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musical variety show, It Happened in the Park plays out this weekend on the stage at Oriental’s Old Theater. It’s the work of Ben Gaskill who is directing as well as acting and singing in it.

“Patrick Clerkin in It Happened in the Park.”

Ben originally wrote the script years ago after the production of another play fell apart. In the “show must go on” scramble, Ben created the variety show that is centered – loosely – on a park. Now, the show with tunes from a few decades back is at the Old Theater for a three-show run.

Part of the cast in Ben Gaskill’s ‘It Happened In The Park’ which he’s directing for its run this weekend at Oriental’s Old Theater.

The audience will see familiar faces – and hear familiar voices – from other productions, as well as performers new to both the Old Theater and to Oriental.

Elaine Creel and Ben Gaskill.

The performances are being presented in memory of Mary Clyde Dunn who was to have provided the musical accompaniment as she had in many other productions at the Old Theater over the years. Mary Clyde passed away on New Years Day. In dedicating the performances to her, the program remembers Mary Clyde Dunn as “a fine musician, a seasoned actress, a generous supporter of performing arts in Pamlico County ans a dear friend if the Old Theater.” Her grandson Jayln, will be in the show. Pianist Katherine Wilson is the accompanist.

Click on any photo to start slide show.

Denny Colbert in It Happened In The Park

It Happened In The Park

Gail Vergato.

(More photos — and a second slide show on the next page.)

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Althesina Krutulewski is one of the musicians.

Elaine Creel and Cherry D’Angelo.

Patrick Clerkin & Myra Blue in a scene from It Happened In The Park.

Ukulele support from Judy Styron and Christa Kreutz.

Michele Rodriguez.

Rolayne Schwendy in ‘It Happened In The Park’

Ben Gaskill who wrote It Happened In The Park and is directing and acting – and singing – in it.

Posted Friday March 4, 2016 by Melinda Penkava