Raven Playhouse & Fremont Centre Theatre Present Staged Readings of JUST PASSING 3/28

Initial staged readings with fully-staged songs of new "dramedy" Just Passing by Candyce Columbus are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 28 at The Raven Playhouse in North Hollywood and Sunday, May 16 at Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. Directed by Ken Salzman with music direction by Manuel Saldana the show features lyrics by Columbus, additional lyrics by Esther Posner and music by Wes Hambright.

Set in 1999 at Heavenly Crossing Funeral Home somewhere in the Midwest the show finds the Virtuosi siblings preparing for the "viewing" of their recently departed 84-year-old mother, Ruth.

Each sibling carries unique baggage from growing up with Ruth. Oldest sister Virginia is a closet smoker. Middle child Leo who gave up smoking and drinking at the advice of his doctor, now turns to sweets and savory snacks for solace. "Baby" of the family Victoria, an aspiring actress who has returned home from Sunny California for the funeral, is never without her handy little flask.

Flashing back to father Joey's "viewing" in 1971 when leisure suits, crushed velvet bellbottoms and earth tones were "in" provides some insight to the family dynamics. Among numerous visitors to Heavenly Crossing are members of Joey's mixed-league bowling team, including the mysterious "woman."

Everyone is on their best "misbehavior" including Aunt Rita who no longer has any sharp knives in her drawer and bumbling Pastor Paul Cloomsey, a recent replacement for the retired minister of the Dearfield Baptist Church. Pastor Paul only met Ruth once and bases his eulogy on a brief reading of her poems.

The cast in alphabetic order includes Dan Bullard (Mortician/Pastor Paul), Jack Chansler (Larry Virtuosi/Bowler 1), Columbus (Victoria), Elyse Cook (Virginia), Kimberly Emerson (Betty Viruosi/Bowler 3), Sandra Hakman (Ruth), Mary House (Christina Sheffield/Bowler 2), David McGee (Leo), Jane Park (Rita Sheffield), Derek Rue (Jack Chevalier), Saldana (Timmy Sheffield/Bowler 4), Lydia Bangtson Schwam (The Woman) and Barry Schwam (Uncle Mike). Rosemary Hygate serves as narrator.

The readings will take place on Sunday, March 28 at 7:30 pm at The Raven Playhouse, located at 5233 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA 9160, and on Sunday, May 16 at 7:30 pm at Fremont Centre Theatre, located at 1000 Fremont St. in South Pasadena, CA 91030. Designed to raise money to stage a full production the suggested donation for each reading is $15. Call 626-932-1906 to make reservations and for more information.