Bamboozled! and Baker's Wife

Two theatricals not to be missed:

The Gull Lake High School Performing Arts Company presents its annual state competition show, Bamboozled!, in three home performances on Friday, January 30, Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, February 1 at 2 p.m. Take special note that, because the competition requires a large stage, these home shows will take place at the Gull Lake Middle School cafetorium. You'll be charmed and entertained by this traditional Renaissance comedy in the commedia dell'arte style. To add to the wonder of the performances and technical ingenuity, I hear the costumes are fabulous!

This is PAC's eighteenth year going to state competition, sponsored by the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association. Home performances will replicate the competition situation, in which the company must move all scenery and props onto a bare stage, perform the play, and completely clear the stage again, all in a total of 45 minutes or less. It's always an amazing spectacle as well as a great performance.

If you're free to travel, the show will be performed in district competition at Greenville High School on January 24, in regional competition at Olivet High School on February 7, and, if Gull Lake wins there, they'll perform at state finals at Chelsea High School the weekend of February 13 and 14. Watch this space for news!

Another theatrical must for your calendar: The Baker's Wife opens January 30 at the Civic's Parish Theatre and runs through February 15 2009. Gull Lake alumna Mary Teutsch plays the title character. Says the Civic: "Old world charm permeates every moment of this bittersweet, wise and gently romantic fable of life and love in southern France. The bickering residents of a small Provencal town at last find peace and contentment in the heavenly bread of the newly arrived baker and his attractive young wife. But when she is lured away by the attentions of a handsome young gigolo, the middle-aged baker is heartbroken and loses all zest for life and baking, throwing the community into chaos. If you're looking for a musical that is warm, mature, intelligent and melodic, you're sure to enjoy The Baker's Wife. But be warned, you should only see it if you're prepared to fall in love. (Adult Themes)" See the Civic's website for times and ticket info.