EAST PROVIDENCE — The de Perla Theatre Company, composed of students in grades 7 through 12, presents “The Ladies Society Attempts a Murder,” on Friday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 81 Warren Ave. “The Ladies Society Attempts a Murder” is a unique comedy with eccentric characters creating a play within a play. The shows are free and no reservations are needed. DVD’s of the show will be available for purchase. For more information contact Judy Smith de Perla at smitty467@verizon.net.
St. Mary's Church is the home of de Perla Theatre, conducting theater activities for six weeks in the summer. The program in its second year and is open to all interested teens from grade 7-12. The evening sessions include improvisation, stage instruction, theater games and culminate in a full length performance. Students participate in all aspects of preparing a production for multiple audiences. Additional courses are offered during school vacations in February and April and all skill levels are encouraged to participate.
“The Ladies Society Attempts a Murder” is a unique comedy with eccentric characters creating a play within a play. Judy de Perla and Jillian Gesualdi, the directors of the performance, have worked together on many shows and enjoy creating new experiences for the students.
“It’s a very multi-talented group; all the artwork and props are created by the participants,” said Ms. de Perla. “We work with some amazing teens who don’t necessarily know each other at all before we start. The current group has jumped whole heartedly into improv activities, getting to know each other and working smoothly together as though they have been friends for years.”
“My favorite part of this is the intimacy of the program and with the cast. The true focus is able to be placed on developing character skills and improv skills,” said Ms. Gesualdi. “I love that we’re taking our own spin on theater in the round… it’s a cool feeling for the audience too!”