Next up at Triple Locks is ‘Everybody Loves Opal’
Practice: Jon Cotterman, Mickie Galajda and Katie Aggas practice a scene from “Everybody Loves Opal,” which will be performed in March at The Triple Locks Theater. Beacon photo by Josie Sellers
COSHOCTON – Mickie Galajda has the pleasure of playing Opal, who is the lead character in the Footlight Players latest production titled, “Everybody Loves Opal.”
“I like her because she is unconventional,” Galajda said. “She is real genuine and just fun.”
Nathan Mayse, who directs the comedy, describes Opal as a diehard optimist.
“She tries to find the good in every person and her motto is live and let live,” he said. “There are some characters who come into her life though and try to cause mayhem.”
The community is encouraged to come find out what makes Opal so unique and how she turns the tides on the trouble makers who enter her life when the play is performed at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, March 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19, at the Triple Locks Theater on North Whitewoman Street.
“The play is a hoot,” said Frank Ackerman, who also has a role in “Everybody Loves Opal.” “You can forget your worries and your troubles for two hours and come have a good time for a reasonable price.”
Ackerman plays Saul who he said is a “bozo” but is still the head of the group trying to pull one over on Opal.
“He’s not very well educated and isn’t real bright,” Ackerman said. “The role has been a challenge though because I’ve never had so many lines to memorize. Thankfully, I’m working with good people like Mickie and Jon (Cotterman) who can help me out if I forget a line and get me out of trouble.”
Galajda, Ackerman and Cotterman, who plays Professor Bradford, are the veteran actors in “Everybody Loves Opal.”
“My favorite part of being the professor is that I get to enhance my vocabulary,” Cotterman said. “Half of what he says I had to look up.”
He also has enjoyed working with Hoy Prater, Darcus Veilleux and Katie Aggas, who are new to the Footlight Players.
“It’s always nice to get new people in the theater,” Cotterman said.
Aggas is enjoying being part of the group and playing Gloria who rounds out the trio causing trouble for Opal.
“It’s been really fun,” Aggas said. “Everyone here is supportive and helps you out.”
She said her character is ditsy, but determined to swindle Opal and sway her to the dark side.
“It’s fun getting into a different character and acting differently than you normally would,” Aggas said.
Tickets for the play are $12 for adults and $7 for students and can be purchased by calling the box office at 740-622-2959 from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 2 to 4 p.m. on performance days. You also can order tickets online at footlightplayers.com.
“There is something about live entertainment,” Prater said. “Movies are good, but live theater is always better.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Arts & Entertainment
