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Today is the last chance for folks to have a little fun at the Sterling Senior Center and pick up a tip or two on nailing some reds on the Kenai River at the same time.

"Fish Follies," a musical comedy is being presented in a 2 p.m. matinee performance this afternoon.

For a mere $10, residents and visitors alike can take in the show and enjoy a tasty dessert, all to help the senior center offset operating expenses.

Directed by Michaele Yard and Al Fry, the comedy pokes light-hearted fun at the sockeye salmon fishery on the Kenai River, all the fishing regulations involved and all the tourist fishermen who make the annual pilgrimage to "pester the locals."

"I wrote the little play to spark interest in our Salmon Classic," said Yard. "It was to be a one-time thing last year, but it's back by popular demand."

The Salmon Classic is the senior center's annual lottery asking people to predict how many reds come up the river during the late run. Chances cost $2 with one-half the proceeds going to the center and the other half used for prize money. The winning guess comes closest to the official Alaska Department of Fish and Game count.

Fry, a former member of the U.S. Air Force Band and current contributor to the Kenai Orchestra, arranged the music for the show.

Last night's performance was nearly sold out at 115 tickets, and the group is expecting about 60 people at today's matinee.

Highlights include jabs at "the Kenai River's biggest pest" -- no, not the mosquito, the ubiquitous tourist; tips on the best way to catch a red -- snagging; and the state regulations for fishing on the upper Kenai River -- depicted as a book the size of a New York City phone directory ... white pages and yellow pages combined.

The cast includes Sandy Bailey, Tracy Matthews, Bob Yard, Terry Moxie, George Elser and Michaele Yard.

Chorus members include Irme Caristo, George Elser, Kathleen Knowlton, Mike McKinley, Geoann and Ken Reichert, Bill and Karen Roberts, Peggy Toppenberger, Hope Haselow, Bob Shobe and Glenda Graham.

Not to be left out are the "fishettes": Jeannie Fall, Carol Fry, Tracy Matthews, Sharon Merle, Gloria Roesch and Glenda Graham.

The colorful backdrop was painted by Michaele Yard, Sandy Bailey and Tommy Poss.

Along with a crew of kitchen workers, the all-volunteer production company numbers around 50, according to Al Fry.

From the well-equipped New York City tourist to the uniformed Fish and Game officer and the walking fish, the show is sure to be a hit with the audience.

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Phil Hermanek can be reached at phillip.hermanek@peninsulaclarion.com.