From left, Savannah Simerly and Pilar Rehert in the Bay Street Players production of "Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know." (Bay Street Players)
Bay Street Players stage 'Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know'
January 31, 2014|By Christine Cole, Correspondent
EUSTIS — Some people don't mind laughing at themselves, but almost everybody takes pleasure in the misfortunes of others.
That's the concept of the songs and skits of "Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know," which the Bay Street Players open at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St.
The Germans have a word for it — "schadenfreude," which refers to the delight people get when seeing someone slip on a banana peel.
"It's a huge part of this play," singer, dancer and actress Savannah Simerly said.
One character is visited and then revisited. He is — at the beginning — a happy traveler who tries to book a flight by phone with an automated reservationist. He is disconnected. The second time we see the traveler, he is on hold for the next available operator.
He finally falls asleep as the recording can be heard to announce, "Your call is important to us."
The musical comedy revue is based on a book of the same name by Wendy Perrin, who is the consumer travel expert for "Conde Nast Traveler" magazine. The play includes tips on how to anticipate, avoid or deal with the problems associated with travel.
A cabaret-style show opened Off-Broadway in 1997.
"It's funny that we are still facing the same problems," director Eric Pinder said.
One song, "Naked in Pittsburgh," looks at the idea of luggage that is lost forever. Another puts our fears into words in "What Did I Forget?"
Fodder for other songs include cruise-ship talent shows and cruise-ship buffets, announcements by the pilot and the clash of the traveler who brings back unusual souvenirs with a customs agent.
The music director is Timothy Turner. The choreographer is Amanda Warren.
"Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know" will continue at the theater, 109 N. Bay St., through Feb. 23.
Performances begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $21 for adults — $18 on Wednesday and Thursday — and $11 for students.
For reservations or for more information, call 352-357-7777 or see baystreetplayers.org.
January 31, 2014|By Christine Cole, Correspondent
EUSTIS — Some people don't mind laughing at themselves, but almost everybody takes pleasure in the misfortunes of others.
That's the concept of the songs and skits of "Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know," which the Bay Street Players open at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the historic State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St.
The Germans have a word for it — "schadenfreude," which refers to the delight people get when seeing someone slip on a banana peel.
"It's a huge part of this play," singer, dancer and actress Savannah Simerly said.
One character is visited and then revisited. He is — at the beginning — a happy traveler who tries to book a flight by phone with an automated reservationist. He is disconnected. The second time we see the traveler, he is on hold for the next available operator.
He finally falls asleep as the recording can be heard to announce, "Your call is important to us."
The musical comedy revue is based on a book of the same name by Wendy Perrin, who is the consumer travel expert for "Conde Nast Traveler" magazine. The play includes tips on how to anticipate, avoid or deal with the problems associated with travel.
A cabaret-style show opened Off-Broadway in 1997.
"It's funny that we are still facing the same problems," director Eric Pinder said.
One song, "Naked in Pittsburgh," looks at the idea of luggage that is lost forever. Another puts our fears into words in "What Did I Forget?"
Fodder for other songs include cruise-ship talent shows and cruise-ship buffets, announcements by the pilot and the clash of the traveler who brings back unusual souvenirs with a customs agent.
The music director is Timothy Turner. The choreographer is Amanda Warren.
"Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know" will continue at the theater, 109 N. Bay St., through Feb. 23.
Performances begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $21 for adults — $18 on Wednesday and Thursday — and $11 for students.
For reservations or for more information, call 352-357-7777 or see baystreetplayers.org.
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