Footlight Players to present ‘Spoon River Anthology Project’
COSHOCTON – The Footlight Players current play, “Spoon River Anthology Project,” is described as beautifully haunting.
“It’s what I call a nontraditional play,” said Nathan Mayse, director. “I like the feel of it. It’s done as prose poetry and actors play multiple characters. It also has some singing, but is not a musical.”
The play is set in a small town during the turn of the century and tells the story of the characters’ lives. It will be performed Friday and Saturday, Nov 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, at Triple Locks Theater, North Whitewoman Street and Hydraulic Avenue. Curtain time is 8 p.m.
“To me it’s timeless,” Mayse said. “Even though it takes place in the turn of the century people can still identify with what is being said and different situations in life.”
The 10 actors and actresses who will bring the story to life are: Sheila Mayse, Denny Blandford, Tom Heil, Susan Gordon, Amanda Gress, Jessica Hawthorne, Michael Rainwater, Mickie Galajda, Jon Cotterman and Jeff Wherley. Producer is Marsha Cusin.
“It’s been great working with them,” Nathan said. “I think I’ve worked with all of them before, but three.”
This is his fifth time directing a production for the Footlight Players, but he has been involved with the theater for 11 years.
“I like seeing a vision I have in my head (when I’m directing) come to life and working with people to get them to do something they might not ordinarily do,” Nathan said.
One of the actresses who has worked with him before is Mickie Galajda.
“I’m delighted to be working with him again,” she said. “He has such a great vision.”
Galajda was drawn to the play because it is a classic based on the Edgar Lee Masters play adapted by Tom Andolora.
“The characters get to tell (the audience) about what they did in life and wish they did,” she said. “It’s a very well written classic and I think the community will receive it well.”
Tom Heil also is excited to be a part of the play.
“I like being part of the theater experience and presenting something enjoyable to the audience,” he said. “This play is very poetic and has wonderful characters and phrasing. People will get something out of it if they listen and pay attention.”
Tickets for the play are $12 for adults and $7 for students. Memberships to the theater also are still available until December. For information, call 622-2959 or visit www.footlightplayers.com. Box office hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2 to 4 p.m. performance days.
“If you enjoy good drama and a good performance then join us at the theater for ‘Spoon River Anthology Project,’” Galajda said.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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