This is the logo for our little community theater. I discovered what fun was to be found in joining this group about 14 years ago. It was just what I needed ,at that point in my life, and has rarely failed to lift my spirits since then. The best feeling that I found in that little theater is not the self-satisfaction in doing a good job, nor the thrill of performing on a stage and actually entertaining those in the audience, rather it is the close relationships that are formed between the others in the cast of that particular play. One must work so closely and so intensely during 6 weeks of rehearsal, that you miraculously become a "family unit".

OUR TOWN

Mr. and Mrs. Webb

The relationships that are made during that short time are some of the strongest bonds I have ever experienced...you depend so much on each other and want the best for everyone...you join in with all the joys and trials of the others because for those 6 weeks there are no other people who are as important to you.

NEVER TOO LATE

Helping my friend lament over the fact of her recent discovery - an unexpected pregnancy in later life. FUNNY PLAY!

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This shot is from Montgomery's ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. I played the tough, overbearing spinster, Marissa, who was having a hard time coping with the arrival of Anne.

All during rehearsal we kept thinking what a sleeper this is going to be - Montgomery really didn't write a very good play to begin with....but due to our resourceful director and his ability to make something wonderful out of not much at all, the play was a hugh success. So many people declared that it was their favorite play....it completely astounded all of us in the cast.

Speaking of our infamous...er.famous director, here he is (the bearded one of course) accepting a gift at one of our cast parties. We always like to give him a little remembrance of each play. He is a truly gifted man and we are so lucky that he has chosen to live here and raise his family and direct our theater. He arrived here back in the 70's, right out of UNC Chapel Hill, as the Artist in Residence at what was then Richmond Technical School. I didn't know him then, since my involvement in the theater didn't begin until 1984, but I'm sure he was as impressive then as now. One of the projects he undertook was to turn an old movie theater into the Richmond Community Theater and to begin producing plays. Go to see our theater web page for a little history and listing of upcoming events.

I guess the character that I love the most, that I've had the opportunity to portray was Melissa in LOVE LETTERS. She had such fire and spirit and I envied that in her - although I didn't envy the problems she had throughout her life. She could say and do anything and get away with it.

This play was so different from any other that our theater had ever done...just a two person cast and Glenn and I got to read the parts from a book - we were reading the love letters that we had written to each other throughout our lifetime. We never talked (or read) to each other and never looked at each other until the curtain call. It was a strange but wonderful play and there were many in the audience who shed a few tears over the sadness of these two people's lives. If the play ever comes to your area, it is well worth going to see. I loved it.

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I have just finished working in a play called SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN. In this play, I had a non-speaking part...perhaps the most difficult thing for me to do...not talk for 2 hrs! Another actress, Carol Dodd, who has been in 18 productions at this theater, and I composed the "AMEN CORNER" at a little Southern Baptist Church. We were very opposed to the First Saturday Night Sing that was being held at our church. We showed our disapproval through our facial expressions and body language and managed to capture a great deal of attention and LAUGHS!!

Talking about SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN would not be complete without mentioning the fine singing talents that were present(something I am less than endowed with)and the fact that there were four high school students with major roles. These kids were wonderful to work with and gave me hope for our country's future.

Well that's our theater - if you're ever in the neighborhood

drop by!

Back to the Puzzle

On to a Birthday Party