Popcorn Players ride off into the sunset

AZLE — Over the weekend, the Azle Arts Association’s Popcorn Players wrapped up its yearly melodrama to a cacophony of yuks and yee-haws. “How the West Was Dun or Left High and Dry in Low Humidity Chasm” spoofed classic Hollywood Westerns with generous helpings of humor and popcorn to boot. Audience members were encouraged to interact with the cast by throwing bags of recycled popcorn at the play’s villains when they exited and entered the stage. Theater staff reported having a full house for all six performances, often selling out of tickets days in advance. Scott Nurmela directed the show and kept audiences well-stocked in popcorn munitions for three hours of histrionics. This stampede of silliness was composed of heroes and villains of all ages, from ranahans to greenhorns.

The Popcorn Players next production will be “Two Witches, No Waiting” with shows Sept. 20-22 and Sept. 27-29. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m.

The Azle Arts Association Theater is located at 1012 Southeast Parkway in Azle, and tickets are available in person, online at www.azlearts.org, or by phone at 817-238-PLAY. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and $10 for the Sunday matinee.

Cast

• Sheriff Wayne John — Cameron Smith
• Deputy Dudley Doowrong — Josh Holden Jr.
• Polly Wanda Cracker — Lauren Schillings
• The Schizophrenic Kid — James Kelly
• Belle Starr — Carol Braden
• Richard Coldheart — Jerry Hall
• Sarsaparilla Sal — Rozanne Gann
• Widow Cracker — Juanita Gunnells
• Prunella Cracker — Sarah Lee
• Cowboy Bob Skratch — Brandon Clouatre
• Bo Best — Boyd C. Mooney
• Snydley Dastardley — Ron Counts
• Calamity Jan — Magdalene Gara
• Kid Kid — Benjamin Keely
• Black Bart — Will Stroud
• Blacker Bart — Jacob Heath
• The Lone Stranger — Chris Pidgeon
• Reverend Right — Bill Collins

The Indianians

• April — Emily Ball
• May — Hannah Nurmela
• June — Canton Brenneman
• August — Shawna Clouatre