Standing Room Only (SRO) Theater has aimed to become the hub of arts and entertainment in Yelm through live theater showings and different events in recent years. This summer, the non-profit organization has a packed schedule as it intends to present “Nunsense” and “Murder Mystery” at different locations in Yelm.
SRO Theater President Steve Harshfield said the organization is excited to offer several showings of two different theater performances this summer. The first two showings of “Nunsense” will take place at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at the Outpost Church in Yelm, 102 E. Yelm Ave.
“It’s all about these five nuns who are trying to manage a fundraiser after most of their nunnery died from botulism. It’s a musical comedy,” Harshfield said. “We’re still working towards perhaps getting another permanent home. I’ve been working very diligently on trying to find a home for a multicultural, multi-art performing arts center in Yelm. More to come on that.”
The cast of “Nunsense” includes Savannah Creamer, Christel Mason-Gillespie, Cindy Schorno, Rae Simpson and Dawn Young. It will be directed by Claudia Simpson-Jones and Yvette O’Keefe and is produced by Harshfield, O’Keefe and Young.
Following the first two showings, SRO Theater will make its debut at Uptown Lounge at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 4. Ticket purchases include dinner, and attendants will be able to choose between baked herb chicken, salmon with a lemon beurre blanc sauce or a vegetarian meal.
“It’ll be very interesting. Of course, it is our first performance there. We were requested by Uptown Lounge to try to do something like that,” Harshfield said. “Our director for ‘Nunsense,’ Claudia Simpson-Jones, is a frequent piano player there. Every Wednesday night, these days, she’s up front playing piano during dinner service.”
Following the showings of “Nunsense,” Harshfield said SRO Theater will present four showings of “Murder Mystery” at Farrelli’s in Yelm. The four acts will begin at 7 p.m. on July 18, July 19, July 25 and July 26. Seating starts at 6:30 p.m. for all four showings.
“Much like the one we had last year, attendants can expect some comedy, intrigue and some really good food and great performances. Overall, it’s a lot of fun,” Harshfield said.
A description of the event invites attendants to “attend Big Daddy’s Gambling Cruise on his beautiful yacht, the SS Royal Flush.” It adds “dinner is on the menu… however, so is murder.” Tickets, the dinner menu and details about the event can be found online at SROTheater.org. Harshfield noted that there is no real gambling, cruising or murdering at the event.
The cast of “Murder Mystery” will include Creamer, Joel Derefield, Jonnie Ellis, Makenna Ellis, Karie Armbruster Fountain, Kalen McCrea, Charles Phillips, Kamylle Sprenger, Jenny Weber and Simpson. O’Keefe will serve as the director, while Harshfield will produce the performance.
“Standing Room Only intends to be around for the long haul to continue bringing quality programming to the Nisqually Valley, the Yelm area,” Harshfield said. “We’re always looking for people who are interested in sitting their butts in seats but also people who would like to get on stage and be a part of the action.”
Those interested in becoming a performer for SRO Theater can reach Harshfield “before, during or after” the organization’s performances, or by visiting the group’s website and filling out an interest form.
