Entertainment

'Performing Arts of Rancho' applauded

DOWNEY-A troupe of 16 current and former patients at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center sang, played, and danced at the recent inaugural program of the "Performing Arts of Rancho."

Conceptualized in 2001, the "Performing Arts of Rancho" is an extension of methods used by Rancho occupational and recreation therapists to help their patients reclaim quality of life in the aftermath of severely-disabling illness and injury. The 90-minute show, entitled "Spirit of Love Around the World," culminated weeks of rehearsals on site and at home by participants. The concept originated by Rancho occupational therapist and show director Linda Muccitelli, drew enthusiastic support from Rancho's leadership team, and became a reality with support from Rancho employees and volunteers.

Proud of participants
"Each of us at Rancho is proud to celebrate the triumph of the participants as they shared their talents with us at the Performing Arts program. We salute also the employee volunteers who conceived and staged this magical, life-affirming event," said Consuelo Diaz, Rancho's chief executive officer.

"Spirit of Love" cast members included: actress Blanca Alvarado; singers Jesus and Alicia Centeno; cellist Bonnie Dodge; singer Maria Jacquez; dancers Francisco Jimenez and Maria Luna; singer/guitarist Brian Jones; program host and coach Loree Lynn; singers Judy Magana and daughter Brianna; singer/dancer Autianya Pascqua; singer Carmen Pelayo; actress/singer Amana Thompson; poet Treauna Turner, and singer Alma Valentine.

Rancho history
Based in Downey, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is the market leader in the field of medical rehabilitation. Founded in 1888, Rancho averages more than 3,000 inpatient admissions and nearly 60,000 outpatient visits each year. Among 20 distinctive centers of excellence on campus, Rancho's spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and stroke programs have each earned national recognition. Rancho is ranked in the top tier of medical rehabilitation institutions in America, according to a survey conducted annually by U.S. News & World Report.

'Playing Doctor' has rare moments

By John Adams
DOWNEY-The Downey Theater was filled with laughter last weekend as "Playing Doctor," a comedy in three acts kept audiences wondering what would occur next on the Downey stage.

The production was the annual joint-effort of the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis and the Soroptimist International of Downey, and featured a cast drawn from the ranks of both groups.

Community service
These two groups stress community service, and dramatic skills rank a distant second. Thus, while the stage performance was at times ragged, it was for a good cause, to benefit children's programs sponsored by both clubs.

And the occasional lost line or missed cue only went to heighten the hilarity of the show.

The cast Friday, Jan. 18, consisted of Cheryl Sauter, Hal Nelson, Bob Goldstein, Dave Gafin, Mike Manicone, Marion Scichilone, Laura Lueke, and Robert Belcher.

Saturday's cast consisted of Pat Heineke, Nelson, Goldstein, Gafin, Kent Halbmaier, Scichilone, Dorothy Pemberton and Belcher.

The Sunday matinee show featured Sauter, Nelson, Goldstein, Gafin, Manicone, Scichilone, Pemberton and Belcher.

There were surprise cameo appearances by other club-members each night. Since the cast was entirely made up of members of the community, the occasional lost line or missed cue will make for light-hearted "ribbing" for many months.

The play by William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore (not locals), was produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Student seats
Downey Regional Medical Center, Dr. Mary Stauffer, and Marcha Weinberg and Family each bought the balcony seats for local students for a performance.

And the hospital supplied rehearsal space for the production.

The play is set in the living room of a suburban home in North New Jersey. The time is the present. It all centers on a young man who fools his rich parents into supporting him for eight years of alleged medical school while he actually studies to be a writer. When they decide to visit, he frantically attempts to convince them that he's a doctor as he's been telling them for years.

All in fun
The plot is farcical, the acting spotty-but who cares? This was a chance to get out and enjoy our Downey Theater which is too often unused.

Instead of a dark theater, there was a bright cheery place filled with laughter for three performances. And proceeds stay in the community and benefit youth programs.

End Entertainment