From the Beaufort County Arts Council

 

The Beaufort County Arts Council has kept the Turnage Theater busy since relocating to the venue in January 2014. Since mid-January, when BCAC began programming, the theater has only been dark for eight weekends. This Saturday, BCAC has scheduled two major events on the same day: a Theatre for Youth Workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a premiere of the film “Holey Matrimony,” which filmed at the Turnage, at 7:30 p.m.

BCAC will once again partner with the ECU School of Theatre and Dance for a Theatre for Youth Workshop — Theatre Through History.  The workshop is appropriate for youth ages kindergarten through 12th grades. Participants will create original plays, costumes, set and props, explore acting and movement, and perform for friends and family members at the end of the workshop. Each age group will create their own original short play filled with adventure, mystery, mayhem, history and fun!

The workshop begins at 9 a.m., and participants are asked to bring a snack. Parents, family and friends, as well as the public, are invited to attend the resulting performances starting at noon. All activities should be complete by 1 p.m.  Registration for the workshop is $8 per youth, and interested persons can call 252-946-2504 to participate. The performance at noon is free to all who attend.

“We really enjoy partnering with ECU whenever possible, and the quality of their work along with the interaction of this workshop is truly a value to anyone who chooses to participate,” said Joey Toler, BCAC executive director. “We think it’s a great deal for four hours of fun and creative expression.”

Later that evening, the Turnage will host the premiere of the film “Holey Matrimony,” a Royal Realm production.  The movie was shot this past winter, and the Turnage was used as a location for the ‘film within a film’ titled “Sudden Desire.” The red carpet event will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the arrival of actors in the movie along with writer, director, producer Diana Lenska, who also stars.

Not only is the façade and marquee of the Turnage prominently displayed, but the lobby and interior as well. In addition, over 40 background actors from the area are featured in the film. Local antique cars were also utilized in the movie including a Buick Limo owned by Preston Turner, a 1937 Lasalle owned by Paul Varcoe and a proto type 1948 Silver MG Saloon owned by Joie Shaffner Herring.

The plot of this fun, family-oriented film takes place in 1948, and tells the story of Hollywood screen playwright Laura Chandler returning to her hometown of Wilmington, after 25 years for the premiere of her movie star protégé Jason Powell’s latest film, “Sudden Desire.” But her return has an ulterior motive — that of revenge against a former lover, James, the millionaire played by Jeff Winkler, a man who betrayed her years before. Laura’s plans of revenge are turned upside down when one of her secrets is discovered by her young niece and nephew, Suzy and Danny, played by 9-year-old Breanna Ottinger and 10-year-old Landon Walls. One secret turns into two, then three and suddenly skeletons are falling out of closets and Pandora’s Box is opened as the twists and turns will keep audiences guessing till the very end what the real secrets are of “Holey Matrimony”!

“When the production company filmed here back in February, they hinted that they may want to hold the premiere at the Turnage,” said Toler. “We’re glad we were able to make it happen, especially for all the locals who came out to be extras.”

Tickets for the film premiere are $10, and can be purchased at the BCAC box office at the Turnage at 150 W. Main St. in Washington or by calling 252-946-2504. To view the Holey Matrimony trailer, visit www.royalrealm.org.