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Meghan Rudisill will perform the lead role in the upcoming Alex Stewart/Diedre Kaye production of “The Woes of Kiliminjaro ... Counrty Club,” on April 14. A portion of the proceeds from the performance will benefit the local chapter of the Ehlers‑Danlos National Foundation in support of those fighting the Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome. Rudisill is vice president of the chapter and suffers from EDS.
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Local actress turns EDS woes into fundraiser

DESERT FOOTHILLS – Meghan Rudisill once taught voice and drama classes and sang in her spare time.

She began finding herself in great pain at the end of each day experiencing difficulty with her joints. After many visits to the doctor trying to find the problem, Rudisill had to stop teaching.

Doctors finally pinpointed her condition, called Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome. According to the Ehlers‑Danlos National Foundation Web site, EDS is a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders, characterized by joint hypermobility and skin and tissue fragility.

People with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue that provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments. The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen, which acts as an adhesive in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue.

These days Rudisill spends her time fundraising for the Ehlers‑Danlos National Foundation and serves as vice president of the Phoenix‑Metro EDNF Group.

In November 2006, Rudisill, citing her love for the stage, decided to audition for Darknight Productions’ “Coyote Dreams: A VERY Arizona Christmas,” by Alexx Stuart. She was concerned about the energy it would take, but excited about the opportunity to perform once again.

She was cast as “Brittany” in the popular production at the Desert Rose Dinner Theater in Peoria. Audience members will remember Rudisill for her portrayal of the lady of the evening with a crush on Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Rudisill told director Diedre Kaye and Stuart she loved the experience but could only perform occasionally in the future due to her EDS condition. She suggested that perhaps a future show could be used as a fundraiser for the local chapter of EDNF.

Her talents were called upon again when lead performer Brenda Goodenberger needed an understudy for her role as the widow in Stuart’s “The Woes of Kilimanjaro ... Country Club,” a musical parody about golf and country club life at the world’s most dangerous golf course. Kaye thought it would be a perfect opportunity to bring Rudisill back and make this the EDNF fundraiser show.

Rudisill jumped at the chance and she’s been working with Kaye preparing for the April 14 performance.

“Brenda (Goodenberger) has three solos in the show, and I was concerned about finding a replacement for her,” Kaye says. “When Meghan asked us to do a fundraising show for EDNF, I thought it was the perfect solution. She has a beautiful voice and can handle the solos, and the local chapter of EDNF will be able to really promote the show knowing Meghan is playing such a significant role.”

Only a few adaptations are needed to accommodate Rudisill in the role including a chair for her to sit on during a few scenes typically done standing, Kaye says.

“I’m excited to be performing again with this talented group of actors,” Rudisill says. “I’m even learning something about golf in the process. Similar to my character as the widow, I only knew about the kind of golf where you try to hit the ball in the clown’s mouth.”

“The Woes of Kilimanjaro ¼Country Club” will be presented at 7 p.m., April 14, at Desert Rose Dinner Theater, 8955 N.W. Grand Ave. in Peoria.

Single tickets are $35 plus tax for the dinner and show. Darknight Productions will donate $5 of every ticket sold to the Phoenix‑Metro Group of EDNF.

For information or to purchase tickets, call (480) 595‑7346.

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