The only thing keeping the Charlotte Players out of the sky in October is the fact that Mama Won’t Fly. The outrageously hilarious play opens on Oct. 11 for eight performances at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte.
The play concerns a hastily conceived race against the clock undertaken by Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycutt when she agrees to get her feisty mother Norleen Sprunt all the way from Alabama to California in time for her brother’s wedding. Since Mama Won’t Fly, the two of them pile into Noreen’s vintage sedan, along with the over-eager bride-to-be, Hayley Quinn. From the moment their journey begins, chaos ensues and misadventures multiply, all leading to a surprising and heartwarming resolution.

The play was written by Nicholas Hope, Jessie Jones and Jamie Wooten, co-authors of numerous laugh-out-loud comedies such as The Dixie Swim Club, Dearly Beloved, The Red Velvet Cake War, Always a Bridesmaid, The Savannah Sipping Society and many more.
Diane Messina is directing. The play runs through Oct. 20, with evening performances on weekdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for students. A complete schedule is available at the Charlotte Players website, www.charlotteplayers.org. You can buy your tickets there or by calling 941-255-1022 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The community theatre’s traveling troupe returns to the water with the third “Murder Mystery on the High Seas” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 26. The popular event takes place aboard one of the boats in the King Fisher Fleet, based at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. Passengers enjoy a relaxing cruise where they will be entertained by a cast of pirates, gentlemen and damsels and while watching a beautiful sunset and snacking on various sweets.
Tickets are $50, which includes water, deserts and appetizers. A cash bar will also be available. For more information, call 941-255-1022.
That same Saturday evening, mentalist Bill Gladwell unveils his “Mind Games” show from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Langdon Playhouse. There will also be a matinee from 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27.
His show was rated number one on Hilton Head Island, S.C., and in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Gladwell is not a mind-reader, psychic or magician. He calls himself a “thought-reader,” having mastered the unique art of reading and influencing people. Tickets for the thought reader are $22 and are available online or by calling 941-255-1022.