THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 14, 1994 TAG: 9410120145
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
WHAT'S DOING this weekend in Chesapeake?
You can take the family to the Chesapeake Central Library for a singing and dancing afternoon offered by the Hurrah Players, the Norfolk-based young people's touring repertory company, or you can join a fun outing at a local tavern to help a Chesapeake resident offset mounting medical bills.
Hurrah for Cinderella - If you're looking for some free and wholesome family entertainment, go no farther than the Chesapeake Central Library.
This Sunday at 3 p.m. the library will present the very popular Hurrah Players, under the direction of Hugh Copeland, presenting a sample of its first production of the 1994-'95 season, ``Cinderella.''
`` `Cinderella' will be our big opening of the season,'' Copeland said. ``The production uses the wonderful music and songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein. We performed `Cinderella' in 1987, and at that time it featured Chesapeake wonder Kelly McClung in the title role.''
Copeland said the actual full-blown production takes place from Oct. 28 through Nov. 6 at the Virginia Beach Pavilion Theater and will feature Courtney Watson of Chesapeake in the cast along with Tracy Sample, a former Miss Chesapeake, as the Fairy Godmother.
Copeland said the 30 to 45-minute library production will feature about 15 cast members in costume performing to piano accompaniment and some taped music.
``We did a preview at the library last year and everybody enjoyed it,'' Copeland said. ``It worked very well at the library. We played in the round to the audience. It was well attended.''
And no wonder.
The Hurrah Players are a lauded young people's performing repertory company that presents several major musicals each year. Each show uses scores of talented children from Chesapeake and all over South Hampton Roads complete with lavish costumes, sets, music, dance numbers and special effects. For more information about the Hurrah Players production of ``Cinderella,'' call 627-5437.
Party for Nikki - If you're looking for a fun Sunday afternoon as a break from NFL football, try the ``Autumn Afternoon Benefit Party'' taking place from 2 to 5 p.m. at Maxwell's Tavern.
The event has been organized to help offset the mounting medical bills of Nikki Meyer, a 1990 Indian River High School graduate, Greenbrier resident and waitress at Maxwell's.
Meyer has already undergone extensive surgery to the roof of her mouth and more than likely will need to undergo additional chin surgery to offset an oral condition she has had since birth.
According to Meyer, the event came into being as a result of a request for some days off.
``I had to ask Kathy (Putnam, Maxwell's Tavern manager) for some days off for my surgery,'' Meyer said. ``When I told her about the surgery, we got to talking and she found out I had no medical insurance because I can't afford it.''
One thing led to another, and Putnam organized a grand fund-raiser to help out with Meyer's extensive medical bills.
``I was very shocked when Kathy said this is what we're going to do for you,'' Meyer said. ``Words can't describe how wonderful this makes me feel.''
The event will include live musical entertainment by the acoustic duo of Mitch Foutz and Norman Harrell, who will sing a potpourri of musical styles and songs; free finger foods and hors d'oeuvres; and door prizes including such donated items and services as board games, bowling parties, vacation trips, carpet cleaning and many others. MEMO: For more information on the free 3 p.m. Sunday Hurrah Players
performance call the Central Library at 547-6591. Seating will be
limited, so come early.The ``Autumn Afternoon Benefit Party'' takes
place Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at Maxwell's Tavern, 109 Volvo Parkway.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and donations are
welcome. Proceeds from the event will be used to help defray Nikki
Meyer's medical expenses. Call the tavern at 436-5554 for more
information. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Hurrah Player Mary Faber, left, stars in ``Cinderella'' and Larry
Patterson plays the prince.
by CNB