Theater

Frank Wayne, the recently appointed artistic director of Lawrence Welk Village Theatre, has directed dozens of dinner-theater shows in the San Diego area over the last 10 years. But the former Broadway actor rarely shows up on the other side of the footlights.

“Plaza Suite,” the latest Stage II production at the Escondido-based dinner theater, is one of those rare occasions. Wayne plays three roles in this Neil Simon classic, alongside veteran San Diego actress Pat White. Wayne had a supporting role in the movie version of “Plaza Suite.” By the way, Zoe DuFour, the ingenue in this production, is Wayne’s offstage wife.

Wayne is also producing for the Welk theater. Producer Bob Dias resigned last week because of failing health, and Wayne stepped in--at least for a while.

While the two-show format flourishes on the Welk stage (“Can-Can” alternates with “Plaza Suite” this month), the Sunday Swings, featuring ballroom dancing in the dining room, continue to pick up momentum. Now, instead of once a month, these dine-and-dance evenings (with a live orchestra) will be offered twice as often.