BTCPA kicks off new season with ‘You Can’t Beat the House’
RED BAY — The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts opened its 2025-26 season this week with “You Can’t Beat the House,” a comedy by Pat Cook co-directed by Scotty Kennedy and Holly McKinney.
Remaining performances are set for Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Weatherford Centre.
Tickets cost $10 and are available from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Weatherford Centre. Dinner theater will be offered for a limited number of guests Thursday night for $35, including the meal.
“You Can’t Beat the House” follows two burglars who break into a house only to find it’s for sale.
As they try to escape, a stream of visitors arrives, including buyers, a real estate agent, a police officer and a self-proclaimed psychic.
The cast includes Dominic Rogers, Austin Henderson, Theron Struzik, Morgan Miller, Zephra Rogers, Paul Williams, Brittany Faris, Anna Lindsey, Lindley Boyd and Jeri Mayo. Adrienne Pearson is the stage manager. Gary McKinney is handling lights and sound for the show.
Henderson, who plays Howie, said his character is a burglar who enjoys romance novels and “is a bit of an airhead.”
“This will be my third performance in Red Bay,” Henderson said. “I like comedies best. I like acting like a fool. It’s fun to get laughs and see everyone having a good time.”
Williams, a Red Bay native and first-time actor, said this marks his first experience on stage.
“Scotty texted me about a play that needed male actors,” Williams said. “I thought, ‘Why not?’ I tried out, not expecting to get the part, but here I am.”
He plays a “not-sosmart police officer” he jokingly compares to Barney Fife, complete with a good-natured “I declare” during rehearsals.
“It’s been fun and definitely outside my comfort zone,” Williams said. “I’ve done public speaking, but acting is different. It’s a little adventure.”
Williams said rehearsals were lively with castmates ranging from teenagers to adults.
“Jerry Mayo plays my mother in the play,” he said. “Funny enough, she was one of my teachers when I was a kid. We’re having a great time.”
Kennedy said the production mixes humor with a few surprises.
“It’s written very funny,” Kennedy said. “The cast is doing a great job. We have one new member this time, and the rest are seasoned actors. There’s even a spooky part that might tie in with Halloween, even though it’s the week after.”
He said comedies remain a favorite with Bay Tree audiences.
“Our audience doesn’t just laugh — they roar,” Kennedy said. “Some actors even get applause just walking on or off stage. When you get that first laugh, you’re hooked. The more the audience laughs, the better we do.”
Kennedy has been involved with the group for nearly 30 years.
“It’s a great way to meet people and make lifelong friends,” he said. “We enjoy sharing theater with our community because there’s nothing like live theater.”
McKinney said this marks her first time directing after appearing in several previous productions, including “A Bad Year for Tomatoes,” “Doublewide, Texas Christmas,” “Honky Tonk Hissy Fit” and “Suite Surrender.”
“I don’t have to memorize any lines this time,” McKinney said. “It’s been interesting to see the other side of the plays and learn what goes on backstage.”
McKinney said the cast works well together.
“They’ve done really well,” she said. “It’s going to be very funny and very enjoyable — just a good, family friendly time.”
Struzik, who plays Conrad, said theater lets him step away from daily stress.
“It’s fun to imagine I’m somebody else,” Struzik said. “I can forget my own problems and deal with Conrad’s problems instead.”
Lindsey said playing the eccentric Madame Zenobia, a scam artist pretending to be a psychic, has become one of her favorite roles.
“She’s bold and eccentric — very out there,” Lindsey said. “Most of the characters think she’s crazy, but she’s just in her own little world. This play has so many twists and turns, and it’s absolutely hilarious. People are in for a treat.”
