Does Juliette Jellyfish Ever Find Love?

By Linda Elissalde
Talented Dianna Ezzell’s beautifully designed advertisements for The Way Off Broadway Ensemble Players (TWOBEP) production of MELANIE MERMAID TAIL’S TALE resulted in a large crowd. Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation (BPCF) hosted the event. As always BPCF delighted attendees with multiple epicurean delicacies. Eagles #3719 provided a welcoming home for the show. But what about the presentation?

Dr. Melanie Wallace and I collaborated on the stage play script. Melanie also designed award winning costumes and stage decor. I had the pleasure of directing a talented volunteer cast. Raquel Silverberg started with the very first production by TWOBEP in spring, 2003. Some came aboard when Anne Willis and Margo Johnson launched their successful 7 year run of THE JANE LONG FESTIVAL. Others were neophytes. Many ensemble members designed their own costumes. What creative designers they turned out to be! Rehearsals were a pleasure. Different members added ideas, and the script became better from their clever suggestions. It must have worked because our thespians received a standing ovation.

A roster of cast and helpers are listed below. However, their were some folk not on that list. Dr. Melanie Wallace and Mack Wallace traveled many miles back and forth from Ovilla, Texas. Elinor Tinsley made myriad contributions to the event. My husband Marcel Elissalde went through another production with me. A special round of gratitude goes to Susan Shafer who provided the musical backgrounds Susan had to change her offerings over and over due to unforeseen changes. She never complained and proved she was a great musician. Excellent Stage Manager Marsha Fredenburg made sure that everyone stepped on stage at the correct time. Little Drummer Margo Johnson made a delightful surprise appearance.

Kim Young was most helpful with running off programs. Some Eagles not included on the printouts were Timmy Armond, Bob Hibbard, Don Floyd, “Lulu” Montgomery and, of course, Big Jim Denys for their continued assistance during rehearsals and set up for final show. TWOBEP presented Jim with a small gift in gratitude. Elinor Tinsley closed out the evening with gifts to leaders of the production. Also, their were winners for BPCF ’s fabulous door prizes. BPCF thanked Eagles #3719 with a gift

Oh yes! DOES JULIETTE JELLYFISH EVER FIND LOVE? Ask a member of the SRO crowd who viewed MELANIE MERMAID TAIL’S TALE!

Photos courtesy of Elinor Tinsley, Linda Elissalde, Maggie Harrison, and Shauna King.

Linda

I was born on February 14, 1941 into a family of writers. Schmuckers took pen in hand for thank you notes, news articles, lessons, plays, poetry, birthdays, eulogies, etc. Aquarius prediction in my diary stated, “Has some writing abilities, but too superficial to be important”. Thanks to all who accept my compositions anyway. I come from a family of writers.

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