In the tradition of the hilarious Harvey Korman and Tim Conway sketches from the old Carol Burnett Show comes the stage comedy “The Queen of Bingo” at the Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Avenue East, Princeton, Illinois, on February 28 and March 1.
Sis and Babe, two sisters on the other side of 50, want to add a little fun and excitement to their lives, but where to find it?.... BINGO! Jeanne Michels and Phyllis Murphy’s “The Queen of Bingo” catches Sis (Jill Marti) and Babe (Julie Grady) during bingo night at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Over the rattle of bingo balls, the patter of a smooth-talking caller, and the smell of sweat from the boy’s locker room, the women come to terms with life, love, winning, and losing.
The show comes steeped in the culture of bingo halls, big diamonds, daubers, and coveralls. Bingo (and its superstitions) remains enough a part of our shared culture that audiences can laugh as Marti unpacks a huge bag filled with bingo supplies, good luck tokens, and a big coffee mug – then giggle again as Grady arrives with a 7-eleven mug the size of Connecticut, Troll dolls, and a good luck cross that she waves over her cards.
While the light-hearted show focuses mainly on silliness (characters in the bingo hall, an escaped mouse, Babe’s attempts to evade love-happy Coach Anderson), it does veer into the serious. Sis, a widow, struggles with loneliness, while Babe fights the battle of the bulge. Surprise, surprise!! Bingo turns out to be the answer to both their prayers!
The cast also includes the comedic talents of Utica’s Karen Rogers and Princeton’s Andy Marti. Jill Marti does double-duty as director for the show. The rest of the production staff includes Kathy Ballard, set designer; Maryhelen Bidasio, tickets; Dixie Schroeder, press/assistant director; and Elaine Russell and Patti Moynihan as co-chairs for the auction.
Performances for this hilarious comedy are set for 7 p.m. Saturday, February 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Ticket prices are $18 for Saturday’s performance, which includes the “Girls Night Out” event.
Tickets for Sunday’s performance are $12 (performance only). Please call (815) 875-2787 and leave a message to purchase your ticket or visit the PAC box office at the Prairie Arts Center between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. February 19 and 24. Tickets purchased by phone may also be picked up at that time.