Photo Flash: First Look At Short Plays That Make Up SAUK SHORT

SAUK SHORTS, an evening of 12 short plays, comes to The Sauk, Hillsdale County's community theatre, this weekend.

"An annual tradition, 'Sauk Shorts' will feature 12 short plays all in one evening," said Sauk Executive Director Trinity Bird, who coordinates the annual production. "The plays will make you laugh, touch your heart and entertain you with their originality. 'Sauk Shorts' is perhaps the most unique and original production in any Sauk season."

Five of the plays are written by Michigan playwrights. Bud Vear, of Hillsdale, has written "Senior Fitness 2." G.M. (Bud) Thompson is represented by "The Mesmerist" and a word premiere, "Help Desk." Bonnie Grooters, of Lowell, is represented by "Sylvia's Bench" and "Ready...Get Set..." All three playwrights will be in attendance on Saturday night and participate in a talkback after the performance.

This year's production will include:

- Bank Withdrawal Symptoms by Jim Gustafason. Directed by Bruce Crews.

- B-I-N-G...Oh! by Jonathan Markella. Directed by Jennifer Wagler.

- Canker Sores and Other Distractions by Christopher Durang. Directed by Ron Boyle.

- A Growing Problem by Jeanette D. Farr. Directed by Angela Forant.

- Help Desk by G.M. (Bud) Thompson. Directed by Trinity Bird

- The Mesmerist by G.M. (Bud) Thompson. Directed by Josh Hall.

- Pieces of Life by Mike Willis. Directed by Mari Nunez.

- The Purse by Sherry Churchill. Directed by Angela Forant.

- Ready...Get Set... by Bonnie Grooters. Directed by Mark Pedrick.

- Senior Fitness 2 by Bud Vear. Directed by Traci Jo Hubbard.

- Sure Thing by David Ives. Directed by Ann Holt.

- Sylvia's Bench by Bonnie Grooters. Directed by Jo Johnson.

The cast consists of Julie Albright, Andy Anderson, Trinity Bird, Travis Blatchley, Ron Boyle, Shannon Chenn, Velvet Evans-Giacobassi, Rickie Freeman, Brad Hayes, Brock Hayes, Deb Lemke, Savannah Mapes, Denise McCosh, Stella McCourry, Olivia Pike, Brendan Pratt, Kya Rittenhouse, Matt Sauer, Mike Smith, Luanne Tabbert, Roene Trevisan, Bud Vear and Terry Vear. Making their Sauk debut in this production will be Carl Albright, Tracy Brown, Anne Conners, Mandee Leigh Howard, Cheryl Moe and Tiffany Thatcher. The evening is stage managed by Joella Hendrickson. The design team include Bird (lighting) and MJ Dulmage (sound).

Performances of "Sauk Shorts" are May 3-5 at 8 p.m. A 3 p.m. matinee will be performed on May 6. All tickets are $10. The May 3 performance is a Pay What You Can preview performance. This production is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets can be purchased online now at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100. The Sauk is located at 240 E. Chicago St. in Jonesville.

This production is sponsored by Drews Place Assisted Living Communities. The 2018 Sauk season is sponsored by Expressions Photography & Design. The Sauk receives support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment of the Arts and their program, Art Works.