Spring, 2003

As the frigid airs of winter give way to the mildness of spring, it is time to look back on the accomplishments of the past months. One was certainly the staging in the Studio Theater of "Lettice and Lovage", a show that took a long time to get on the OTP schedule . Director Mike Kelly had quite a task staging a 2 1/2 hour show within the physical and time restrictions of a Studio Theater schedule, but he pulled it off, aided solidly by leading ladies Denni Don Hunting and Jeanette Mason, who had the difficult task of committing to memory a hefty dose of lines each (their periods offstage were minimal). Mason and I shared acting duties for the first time since "Li'l Abner" in 1980 - my first OTP show. As with other Studio offerings, several newcomers debuted here, most notably Rob Coonrod, playing a gender switched role. Actress Tammy Szostakowski was pleasantly surprised at my cast party (living in the River's Edge condominium, I now can give them) when a girlhood friend, also named Tammy, arrived with a party guest and enjoyed a totally impromptu reunion. It reminds us all that this is still a small town, despite its growth.

Improv returned to Sunday nights, this time spearheaded by Turner Sato (remember him as Jacob Kramer's alternate/replacement in 1998's FORUM.....?) and David Avis, whose company, In Jest Seconds offers Monday night Improv shows at the Holiday Inn's Shimmers Lounge during the summer. As with earlier improv groups, this one has brought in new faces who have gone on to work in our regular show. Stephanie Leach was just cast in "Fuddy Meers" after attending just 2 improv sessions. tv 9&10's early evening news anchor, Dan Farkas has been a frequent participant.

Our most recent mainstage shows brought two of our actresses their best roles: Nan Worthington as Queen Eleanor in THE LION IN WINTER and young Kristie George as the title role in GYPSY. Dom Ramazetti, star of the recently filmed but not yet released motion picture, VOW, was impressive as the French King Philip in the former and will assistant direct the upcoming RUMORS. Diana Morgan and Chandra Dongvillo-Demers had a field day as GYPSY strippers, and will again in the upcoming CRAZY FOR YOU (both musicals will long be remembered for their complicated costume changes).

Bill Dungjen makes his directing debut with the upcoming Studio production, FUDDY MEARS, which offers us a chance to see Kelly Curtis, Margaret Anne Slawson, and Dane Moeggenberg in larger roles than what we most recently have seen them do. Margaret's part will bring to mind her elderly stroke victim in "Wings" last fall; this time it's played for laughs. Dane brings strong vocals and a brusque physicality to his comic tough guy with a puppet and makes you forget his youthful age.Jessica Greenwood offers her soft spoken but pleasant demeanor and organizational ability to the job of stage manager.

Hedges MacDonald