Village Players bring out residents’ artistic talents
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The artistic talents of Hot Springs Village residents Judy and Paul Richards are being put to great use these days, as the two are serving as set decorators for the Village Players dinner theater production of the comedic mystery “In 25 Words or Death.”
After retirement, the Richards couple sold their belongings and hit the road. They lived for periods in Costa Rica, Florida, San Francisco, British Columbia, and Port Orchard, Wash., before coming to HSV. According to a news release, as they began to meet residents of the community, he said to her, “We’re not leaving here. This is our new home.”
They eventually attended a couple of Players presentations, and thought it would be fun to work backstage. “The people in the cast were such friendly, welcoming people,” he said in the release. “Working on a play is fun, and you start seeing things differently. You notice the set design and how the actors deliver their lines. You’re involved in creating something that others can appreciate.”
The set decorators of a play choose the wall color, furniture, and room accents to create a certain atmosphere. Items are selected to fit the setting of the script, and in this case, it is Pelican Pointe Lodge — a rocky island resort off the New England coast.
The Richards team is planning a casual look for furniture, with a nautical theme for accessories. Colors will reflect the colors of the sea. They hope to transport the audience to a seaside setting with some additional handcrafted props that are sure to set the mood.
“In 25 Words or Death” will be presented at 6 p.m. July 14 and 15, with a 2 p.m. matinee on July 16. Since the play is set during Thanksgiving, a traditional holiday meal will be catered by Home Plate Cafe. To enhance the fun, attendees are encouraged to dress in a nautical theme.
Tickets are $35, and can be purchased online at http:// www.hsvticketsales.com through July 10. Tables for eight are also available.