Community Theatre — Miracle on 34th Street

December 10th, 2012

Performing in the community theatre

Why didn’t I write a November blog? In a weak moment, I decided to try out for our Missoula Community Theatre production of Miracle on 34^th Street. All I wanted was a small role, preferably without any singing. I got my wish. I was cast as Dr. Sawyer, the physiologist who sends Kris Kringle to Bellevue. It is the first time in my rather long and colorful career I was cast as the bad guy. Oh, I’ve played a variety of roles but never one where I was truly mean and nasty! (You can check out my website for a list of shows I’ve been in if you are interested.)

Even though the role was small, as you all know, you have to be at all rehearsals, and for an old lady like me, that is the killer! So what could I do to pass the time? As our director had lost his secretary/assistant director, there was no one to read the parts of those folks missing the evening rehearsals. (Community theatre, by its very nature, has community members who are students at the University of Montana, folks who work until 9 p.m., and many who have prior commitments on various evenings of rehearsal.)

I have had the opportunity to read for almost every major role, and I have to say, it has been fun. It has kept me sharp, and believe me, that is a good thing. This group of folks is wonderful to work with, and we are having a grand time.

Slick Idea

When doing Midsummer Night’s Dream, Puck needed to have spiky hair. We tried everything from sprays to gels, and nothing worked. As a last resort, we tried Knox gelatin and it worked great. When I was doing Damn Yankees, playing a version of Marge Schott, I felt her hair had to be severe. I felt the same way for Dr. Sawyer so I used the following recipe, which can also be found on page 192 of The Drama Teacher’s Survival Guide: Mix one package of gelatin with 1/3 cup hot water. Allow it to stand for several minutes, and then heat it up in a microwave ’til it is clear. After cooling, comb through the hair and set it in the style you want. When the rehearsal/performance is over, all you have to do is wash the hair.

Autism Spectrum

We also did a special performance for those who have autism spectrum. It was featured on NPR’s ‘This American Life’ this past weekend. We thought it was going to air on Monday, but one of my former students, a designer in L.A., heard it, called, and said, “I heard you on the radio.” I mentioned in the recorded discussion that my character had to change drastically. Our local paper also featured an article about our special performance. Click here to read it.