A New  Production of “The Mousetrap”

Playcrafters will present “The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie on May 6,7,13 &14. Here’s the story:

A murder has been committed. A group of strangers are stranded in a boarding house during a snow storm – one of them is a murderer.  The suspects include the newly married couple who run the house, a spinster with a curious background, an architect, a retired army Major, a strange little man who claims his car overturned in a drift and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. Into their midst comes a policeman, traveling on skis. He no sooner arrives than a murder occurs. Two down and one to go. The policeman probes the background of everyone present and rattles a lot of skeletons.  Another mystery  with the typical finish in the Agatha Christie style! “The Mousetrap” has been running in London since November 15, 1952.

Auditions will be held February 28 and March 1 from 7 to 9p.m. in our theater space at the Bellport Middle School . Required are three women and five men, ages from 20 to 60 years. The production is directed by Nick Attanasio and produced by Jane Love.

An Update on Nicole Gregory

For those who do not already know, Nicole Gregory, the 28-year old daughter of Michele and Nick DePalo, suffered an anterior spinal cord stroke on November 7, 2004, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe on her own.  She has been undergoing therapy at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston for the past several months.  She is making some small improvements but as this condition is extremely rare and physicians have limited experience in it, her recovery is undetermined.  Her husband, Randy, and her parents take shifts to be at her side 24 hours a day.  For updates on her condition, or to post a message to Nicole or her parents, visit her website at www.nicolegregory.com. 

A trust fund has been established to help with the cost of her care.  To send a donation to the Nicole Gregory Irrevocable Trust, please send it c/o Randall Gregory, Trustee, 131 Charlesbank Road , Newton , Massachusetts 02458 .  Playcrafters has donated $300 to the trust as well as the proceeds from the Annual Meeting raffle.  We ask for your prayers for this beautiful, young woman, for her husband, Randy, and for Michele and Nick.

Annual Meeting 

Playcrafters held its Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 16^th at the Brown Building in Bellport. There was a good turnout to hear the various reports and to enjoy the excellent entertainment. In the absence of President Michele DePalo and Vice President John Hannon, Jane Love chaired the business portion of the afternoon. Thank you’s were offered to Michele DePalo, John Hannon and Kathy Gualtieri who have completed their three year terms as board members and for a job well done. The membership unanimously approved the three proposed new board members: Dick Westoff, Judy Perfido and Bill Ruddock.  The financial report showed that Playcrafters  is solvent and in good financial shape. Thanks to all who supported us with  annual dues and attendance at our productions. Nick Attanasio, the director for the Spring show, “The Mousetrap”, gave a summary of the plot.

Judy Perfido and Ted Fleissgarten won the two raffles (baskets of cheer).The $268 in raffle proceeds will be donated to the Nicole Gregory Irrevocable Trust Fund. George Loizides produced the entertainment which was fabulous as usual. George, Des Burke, Kim Esp and Linda Hart-Conroy presented a number of very funny skits and some very clever improv.

Get Well, Nick!

Our board member and set constructor, Nick Sanna, is recovering     from major surgery. We all keep him in our prayers and hope that he will be up and about very soon. Nick, the Board misses you!! Cards would be appreciated. Please send them to Nick Sanna, 38 Shore Drive , Mastic Beach , NY 11951 .

Fall Production

“Leader of the Pack”, our fall production, was a huge success, both artistically and financially. We had two sellout performances and the 835 people attending the four  performances just loved the lively music and great choreography. The board wishes to thank all the many people it took to make the show such a success.

Playbill Ads

The ads placed in our playbill contribute a considerable amount to our organization that allows us to produce two major shows per year. We urge you to purchase an ad and patronize the merchants who support us. For more information please call or e-mail Playcrafters using  information from the letterhead.

New Officers

On February 15, 2005 your new board met and elected the following new officers:

          President – Kathie Loizides

          Vice President – Dorry Tooker

          Treasurer – Judy Perfido

          Secretary – Bill Rudock

The Board also selected the following Committee Chairs:

          Membership -- Geri D’Amico

          Scholarship – Dick Westhoff      

          Newsletter – Al Rand/Dick Westhoff

          Reading – Jane Love

          Ad Sales – Kathie Loizides & Judy Profido

          Playbill – Bill Love

          Social – Dorry Tooker & Geri D’Amico

       Grants – Judy Perfido

       Voice, e-mail & web-site  -- Bill Rudock

       Inventory – Dick Westhoff & Nick Sanna

Congratulations to all and may each of you have a very successful year.

Pay Your Dues

If you have not paid your dues for 2005 please use the form below and send your check in promptly --- we count on your support.

PLAYCRAFTER'S 2005 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

$10-Single, $15-Couples, $25-Sponsor, $40-Angel and $75.00-Parton.

Name ___________________________________________________________        

Address ___________________________________________________________    

Phone ______________________   e-mail address ________________________    

Fax # _________________________________