Theater Production to Benefit Rotary Int’l
Tara A. Spears
Did you know that Jaltemba Bay, Mexico has stellar beaches and it also offers all kinds of entertainment? The area has many talented artists, including actors Jeff and Miriam Rogers (photo) who organize local performances.
During the winter season you can enjoy many styles of cuisine in the cafes and restaurants, participate in outdoor activities, groove to excellent live music performances, and experience cultural events including live theater. Best of all are the numerous fundraisers that combine entertainment with helping the community.
The Penita Players bring the highly acclaimed Port Burwell Periscope Theatre to Guayabitos for four nights of “The Long Weekend” to benefit the Rotary Club. This Canadian play, a romantic comedy, will be performed by the original actors in February, 2023. The Long weekend received rave reviews during its original run: “the performances of the cast members were superb. I think what I liked most about the experience was that everybody, audience members and cast alike, seemed to be having a good time. Isn’t that the way theatre should be?”
Tickets for this must see event are available from 8 am until noon at the Guayabitos Monday market and also at the Thursday La Penita market- the Rotary table is in front of the church. The show will cost $300 pesos. The performances are located at Pina Colada Restaurant in Guayabitos.
The doors will open at 7:00pm with the show starting at 7:30pm. Limited seating so don’t wait too long to purchase tickets in order to attend. Contact Miriam Rogers on messenger or Rotary president, Vern Porter, cell 322 111 7270 or visit website https://www.jaltembarotaryclub.com for ticket information.
It’s amazing what a dedicated and talented bunch of people can accomplish! In the spring of 2011, Jeff and Marion Rogers had a dream. Their idea was to start a small theatre in the small village of Port Burwell, Ontario. “Why not bring culture, theatre and fun to all who live in or visit the small lake side community? The Rogers shared their idea with co-founders Grahame and Ann Notman and in July 2011, the first operating committee was formed. The Port Burwell Periscope Playhouse applied for and was granted their federal incorporation as a Not-for-Profit Company in November of 2011. We were on our way!” explained Marion.
Between 2013 and 2015, Periscope Playhouse rented various venues and staged seven plays interspersed with Murder Mysteries and several musical events. “We were able to purchase our permanent location at 42 Wellington St., Port Burwell. Within 5 months of purchase, the hard work, sweat and tears of dedicated volunteers had turned the old Sid Shelly Scout Hall into the “Periscope Playhouse and Cultural Centre”.
“We are so proud of our little theatre and since the permanent location opening in June, 2016, we have continued to strive to bring quality plays, musical concerts and other community enriching events to the Periscope Playhouse,” said Marion. Now, the actors are going international with the Guayabitos performances.
For those that are not familiar with the operation of the Rotary Club Int’l de Jaltemba, the group was started in 2009 to cover the Jaltemba Bay area that includes La Penita, Rincon de Guayabitos, Los Ayala. This is a group of concerned people- Canadian, American, and Mexican- members that work together to address community needs. According to Rotary President, Vern Porter, “The proceeds from the play will support various Rotary activities, such as buying wheelchairs for loan, donation to JBar, paying artists for the “those without voices murals” and constructing new recycling baskets.
Rotary is also taking over the Conalep high school scholarship program that Los Amigos had.
Look for Miriam at the outdoor markets beginning this week to purchase your theater ticket for The Long Weekend play. It’s a delightful way to enjoy drama and help others at the same time! Thank you to the Periscope Playhouse and Cultural Centre for bringing their talent SOTB.
