Rio Rancho Players open new theater with airport comedy-drama

Rio Rancho’s community theater group takes the stage at a new home this month, opening It Happened at the Airport — two one-act plays set in an airline terminal — at their new location on NM 528.

Rio Rancho Players, a program of Rio Rancho Creative Crossroads, will perform at 1640A 528/Pat D’Arco Hwy, a new venue with seating for up to 90. Performances run April 10 through April 26, with evening shows at 7 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. on select dates. The production features an ensemble cast of 23 and runs approximately two hours, including intermission.

The show pairs The Layover, by Tracy Wells, with scenes from Airport Encounters, by Scott Mullen — both centered on travelers stuck waiting at a departure gate. Director Mel Sussman calls the bill “fun-filled, sometimes poignant,” with one play building to a suspenseful climax. An April 18 performance offers pay-what-you-will admission.

General admission is $25; senior, student, military and educator tickets are $20.

It Happened at the Airport

Where: 1640A 528/Pat D’Arco Hwy, Rio Rancho (free parking) 

When: April 10–26 | Evening shows at 7 p.m. (April 10, 18, 25) | Matinees 2 p.m. (April 11, 12, 19, 25, 26) 

Tickets: $25 general / $20 senior, student, military, educator 

Buy tickets: rr-cc.org or at Beast N’ Nuggets Doggie Daycare, Furniture Cottage, or Beyond Mail N’ Print 

Pay What You Will: April 18 Info: mjsussman@gmail.com | 970-381-1944