Olene Wiffer

Tonight is our last dress rehearsal for First Baptist of Ivy Gap. I am so ready for this show to open tomorrow night! Come see me as Olene Wiffer. Yes, I know that name is horrible. Don't worry. I change it in the second act... Come see for yourself!

First Baptist of Ivy Gap

The Royal Players will present First Baptist of Ivy Gap, directed by Gina Welch, April 8, 9, 10 and 15, 16, 17 at 7 p.m. and April 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. Performances will be held at the Royal Theatre, 111 S. Market, Benton, Arkansas.
The play opens during WWII in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church of Ivy Gap, Tennessee. Six women gather to roll bandages and plan for the church’s 75th anniversary.
Edith, the pastor’s wife played by Susie Everett, dispenses wisecracks, advice and Red Cross aprons. Donna Johnston, the widowed Luby, waits for word from her son Norman, a soldier in a war zone.
Lisa Freeman is Vera, who has a rich husband with political connections and family secrets.
Charlotte Hammonds is Olene Wiffer, a young woman who wants to go to Hollywood to be a star.
Contessa Scism, as Mae Ellen, is the church organist, who also wants to leave Ivy Gap to lead a more exciting life where she can expand her musical talents and ideas.
Angela Morgan is Sammy Porter, the only woman who is not a member of the church. She has a secret of her own concerning Luby’s soldier son.
Ticket prices are $10 fr adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for students. Call 501-315-LIVE(5483) for reservations or buy tickets online at www.theroyalplayers.com

Auditions for 110 in the Shade

The Royal Players will hold auditions for the summer production of 110 in the Shade, directed by Frank O. Butler, on May 15th at 10 a.m., and May 17th at 6:30 p.m., at the Royal Theatre, 111 S. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Production dates are July 8-11 and July 15-18.

110 in the Shade is the musical version of N. Richard Nash’s The Rainmaker, the popular 1954 play that centers on Lizzie Curry, a spinster living with her father and brothers on a ranch in the American southwest, and her relationships with local sheriff File, a cautious divorcé who fears being hurt again, and charismatic con man Bill Starbuck, posing as a rainmaker who promises the locals he can bring relief to the drought-stricken area. The musical’s book was written by Nash, who faithfully adapted his own play, with lyrics by Tom Jones, and music by Harvey Schmidt, the creative duo behind The Fantasticks, the world’s longest-running musical.

There are 2 female leads, ages 17-4; 5 male leads, ages 19-63; and various chorus roles, ages 8-68. There are a very limited number of children’s roles.

Actors should prepare one verse and the chorus from a musical number. Those with prepared numbers should bring sheet music or a CD. Those without prepared numbers should still be ready to sing. Cold readings will be from the script. There may be light choreography, so dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear. Callbacks, if any, will be at the May 17th audition.

110 in the Shade originally opened on Broadway in 1963, and was nominated for 4 Tony Awards. It was revived in 1992 by the New York City Opera, and again in 2007 on Broadway, where it garnered 5 Tony Award nominations.

For more information, contact the theater at 501-315-LIVE (5483), or visit www.theroyalplayers.com.

I'm Jenny in "We All Hear Voices"

Although I didn't get to audition for the original production of We All Hear Voices by the Royal Players, I am fortunate enough to step in and fill the newly vacated role of Jenny for the Hot Springs production! I am excited to get a chance to perform in the theatre where I saw my first movie as a child. Join me at the Malco Theatre Aug. 14-16th!