Local performers prepare for opening night at theater
Published 6:46 pm Friday, March 25, 2016
SHOWDOWN: Local thespians (from left) Ronald Lundy, Timothy Fitzgerald, Jonathan Clayborne and James. E. Casey rehearse a scene from the upcoming show
The set is in place, costumes are hanging in the dressing rooms and eight local theater enthusiasts are polishing their skills for the opening night of “The Lieutenant of Inishmore.”
The black comedy, intended for mature audiences, opens March 31 and continues April 1-2 on the stage of the historic Turnage Theatre in downtown Washington. The show is produced by Arts of the Pamlico.
REST IN PEACE: Tim Barnes (left) and Norm Hawn hatch a plot to conceal the death of Wee Thomas, a cat that serves as a focal point of the comedy.
It’s been a long, but fun-filled, journey since January, when auditions were held over the course of two chilly evenings, according to director Stuart Lannon. And it’s been worth it, he added.
“I hope this is the first of many local productions; I’ve already had people ask me what we’re doing next,” Lannon said. “It’s been a wonderful experience to see all the volunteers coming together as a community to get the set assembled. It all pretty much went up in one day.”
Everyone involved rolled up their sleeves and pitched in, from the onstage performers to the backstage crew who, while avoiding the spotlight, nevertheless wanted to help the show succeed.
Lannon said their involvement gives them a sense of ownership in the Turnage.
DANGEROUS FEMALE: As the lone female member of the cast, Savannah d’Oelsnitz-Ward portrays a feisty, gun-totting political activist.
“One of the most important aspects of what this theater needs is to have a community theater group,” he said. “They have become invested in this building. The more that everyone is involved the more this will drum up interest and involve even more people.”
One such volunteer is Crystal Holman, who has offered up her time and many talents to serve as stage manager. She oversees a crew of a half dozen or so other volunteers who will keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
CAST ADDITION: Gabriel Albanese (seated) has joined “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” cast. Here he rehearses with costar Timothy Fitzgerald.
“The main thing I have to do is take care of my actors, make sure they have all their props and get them ready for their cues,” said Holman, who has 20 years of experience in community theater under her belt. “I’m basically a wrangler. And I do get to fire special effects from backstage so I get to add that to my resume!”
Tickets for “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” are currently on sale at the Turnage Theatre box office. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.
THE CAST
Timothy Fitzgerald ……. Padraic
Tim Barnes ……. Donny
Norm Hawn ……. Davey
Savannah d’Oelsnitz-Ward …….Mairead
James E. Casey ……. Christy
Ronald Lundy ……. Brendan
Jonathan Clayborne ……. Joey
Gabriel Albanese ……. James
DIRECTOR: Stuart Lannon directs the play, sponsored by Arts on the Pamlico and hosted at the Turnage Theater.
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