Sonoma Stage Works Rehearses For LAST HURRAH FOR OF HORACE PACKARD 7/16

Sonoma Stage Works is currently in rehearsals for the world premiere of "Last Hurrah of Horace Packard," by Sonoma playwright Todd Evans. Evans' new heartwarming serio-comedy, opening July 16 and playing through July 31, will be the first theatrical production presented at the newly renovatEd Andrews Hall, located at the Sonoma Community Center in downtown Sonoma.

Directed by Laureen E. Smith, "Last Hurrah of Horace Packard," follows an 80-year old man on a comic adventure when he escapes hospital confinement, evades a police manhunt and worries his wife and family when he sets out to pursue his lifelong dream of running a restaurant.

Off stage, lead actor Dick Ridenour is having an adventure similar to that of his character, Horace Packard. Ridenour is preparing for first stage appearance in 55-years. While Ridenour can boast of plenty of public speaking engagements over the years, the 74-year old Sonoma resident hasn't been in a play since he was a 19-year old attending Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

"Acting was something I really enjoyed, but after Grove City College I went on to Yale University and my career and I just never got back on the stage. When it was suggested I audition for the role of Horace Packard, I thought ' Well? Why not?' And here I am," said Ridenour.

"Dick perfectly suits the part of Horace," said actress Siobhan O'Brien, who plays Lila, a restaurant owner. "I felt an instant connection with him at our first rehearsals. Acting comes very naturally to him. And he absolutely could have fooled me with his work in rehearsals. I had no idea he hadn't been involved in theater since his college days."

" 'Last Hurrah of Horace Packard' is a story that tells us that no matter what age, we should continue pursue our dreams. And to keep making new friends and that those new friends can become a part of one's bigger family. That is exactly what Dick is doing. He's fulfilling his dream of being involved in theater again and making new friends with those of us in the cast. It's a very sweet parallel," said O'Brien.

For tickets or more information about "Last Hurrah of Horace Packard" call 707-996-6003.

WHEN: July 16 to July 31, 2010
7 p.m. Friday, July 16 (reception and opening night performance)
8 p.m. July 17, 22, 23*, 24 and July 29, 30 & 31
3 p.m. July 18 & 25
* Friday, July 23 will be a special benefit performance for Seeds of Learning Tickets are $40.00 per person.

WHERE: Andrews Hall, Sonoma Community Center
276 East Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476-6721

COST: $22 general, $10 students
* Seeds of Learning benefit performance on Friday, July 23: $40.00

TICKETS: Purchase ticket at Reader's Books in Sonoma
or call Sonoma Stage Works 707-996-6003

PHONE: 707-996-6003

WEBSITE: www.sonomastageworks.org

VIDEO: http://animoto.com/play/6qC0BqnXPoOuJIeHyx0c7A

CAST: The cast includes Dick Ridenour as Horace Packard; Butch Engle as Bill Daggett; Roy Jimenez as Sam Packard; Graham Bruce as delivery guy/captain; Ira Carter as Officer Pendelton; as Linda Tiefenthal as Marvel Packard; Jagrati Walker as Dr. Abrams; Siobhan O'Brien as Lila; Junelle Barrett Porter as Susan Packard.

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