The S & L Players and Package Goods Orchestra are combining powers and hosting a variety show for the ages. Expect comedy monologues, one-act dramedies and music, all in one show.
On Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m., the Theater at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point will transform for 90 minutes into a space where connection and magic flow together in an extraordinary event.
S & L Players is an independent theatrical production company based in South Jersey that formed in 2003. For years, the group, along with producer and writer Sam Sardina, has been performing acts in the community.
Package Goods Orchestra (PGO) is a band of five talented, longtime musicians who have been making music for over 25 years.
Individually, these two creative local outlets shine, but together they coincide perfectly to create an even bigger and grander event. Their collaborations began about four years ago and have only grown since.
“The collab came together because Bette Kaminsky, the lead singer of PGO, is also an actress in our troupe for S & L Players. She’s been acting with us since day one and is a core member of our group. After she and her husband started the PGO band around 2007, we’ve always followed and supported each other,” Sardina said. “So, around three to four years ago we decided to collaborate, they do the music while we do the theater, and it’s been a good marriage ever since.”
With the two coming together, attendees can expect laughter, drama, and great music. S & L Players will perform Sardina’s newest dramedy, “Hey, Julia”. This debut performance will include a 30-minute one-act play, followed by an intermission, and then about 45 minutes of music from PGO.
“I think this collaboration between our two groups works well because the shows I tend to write are about a half hour long,” Sardina said. “So, it’s nice to couple the shorter plays with the music. It gives a nice variety of things for people to see and enjoy.”
In addition to the dramedy and tunes, this “Laughter and Lyrics Variety Show Special” will also feature an MC delivering comedic monologues.
Sardina shared that this is the third or fourth time S & L Players and PGO have collaborated in this way, with theater in the first half and music in the second. Last year, they sold out the theater three times, and they’re excited to see what this year brings.
Sardina explained that “Hey, Julia” is a comedy about a man who is anti-tech. One night, his computer comes to life and begins verbally berating him. “So, it’s not just a comedy, there’s more depth to it,” Sardina said. “Yes, people will laugh at lots of parts, but they’ll also think. There’s a nice twist to the story as well.”
Between the humor, the thought-provoking story, and the lively music featuring “oldies but goodies,” this night is for everyone. Sardina says people should expect laughter, dramedy, great music, and even more collaborations like this in the future.
“Locals should come because it’s a chance to get away,” Sardina said. “It’s a lighthearted show that won’t take up too much of your time. For 20 dollars, you’re going to be entertained.”
Reservations for the Variety Show are recommended since seating at the theater is limited. Both the S & L Players and PGO are excited to bring excellence to the stage and show everyone what they can achieve not only as individual groups but also together as one.
