The ultimate three-hour tour

Never mind why a millionaire would be on a cheesy commercial cruise instead of enjoying his servant-staffed yacht or why the Professor, our generation's MacGyver, able to solve impossible problems with ordinary, everyday objects, and, of course, his ever-present Swiss Army knife, couldn't figure out how to get the castaways off that island. 

Just make sure to round up your friends for what promises to be the summer’s ultimate “three-hour tour” — The Gilligan’s Island Costume Fundraiser Cruise, a fundraiser for The Actors Studio of Newburyport. No worries about the weather getting rough and a tiny ship being tossed on this this July 14 cruise. Although it is a rain-or-shine event, the S.S. Minnow has been upgraded to the 106-foot, 3,600 horsepower Captain’s Lady III, with state-of-the-art electronics, life-saving equipment and cruising speed of 20 knots, as well as seating for 100 people. 

Expect hors d’oeuvres, dancing with DJ Shelly Cullen spinning tunes and the bonus of feeling good about supporting The Actors Studio of Newburyport.  Come dressed as one of the characters: Gilligan, The Skipper, Mary Ann, Ginger, The Professor and, last but not least, The Millionaire and Her Husband! (Didn’t see that coming, did you? But Natalie Schafer, the actress who played Mrs. Thurston Howell III, or “Lovey,” as she was known, was indeed a millionaire!) By the way, if you’re too young to have seen the “Gilligan’s Island” TV show, Google it! Cross-dressing encouraged. 

What? 

We’re theater people. What did you expect?

Your support makes it possible for The Actors Studio of Newburyport, a registered nonprofit, to continue its stellar programing of established plays, new original works, readers theater, acting workshops, musical performances, story slams, films, and all the other events you love. 

And thanks for helping to keep local arts alive!

JUST THE FACTS, MAN:

What: The Gilligan’s Island Costume Fundraiser Cruise

Where: Newburyport Waterfront

When: Friday, July 14. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. We cast off promptly at 7 p.m. Don’t miss the boat! Cruise departs rain or shine!

Admission: $35 by June 1, $40 after June 1 gets you on the boat, includes hors d’oeuvres, dancing and some good feelings about supporting The Actors Studio of Newburyport. Advance purchase required. There will be a cash bar, and DJ Shelly Cullen will have you on the dance deck all night long! All proceeds to benefit The Actors Studio of Newburyport.

Info: 978-465-1229, or online at www.newburyportacting.org