Old friends unite to raise money for theater

An Odessa trio reunites on stage Thursday evening for a fund-raiser concert of neighborly sentiment - and the first song planned for the night is named accordingly.

Pals Patsy Allen, Dale Jenkins and Dana Ritter will set the tone with "Old Friends" - one of about 25 favorite songs they'll sing by award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

The three united in the mid-'80s and performed Sondheim's songs at a national competition in 1991, but their appearances Thursday, April 25 and 26 won't just be for show.

"We're doing this as a benefit fund-raiser for the Permian Playhouse," Ritter said. "This is kind of a reunion show for us, and it'll probably be the last one since we're getting old."

Director Chad Cazee said the musical benefit will help keep the theater's doors open, noting there's a national trend of decreased interest in live theater. The Permian Playhouse is in its 60th season of continuous operation.

"A nonprofit is hard to keep open anyway, and the last few years, nationally, theaters have suffered a loss," he said. "People just don't go to the theater anymore - we cannot survive on ticket sales alone."

Accompanied by a live orchestra, the singing trio will perform many of Sondheim's recognizable works. The recent release of the movie "Sweeney Todd" starring Johnny Depp has helped renew interest in Sondheim.

Cazee said he is glad that Allen, Jenkins and Ritter are teaming up again, and he is hoping for a good turnout.

"They have quite a draw," he said. "They've done quite a bit in the area, and they had a bit of a local following."

Ritter said she's also looking forward to reunion shows of very entertaining music.

"We're real thrilled to get the three of us together," she said. "There'll be a little something for everybody."

ON THE NET:
>> Permian Playhouse:
www.permianplayhouse.com