Civitan Services and The Royal Players have teamed up to present Cupid’s Dinner Theater at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Benton Event Center, 17333 Interstate 30.
“We have previously presented murder-mystery dinner theaters as fundraisers, but this is the first time we have done something like this,” said Ashley Copple, special-events coordinator for Civitan Services. “We have created this especially for the community for Valentine’s Day.”
The Royal Players will present Private Lives, by Noel Coward.
“What better way to give back to the community than offering our patrons dinner and a show?” Copple said. “The tickets are half the price of our murder-mystery production, and the dress is more casual; plus, The Royal Players will present a romantic comedy rather than a murder mystery.”
The event, which is sponsored by Everett Buick-GMC, will also feature an auction of original client artwork during intermission.
“We are excited about our first Cupid’s Dinner Theater and the chance to provide this unique experience for the people of our community,” said Leah Henderson, executive director of Civitan Services. “We feel like this is one of those rare win-win-win opportunities.
“Our peers can enjoy a special night out without having to travel, and two great nonprofit organizations will share in the proceeds,” Henderson said, adding that The Royal Players will receive 20 percent of the proceeds. “It will be a fun evening, and it is our hope that people will leave knowing that they are helping a lot of great people — the men, women and children we serve — while enjoying a great meal and quality entertainment at the same time.”
Copple said proceeds from the event will go to the Civitan Services Building Campaign. The organization, which has been serving adults and children with developmental disabilities at the Benton campus since 1958, is nearing completion of a new $3.5 million facility for adults and a new donation center in Bryant.
Susan Dill, president of The Royal Players Board of Directors, is the producer of Private Lives.
“This is a romantic comedy from 1930 that focuses on a divorced couple who, while honeymooning with their new spouses, discover they are staying in adjacent rooms at the hotel,” Dill said. “Through the ensuing chaos, we are shown that true love isn’t always perfect and is often found in the most unexpected ways.”
Hillary Bell of Benton directs the show and has chosen to place it in the 1960s.
“Coward’s humor is timeless, and his characters are very human,” Dill said.
Appearing as the divorced couple in Private Lives are Andrea McDaniel of Arkadelphia, who portrays Amanda, and Tony Clay of Sheridan, who plays Elyot. Zack Stookey of Little Rock and Ersella Hughes of Hot Springs play their new spouses, Victor and Sibyl, respectively. Maddie Moore of Mabelvale appears as Louise, the French maid.
“Members of The Royal Players are excited to join in this community effort with Civitan Services,” Dill said. “We hope everyone will enjoy a night of live — and lively — theater, as well as good food and fun.”
Dinner’s Ready will provide the food for Thursday night’s event. The menu will be raspberry-chipotle-glazed pork loin, tri-color roasted potatoes, garlicky green beans and assorted freshly baked chocolate, strawberry and red-velvet Bundt cakes.
Tickets to Cupid’s Dinner Theater are $40 for individuals, $75 for couples and $350 for a table for 10. For more information or to order tickets, call (501) 776-0691.