Want to run away and join the circus for three weeks? The Auburn Memorial Hospital musical comedy show, “Palpitations 2010: Dr. Gallstone Scores a Touchdown!” gives local residents a chance to do that. In three weeks, actors learn their lines, singers learn 10 songs, and dancers learn to kick at the right time without hitting the person dancing next to them. And on Nov. 5 and 6, audiences will enjoy a show that somehow has come together in time to provide laughter, music and fun — as well as raising funds for the AMH Maternity Initiative.
The plot of the show is both simple and simply ridiculous. While polishing bedpans, Nurse Nancy is shocked when “the Genie of the Bedpan” appears and offers her three wishes. She seeks the wise input of John Baran, AMH chief financial officer, who wishes that AMH would have its own football team, the Auburn Healers. The team magically appears, made up of physicians (Drs. Rosenblum, Nangle, Gioia, Nizam, W. Foresman, LaDuca and Duckett, all playing themselves onstage) as well as one nurse midwife, Marge Tracy.
John Baran, as head coach, is frustrated when the team loses game after game. His second wish from the Genie is for a super-player who can help them win. Dr. Gallstone magically appears and is indeed a talented player, but lacks team spirit. His continual hogging of the ball stops the team from winning despite his skills. Finally, the third wish is for team spirit, just in time for the big hospital bowl game. Will the Auburn Healers win? Those who attend “Palpitations 2010” will find out!
Auditions were held on Oct. 10 and 11, and yielded a cast of more than 40 talented actors, singers and dancers. Casting included Mike Nye as Dr. Gallstone; Jim (Muggsy) Byrne as the Genie; Diane DeRoos as Nurse Nancy; and Diane Kalweit as Miss Sue Sylvester, cheerleading coach. John Baran will play himself as team coach and his assistant coach will be played by John Moschetti.
Others in the cast include Joanne Foresman, Carol McNeil, Samantha Hockey, Joe Guerrera, Arlene Ryan, Jessica Lohrer, Kathryn Estabrook, Doreen Warren, Claudene Sanford, Isabelle Klima, Mary Rand, Dawn Fedigan, Carla Weeks, Kathy Hartnett, Jean Wiseman, Marilyn Castiglione, Patty Moe, Linda Gentilcore, Cyndy Ross, Jeff Rowe, Regina McAllaster, Colleen Brezee, Helen Leaf, Linda Bauso, Linda Burdick, Pam Heffernan, David Lee, Cindy Curtin, David Brennan, Pamela Anderegg, Doxie Sherman, Bob Miller, Jim Beckwith and Theresa Thurston.
The show features songs such as “Cheer, Cheer for Old AMH” (to the tune of the Notre Dame cheer song), “Fame,” “Footloose,” “High Hopes,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” (sung by the hot new group, the Swine Floozies), “Putting on the Ritz” and “Lean on Me.” People who expect the Sonny and Cher hit “I Got You Babe” to be included in every “Palpitations” production will not be disappointed.
Co-directors are Susan Kenyon and Martha Petrosino, musical director is Grace Lentini, choreographer is Mary Jo Pelc and Tony Saurini is technical director. Accompaniment will be provided by the Bob Piorun Ensemble.
Tickets for the show are only $10 and are available in the AMH Gift Shop, AmeriCU Credit Union and The Citizen, or by calling Dawn at 255-7229.
Beverly Miller is the director of community relations at Auburn Memorial Hospital, and wrote the script for “Palpitations 2010: Dr. Gallstone Scores a Touchdown!”
via auburnpub.com
