Ray Ficca News

Totem Pole's new romantic comedy, You Say Tomatoes is keeping the production crew at the playhouse very busy these days. This new play by Bernard Slade, author of Same Time, Next Year takes place in two different locations and requires two entirely different sets.

Like a ?shot heard around the world,? You Say Tomatoes by Bernard Slade, author of the Broadway smash Same Time, Next Year, opens at the Totem Pole Playhouse on June 16. Playhouse favorite Paris Peet and newcomer Caren Anton star in this hilarious romantic comedy about Giles St. James, a recluse British mystery writer and Libby Daniels, a punchy New York film producer. Giles' traditional British way of life is upended when Libby discovers his hidden home, aspiring to televise the mystery novels he wrote under a pen name. ?What I love about this play, apart fro the wonderful humor, is that the love story takes place between two folks who are not 20 some things-but more mature folks at a different point in their lives,? says Artistic Director, Ray Ficca. Long time friend of Ficca?s and former Producing Artistic Director, Carl Schurr, was recruited to direct the comedy. ?Bernard Slade has given new meaning to the expression: 'Opposites attract' and not only do they attract in You Say Tomatoes, they explode into a light-hearted and joyous evening of theatre,? says Schurr. Wil Love, Totem Pole's legendary funny man, and Jenna Sokolowski round out the cast of this sidesplitting war of words. You Say Tomatoes is sponsored by The Orchards Restaurant, Chambersburg.

Totem Pole's new romantic comedy, You Say Tomatoes is keeping the production crew at the playhouse very busy these days. This new play by Bernard Slade, author of Same Time, Next Year takes place in two different locations and requires two entirely different sets.

When Totem Pole Playhouse opens it's 59th summer season on May 30th, it's a case of the more things change, the more things stay the same. Ray Ficca takes over as the Playhouse's fourth Artistic Director, but he's by no means a new face, having been a company member for the previous five seasons.

Due to the overwhelming response to our 'Buy Early & Save' campaign, our phone lines have been extremely busy for several weeks. We have extended this special offer to May 30th since our phone lines have been so busy. Thank you to those who managed to wait out the busy signals.

COTTON PATCH GOSPEL the Musical Written by Tom Key and Russell Treyz, Music and Lyrics by Harry Chapin March 21 - April 25, 2009

Wayside Theatre Artistic Director Warner Crocker announced the cast and performance schedule for the final offering in the 2008-2009 Subscription season, Cotton Patch Gospel. Written by Tom Key and Russell Treyz, Cotton Patch Gospel features the bluegrass music of recording legend Harry Chapin.

Wayside Theatre Artistic Director Warner Crocker announced the cast and performance schedule for the final offering in the 2008-2009 Subscription season, Cotton Patch Gospel. Written by Tom Key and Russell Treyz, Cotton Patch Gospel features the bluegrass music of recording legend Harry Chapin.

After 23 years of guiding Totem Pole Playhouse into national prominence as a premiere professional summer theatre, Carl Schurr and Wil Love are stepping down at the end of the 2008 season. As Producing Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director, respectively, this theatrical duo has produced, directed and acted in well over one hundred productions since assuming their current positions in 1985. Ray Ficca, long time friend of Schurr and Love and a resident company member at the Playhouse will become the artistic director in September of this year.

When picking a season for the Totem Pole Playhouse, Artistic Director, Ray Ficca, equates it to putting on a carnival that lasts the whole summer. 'I want our patrons to feel that there will always be something new, different, and exciting, on the next ride. Like moving from the carousel to the roller-coaster to the bumper cars, a theatrical season shouldn't just be a menagerie of plays, but a total experience.' With a collection of musicals, along with Broadway and Off-Broadway hits, variety and thrills abound at Totem Pole in 2009.

Olney Theatre Center Ends Entertaining Production April 30.