Readers Theater group plays classics

Performs at senior citizen centers

Forget classic reruns; each month the Mt. Lebanon Library Readers Theater group gives voice to classic literature, plays and even radio shows at senior citizens centers throughout the South Hills.

This month, paying homage to the new baseball season, the group’s repertoire will include Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First.”

The volunteer actors have provided live entertainment for more than 15 years and are looking for new members. The next meeting is at 2 p.m. April 21 at the library.

“The goal of the whole program is to have fun — for us and for the audience. It’s just something we fell into because we enjoy doing it,” said Joel Meltzer, 76, a volunteer who organizes appearances and rehearsals.

In readers theater, the actors do not memorize their lines, wear costumes or use props or sound effects. Mr. Meltzer said his thespians sit at a table while role-playing. To prepare, they meet at the library an hour or so before their performance, practice their lines and then travel to one of about seven venues.

Many of the volunteers are retired and have acting or public speaking experience. Mr. Meltzer has a degree in theater from Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie Mellon University. Others have no acting experience at all.

“In readers theater, we get a chance to read roles that we’d never get a chance to do,” Mr. Meltzer said.

“This is the best-kept secret. The actors are super, and it is well received,” said Eleanor Merritt, 60, who lives at Baptist Manor. “Sometimes they’re kind enough to tell jokes afterward.”

Taking advantage of the library’s extensive drama collection, the group also orders materials — anything from dramatic adaptations of literature and poetry to classic radio scripts — from the countywide InterLibrary loan. They’ve also partnered with Mt. Lebanon High School’s drama department, said Cynthia Richey, library director.

One of the first performances, she noted, was an adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Others have included excerpts from Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” and even a 1928 British drama called “Danger.” They’ve also revived radio scripts about the 1940s quarreling couple, “The Bickersons.”

“That, some members of the audience remember and really enjoy,” said Mr. Meltzer.

“One of the great things is it gives the opportunity to volunteer and do something that’s meaningful,” said Ms. Richey, adding that many of the audiences for whom the group performs are unable to get to the library.

“It part of the library’s mission to expose people to books and literature and to bring the library to those who can no longer visit,” she adds.

Details: mtlebananlibary.org, 412-531-1912.