Opening weekend of the Okeechobee Community Theatre production of  “Out of Order” was a hit!

Nearly 200 residents of Okeechobee and its nearby communities gathered in the historic Okeechobee Freshman Campus auditorium and roared with laughter at the antics in this farcical comedy. Dozens of patrons intentionally expressed their delight and regards directly with the cast and crew members afterward. One audience member, Joyce Clercuzio, later commented to a friend, “I’ve never laughed so much in my life.”

Okeechobee Community Theatre’s final production of the season, “Out of Order” written by Ray Cooney and directed by Tina Welborn, takes place in London’s Westminster Hotel in the late 1980s. Richard Willey (James Garner) is on top-secret government business, aided by Jane, his opposition’s secretary. Upon finding a Body in the suite, Richard desperately enlists the help of his personal private secretary George Pigden (Josh Van Wormer). As more secrets threaten to be exposed with each knock on the door, Richard spins a tightening web of tales and false identities, leaving poor George to pick up the pieces. Complicating matters further and adding to the mayhem is the hotel suite’s window which sorely needs the sign: “Out of Order.”

Okeechobee Community Theatre (OCT) has endeavored to specialize in affordable productions to those looking for a date night or a fun time with friends since 1979. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. A discounted rate is automatically applied to purchases of 10 or more tickets. Purchases may be made weekdays in person at the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee, through the okeechobeecommunitytheatre.com website, or at the auditorium box office up to one hour prior to performances.

According to season passholder Betty Latty, “You could see this play over and over and catch something new each time. Plus, it’s funny-funny-funny!” With four more performances, Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. from April 4 through April 12, 2025, that’s still possible!

In an effort to modernize and improve for theatre patrons, OCT has implemented some recent updates. Most notable is the ability to take credit cards and tap-to-pay methods for tickets and concessions. Regarding other improvements witnessed during “Out of Order,” Marlena Montgomery-Martin commented, “I believe it was the best play I have seen here. I will also note they have finally got the AC turned down to a comfortable level and you could hear the performers.” Emily Raddatz summed it up in this way: “It was hilarious. The chemistry amongst the actors produced a seamless performance. The lighting, set work, and audio were all wonderful. It always had us guessing what would happen next, and I’d say that’s a job well done.”