Footlight Players to perform ‘Play On’
The Footlight Players will give you a glimpse of what it’s like behind the curtain when they present “Play On.”
The new production tells the story of a community theater group trying to put on their play while dealing with interferences and revisions from the playwright.
“Anything that can go wrong does,” said Director Kathy Reid. “From beginning to end there are lots of laughs.”
Co-director of the show is Mickie Galajda and producer is Carol Remington. Featured in “Play On” are Jill Baumgardner, Sophia Dotson, Amanda Gress, Kevin Kreider, Jackie McCune, Angie Pyle, Shane Pyle, Sam Scott, Cyndi Shutt, and Jeff Wherley.
“As always at this stage in the game we are family,” Reid said. “We have fun when we are here, but we also take the play very serious.”
Amanda Gress plays Polly in the play.
“I’m kind of a know it all,” Gress said. “Henry is my husband and I like to boss him around. I’m still loveable though and have a good sense of humor.”
Henry is played by Kevin Kreider who has enjoyed getting to use big, overdramatic words in the play like fiddlesticks and hogwash. This is Kreider’s third production with the Footlight Players. He decided to get involved after watching his son take part in children’s productions at the theater.
“This has been a chance to do something different and it’s a nice atmosphere here,” Kreider said. “This play has a lot of laughs and people trying to be serious while doing something goofy.”
“Play On” is Gress’ seventh or eighth production with the Footlight Players.
“I enjoy the comradery with the other actors,” she said. “We are family in a very unique way. It’s kind of like summer camp. You are sad it’s over, but ready for the next one. I get to meet new people and get to know some better.”
Gress knew she wanted to be part of “Play On” after reading the script.
“It was super funny, and I tend to gravitate toward the humorous and funny stuff,” she said. “I love the fact that there are so many people in this cast too and I get the chance to work with new people.”
The youngest member of the cast is Sophia Dotson, the daughter of Angie and Shane. Dotson had come along to their audition and was asked to read for a part since no one young enough for it came. She ended up landing the role of Smitty and joined Angie and Shane in the play.
“It’s so much fun,” Dotson said. “Half of them I’ve known since I was little so they are like family. There are some new faces too and they are all such a joy to work with.”
“Play On” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at the Triple Locks Theater. An opening night reception will be held at 7 p.m. March 6.
Reservations may be made by calling the box office at 740-622-2959 or by visiting footlightplayers.com. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students up to 12th grade. Strobe lights are used in the play and may impact people with light sensitivities.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
