Benefit for Waldorf's Farrell set for Saturday

ALL ABOUT CHARLES

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

Farrell, diagnosed as an infant with Hirschsprung disease — a disease of the large intestine — had to have his entire large and part of his small intestine removed. Now the remaining part of his small intestine is shutting down, according to information provided by the Farrell family.

An infection crops up every three or four months resulting in a week or two hospital stay for the University of Maryland University College graduate.

Farrell treks to Georgetown Hospital every week for appointments and testing. A Waldorf resident who works for the Department of Justice, Farrell's illness causes him to miss days of work.

The fundraiser, which will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in White Plains, will help raise money to allow Farrell to make a dent in his medical bills.

Organizers said the benefit will include music, food, a live and silent auction and raffles. The lodge is at 4765 Crain Highway. Call 301-399-9285 or 301-932-3787.

Miracles happen at theater

Port Tobacco Players are searching for the perfect Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan for its production of "The Miracle Worker."

Producer Laura Lane and director Brian Donohue will hold auditions for the show which will be staged in March.

Tryouts for adults are at 7 p.m. Wednesday and at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the theater at 508 Charles St. in La Plata.

Youth auditions — for girls between6 to 8 and girls from 6 to 16 to play the lead (at different ages) and supporting roles; there is also a role for one boy — will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at the theater. Callbacks are scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 26.

Actors should be prepared to perform cold readings from the script — and don't worry about wardrobe. Show runners suggest performers dress comfortably.

For more information, call Lane at 301-870-7044 to schedule an appointment, discuss alternative times or go to www.ptplayers.org.

In more theater news, PTP has released its slate of upcoming shows for the 2010-2011 season that are being considered.

Directors and producers are being sought to make the stories come to life on stage.

Among the shows selected are comedies "A Bad Year for Tomatoes," "Duck Hunter Shoots Angel," "Jake's Women," "Sin, Sex, and the CIA" and "Sylvia." Dramas include "Shadowlands," "Side Man," "The Diary of Anne Frank," "The Trip to Bountiful" and "The Uninvited."

Holiday plays are "It's a Wonderful Life," "The Christmas Schooner" and "The Sound of Music."

Musicals will be "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Assassins," "Jekyll and Hyde," "My Favorite Year," "Oklahoma," "The Wizard of Oz," "Ug: The Caveman Musical" and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."

Following interviews with applicants, the new season will be announced at the PTP winter membership meeting.

For more information, e-mail productions@ptplayers.com.

October is ruff month

The Tri-County Animal Shelter announced that October is Adopt a Dog Month and it will reduce fee to $45 for dog adoptions that are completed during the month.

Citizens must meet adoption requirements to adopt a pet.The shelter is at 6707 Animal Shelter Road in Hughesville. Call 301-932-1713, 800-903-1992 or e-mail animalshelter@charlescounty.org.