events, the looming war and the music of the era.

Some of the songs in the show are Happy Days, When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain and Falling in Love with Love.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 2, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. May 3 and 5 p.m. May 4 at the Sun City Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd. Shows also will be held at the Kings Point Theater at 7:30 p.m. May 6 and 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. May 7.

Tickets are $9 each and are available at the Community Association office, 1009 N Pebble Beach Blvd., the Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce, 1651 Sun City Center Plaza, the Kings Point Box Office, 1902 Clubhouse Drive, and the Apollo Beach Chamber of Commerce, 6432 U.S 41.

- Michelle Jones can be reached at 661-2439 or jones@sptimes.com