The daily Astorian., July 21, 2022, Page 9, Image 9

An illustration depicting scenes and characters from
‘Shanghaied in Astoria’ features artwork by Don Nisbett.
Continued from Page 8
Vintage, are appropriately fl amboyant.
“It’s challenging, but fun,” Mundel said. As director, she
manages a troupe of 36 actors, with diff erent performers
playing each role on diff erent evenings. She’s also tasked
with scheduling each night’s drummer and pianist, as well
as guest stars who compose a spicy mixture of olio acts.
“We used to have a team of about 25 helping out with
the show before the pandemic, but now we’re down to
about six,” Mundel said. “Luckily, though, local businesses
have really stepped up to sponsor us,” she added.
The Uniontown theater accommodates nearly 140 audi-
ence members, with gallery seating in chairs as well as bar
tables. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are avail-
able, along with food provided by Astoria’s Table 360.
Hot dogs and sausages, as well as cookies and cupcakes,
are usually on the menu, as is the inevitable popcorn that,
besides being eaten, functions as missiles of disapproval.
“I want everyone to know,” Mundel said of the perfor-
mance, “the magic of Astoria is still real.”
BELOW LEFT: Ashley Mundel, left, is the director of this year’s
production, seen in costume with Patricia Von Vintage, right.
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022 // 9