Playwright previews songs.

Byline: Serena Markstrom The Register-Guard

Playwright Shirley Packard has made quite a splash on the Florence performing arts scene since moving north from Redding, Calif., in 1999.

Her first musical, "Lighthouse Inn," debuted in 2002 at the Florence Events Center. It caught the attention of the locals.

Now she's ready for the public to hear a number of new songs she's written for upcoming and in-the-works productions. Her newest musical, "Woahink Summer," is slated to debut next year.

During "A Notable Affair," 11 local singers will showcase Packard's songs during six shows on two weekends. The concerts will feature 28 of Packard's songs, including some from "Lighthouse Inn."

"Other than 'Lighthouse Inn,' she has never heard them performed on stage," says Ken Janowski, who sings bass-baritone parts in the show and had a role in "Lighthouse Inn."

The composer's company, Packard Productions, has sponsored the event and is running it. Packard directed the concert. All money earned after ex- penses will go to the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Four male and seven female performers will don formal attire for the concerts, but Janowski jokes that the audience is free to come dressed more "Florence formal" - blue jeans and T-shirts.

Florence Playhouse is a newer venue in town. It opened in August and seats 90 people for an intimate experience, says Janowski, who's in charge of publicity for the show.

The singers, accompanied by piano and clarinet, will do four evening performances: today, Saturday, March 31, and April 1. Two matinees will be this Sunday and April 2.

Janowski says learning the songs was a challenge because they were new, so singers had to learn the music and lyrics.

The group has been rehearsing since January, and includes two members still attending Siuslaw schools: Butte sisters Sarah, a high school freshman, and Mary, a fourth-grader.

"To me, it sounds like Broadway musical music," Janowski says. "She is a very talented writer."

Not only will "A Notable Affair" raise money for a worthy cause, Janowski says it will "give the public a chance to hear what a talented lady can write."

Tickets are available at three Florence business locations: both BJ's Ice Cream outlets and Mon Ami. Tickets can be reserved by calling [phone].

The singers include members of the Community Chorus of Florence, the FloTones and the Harbormasters. All have appeared in Last Resort Players musical productions.

Other singers include Patrick Dunphy, Bill Fulton, Jan Crippen, Judy Adams, Jeanni Sanders, Linda Aurich, Eileen Beck and Rod Trumble.

The accompanists are Jo Trumble on piano and John DiGeorgio on clarinet.

CONCERT PREVIEW

A Notable Affair

What: Performances of Shirley Packard originals to benefit Habitat for Humanity

When: 7 p.m. today, Saturday, March 31 and April 1; 2 p.m. Sunday and April 2

Where: Florence Playhouse, 208 Laurel St.

Tickets: $10; call [phone] or [phone]

CAPTION(S):

Shirley Packard, a resident of Florence, is at work on a new musical called "Woahink Summer," set to debut next year.