44 The Queens Courier • november 28, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Bright costumes, brash characterizations and a very irreverent story make “Dinner at Iocasti’s” a fine feast of farce and fun. It’s currently running at the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria. The one-act comedy features seven talented actors, who offer different reactions to life’s problems. The title character, Iocasti (Anastasia Pantelidi), is deliciously self-absorbed and clueless. She must confront the major upheavals in her family and try to deal with them. Some of these crises include an airplane crash, a well-dressed ghost, hostile business takeovers and a few more twists and turns. Ms. Pantelidi handles the role with an excellent comedic flair and a great singing voice. Playwright Akis Dimou offers a clever script, often for adult sensibilities. Director/set designer Anastasios Samaras utilizes an interesting set, which includes a bright blue wall and an aquarium with bright exotic fish. The intimate theatrical space provides a close up of each actor’s eccentricities. One of the eccentric dinner guests is Katerina Zoupanou as daughter Katia. While cooking the family’s meal, she provides one of the many adult double meanings -- that is, her frustration when preparing asparagus. She prefers only solid stalks not limp ones. Another unexpected visitor is Romilos (Christos Alexandridis), the ghost of Iocasti’s philandering husband. He is well-dressed for a spirit and can be both suave and sarcastic. Manicurist Nantia (Kally Giannou) is strikingly attractive and is very fond of Romilos. But the biggest and most agitating romance involves Iocasti’s son Stefanos (Alex Malaos) and the house “butler” Youri (Dimitris Pantos). The story takes comical turns across the map of Europe and Asia and makes references to Hollywood’s Cary Grant and Rita Hayworth’s Gilda. Yes, it does become comically confusing but there are English supertitles to help you sort it all out. The Greek Cultural Center is located at 26-80 30 Street in Astoria. For information, call 718-726- 7329 or surf to www.greekculturalcenter.org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Pirate Pete’s Parrot at Little Secret Theatre It’s Ana’s birthday. A dozen or so of her closest friends have an important job. They have to find Pirate Pete’s runaway parrot! She’s sick of birdseed and just flew the coop! Meanwhile, there’s a pirate ship full of colorful characters that interact with all the children. They hunt for buried treasure, make new friends and help Mama Pam make pancakes. Seriously, though, the cast is all very talented professional performers. They are led by Richard Mazda, the artistic director of the Secret Theatre’s entire performance complex. He plays good ole sea captain, Pirate Pete. Uh oh! Be careful. If you don’t obey his rules, you’ll have to walk the plank. Polly, the Parrot (Talia Aull) is dressed in bright feathers with a blue-green painted band across her eyes. She’s really a very likable birdie, and she sings beautifully. There are some other good guy pirates on board. They include a very Jolly Roger (Jamie Roach) who seems genuinely happy to be entertaining a crew of smiling young ones and their parents. Two more hands on deck include energetic McEye (Connie Costanzo) and lean, mean Miroslav (Ilinca Kiss). Look out! Here comes Bruce the Lion (C.L. Weatherstone). He’ll scare you with his corny jokes and silly songs. But most of all, beware of Baron A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN Big Butt (Nicholas Delgado) and his henchman Septimus (Amanda Durst). Do they have hearts of gold underneath all that bluster? Speaking of hearts of gold, it’s a good thing Mama Pam (Terry Olear) is around. She makes the most delicious chocolate pancakes. What a strange coincidence her son is none other than Pirate Pete himself. Ahoy kids and landlubbers. The pirates perform on selected weekends, so don’t miss the boat! The Little Secret Theatre is located at 4402 23rd Street in Long Island City. For information, call 718-392-0722 or surf to www.secrettheatre.com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. “Dinner at Iocasti’s” YOUR PROMOTIONS SUPERMARKET SINCE 1995 CORPORATE & TEAM OUTFITTING H Staff Shirts H Giveaways H Family Reunions H School/Camps H Organizations/Events CUSTOM APPAREL H T-SHIRTS POPULAR BRAND WHITE TEE SCREEN PRINTED (1 COLOR) MIN. 144* ONLY $295 $495 QueensCourier.com (Screen Printed or Embroidered) 2013 THE QUEENS H CAPS/HATS H UNIFORMS H JACKETS H BACK PACKS H BAGS H TROPHIES EACH *SAME DEAL: SWEATSHIRTS EACH CALL FOR FREE CATALOG of the 866.701.3263 H 718.969.3144 YOU NAME IT, WE GOT IT!!! (We can customize your art, logo, messages on anything!) 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