playbill vip

What do you get when you have a first-time director who wants to bring a classic Neil Simon play to the stage, both gender versions, throw in Hurricane Ian threats, schedule conflicts for both casts, and nearly every other curve ball thrown your way as you try to successfully bring this production to the public? Chaos? Crazy? Impossible? Or perhaps a combination. We call it opportunity! I am so proud to not only serve as the producer for this show but also as a cast member in what we hope is a memorable show experience for YOU. We hope you have a lot of laughs and forget about the outside world for a couple hours and watch how these characters unfold before your eyes! 

There have been countless late nights for BOTH casts. Long hours, forgotten lines, refinement after refinement, and all while trying to live our "normal" lives. And when you volunteer for something the only logical explanation for doing this is you love it. When the chemistry with your counterpart gels, it's amazing. Or when an actor has that connection with the audience, it's priceless. THAT is why we do this. 

Austin Kelley deserves to be recognized as the director, sure. But he deserves to be celebrated as a first time director who did something crazy by bringing these TWO versions to the stage! And yet, he still maintained the level of detail and direction in getting the very best out of his performers. Thank you Austin!

And for those whose faces you won't see on the stage, your contribution is immeasurable! Set design, lighting and sound crews, stage hands, stage manager, set builders, props, costumes, front house volunteers, concessions, and I'm sure countless others I'm not thinking of, YOU are the magic behind community theatre! We celebrate and thank YOU! 

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Almost Home Daybreak for our rehearsal facility and Mandarin United Methodist Church for the facility you're see this in! They truly are supportive of their community! Thank you to both!

Now if you're sitting there reading this and you've considered either auditioning, or helping out, or interested in serving on our quaint, but dedicated board, we invite you! Help us grow! Help us find a permanent home! And help us continue to bring community theatre, workshops and more to the area! Visit us at actiiplayers.org to learn more and sign up! It's fun when we can all break a leg together!

Enjoy the show!

Gavin S. Turner

Board President, Act II Players