“Peril of the Polls” by SGVRT

Politics get melodramatic in San Gabriel Valley Repertory Theatre’s (SGVRT) next Dining Dramatically melodrama dinner theatre production, “Peril of the Polls” staged  Sept. 23 and 24 at the Oak Tree Room, 1150 Colorado St., Arcadia.. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. San Gabriel Valley Repertory Theatre is the only Los Angeles County theatre company keeping the art of melodrama alive, and deliciously, too, as a dinner theater experience. With Shaun Hade as host, “Peril of the Polls” explores the shenanigans surrounding the campaign for governor in Valentine, Nebraska. Wally Wessell is running for reelection as governor. He is aided by his wife Daisy and daughter Mina, who has returned home from college. State Trooper Dwayne Cooper, head of Governor Wessell’s security, is investigating a near-fatal “accident” that almost ended Wally’s life. While gathering evidence, Trooper Cooper meets Mina and a romance blossoms.  Meanwhile, Businessman Hugh Beast and Senator Neinerniener plot to eliminate Wessell from the governor’s race to benefit their own nefarious intentions. Does the seemingly inept governor stand a chance? Shaun Hade (Host) has spent 30-plus years in theatre, television and movie work, including as a stunt woman. She is also very active in Toastmasters International, speaking both competitively and as a motivational speaker. Malorie Felt (Mina Wessell), a Colorado transplant who has been acting since age 10, earned a BA in theatre performance from the University of Northern Colorado. She studied film acting at NYCDA. You can see more of her work at www.maloriefelt.com. Sue Buckwell (Production Co-Ordinator) earned her MA from Cal State Los Angeles in theatre arts. Recent roles include the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz,” Mrs. Mushnik (replacing Mr. Mushnik) in “Little Shop of Horrors,” and Mrs. Potts in “Beauty and the Beast.” Aditya Joshi (Trooper Cooper) received his BA in media studies in Pune, India and his MFA in film acting from N.Y. Film Academy, Burbank. He has dance and stage combat training with a long list of theater and film productions to his name. Glenn Miller (Governor Wessell) has acted in over 100 productions throughout Southern California over the last 40 years. A prolific actor, director and English teacher, Glenn is also a “Standardized Patient” for Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. Lisa Wisong Miller (Senator Nienerniener) is a 35-year veteran of southland theatre and a six-time Inland Theatre League Award winner.  She co-founded a non-profit Shakespeare troupe, does voice-over work and, as a “Standardized Patient,” helps medical students hone their skills. Nicholas M. Passell (Hugh Beast) has acted in several student short films and amateur plays over the years, including “Cabaret” playing Ernst Ludwig. He is also an amateur impressionist, able to imitate several accents, voices, and people, both real and fictional. Tickets for this rousing night of delicious food and fine theatre are $55 each, which includes a three-act play and a three-course dinner and free parking. Reservations with dinner choice are required by one week before show date. They can be made by paying with a credit card at www.sgvrt.com, by calling (909) 643-4123 or sending an email to sgvrt626@gmail.com and then paying (with cash or check only) at the door. Use PCboo3hiss2 to receive $5 discount when ordering tickets. Founded by Carolyn Bushnell, Deborah Gould, Darya Harris and Patrick Towles, SGVRT’s mission is to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the San Gabriel Valley community by creating theatrical experiences available to people of all walks of life, collaborating with local businesses, donating to local charitable organizations and providing multiple outlets for artistic expression as well as educational opportunities.