Local News - August 2002

‘Meet Me At Luigi’s’

Dinner theater offered by church

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

August 16, 2002 - A comet is coming, and Luigi’s Restaurant is a prime spot to view it.

That’s the plot of Salem United Methodist Church’s upcoming dinner theater, “Meet Me At Luigi’s.”

Luigi’s fills up with customers for the big event and restaurant regulars (the cast) have to serve food and clean dishes.

The colorful cast includes a clumsy busboy, a cheerleader, a scientist and a philosopher, to name a few. They make quite a busy bunch on stage.

But the story holds more than funny one-liners and Italian accents, says director Ronnie Barker.

“It’s got a really good meaning. Each character has a story to tell, that ties back to God.”

“Meet Me At Luigi’s” is Salem’s third dinner theater production.

“It seems like every production we grow a little bit,” he says.

The production crew and cast are members of the church. And Barker says he prefers Christian plays. He says that does not mean the plays are stuffy.

“Religion can be fun.”

The plays have helped the church in the building of the Family Life Center. All proceeds continue to pay for the building, where the shows will be held.

“Everybody loves it,” says Barker. “This is our first major production where we’ve pushed for the public to come.”

Barker attributes his experience in directing to working with the Lincoln Theatre Guild. In fact, he plans to hold open auditions as the Guild does next summer.

Performances will be Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. The menu will include spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Tickets for the dinner theater are now on sale — $15 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under. For reservations call 704-483-6509.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

Terms and Conditions