RUMFORD – The new town manager has scored a theatrical coup for the area.

Steve Eldridge, a Monmouth resident who began work in Rumford about two weeks ago, has worked a deal to bring the theatrical troupe from the Theatre at Monmouth to Mountain Valley High School’s Muskie Auditorium on Feb. 2 for a performance of Shakespeare’s, “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

Proceeds from the town-sponsored event may go to help the tsunami victims in countries around the Indian Ocean. Selectmen will decide whether to use those funds for the victims at their Jan. 20 meeting.

Eldridge, a theater fan, thought bringing the play to the River Valley area would help support the fledgling arts community.

“I wanted to bring more arts to the Rumford area, and I saw an opening (in the troupe’s winter schedule), so I said, why not? ” he said.

He sealed the deal with Theatre at Monmouth’s executive director, David Greenham.

Tickets are now available at the Municipal Building for $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students.