It has been over a decade since Morongo Basin audiences experienced one of the “Company B” shows, written and directed by Yucca Valley actor, comedian, director, producer and author Ben Costello. Now the crowd-favorite piece of Morongo Basin entertainment history is opening the Theatre 29 2020 season. Managing editor Tami Roleff joins us with the list of the 20 singers and actors Costello has cast in this tribute to the golden age of radio…
John Babrowski will join playwright and director Ben Costello to reprise the roles of the comedy team “Slats Smith and Wilbur Brown,” roles they’ve played to the delight of local audiences for over 30 years.
Radio announcer/host Sammy Edwards will be played by Dennis “Easy” Boos.
Singers in the style of Frank Sinatra, Kate Smith, Bing Crosby, the Andrew Sisters, and Peggy Lee are Robert Allen, played by Charles Harvey, Angela Grant, portrayed by Janeen Duff, and Peggy Ross will be played by Britney Vachon-LaGuardia.
The female quintet is made up of Sarabeth Matilsky, Jayme Bateman, Patricia Zuniga, Britney Vachon-LaGuardia, and Anna Carnes.
Channeling some well known denizens of the Golden Age are Kathryn Ferguson as Ruby Powell in the style of Mae West, and Joe Rego as Julius in the style of Groucho Marx.
Playing the husband and wife team of Dan and Fran Powers are Scott Clinkscales and Anna Carnes; the child actors Candy Martin and Billy Wayne are played by real life brother and sister Gabe and Carly Bateman.
Rounding out the cast are showrunner Rosie Silvers, played by Karen Korcha and the director Roger, portrayed by Cole Subriar.
The opening night gala, set for Friday, January 10, will be hosted by Yucca Valley Soroptimists. Tickets are available through any Soroptimist member or at the Z107.7 studio in Joshua Tree. The show runs two weekends only, January 10-11-12, and January 17-18-19. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $15 and are available at theatre29.org or by calling 760-361-4151.
