January 7, 2016
Tom Dolan
"Morgan"
The Drawer Boy

 

I’ve been involved with Market House Theater for over 25 years and have played a large variety of roles- mostly in comedies and musicals.  Every now and then, a show comes along that stretches my abilities as an actor.  “The Drawer Boy” is one of those.  I have always found it easy to do comedy because of my personality and sense of humor.  Dramatic roles don’t always come quite as easily, but I enjoy the challenge each role brings.  I’ve had several dramatic roles that have been both a challenge and a great reward, including roles in “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”  I hope my portrayal of Morgan in this show will be just as rewarding, and that audiences will appreciate what I bring to the role.

When I first read “The Drawer Boy”, I was immediately taken with the story- two friends who go through life together and deal with many obstacles along the way.  They experience the trauma of war, they find and lose love, they deal with trying to make a living as farmers, and they only have each other through it all.  

The theme of friendship and memories is very strong.  Morgan is the one who takes care of things, runs the farm, and has to make sure Angus is OK.  As the story unfolds, we find out so much about their relationship.  They made sacrifices for each other and carried each other through the various parts of their lives.  

After Angus is injured in the war, it’s Morgan who takes care of him.  In order to do that, he has to remind Angus of certain things in their lives.  He tells him stories about their lives.  We soon find out that maybe all he tells him isn’t necessarily true.  But he does so to protect his friend, and in a way, to protect himself, from what the truth holds.  Sometimes it’s easier to mask the past by creating a new past, and that is what Morgan does. 

When this “story” gets disrupted by a newcomer, their world turns a little upside down.  They have been together, just the two of them, for a long time.  They’re content and comfortable, and then that gets shattered as Angus begins to remember certain things that don’t match Morgan’s story.

This is so very well written, and the writer has created these very complex characters that have so many layers to them.  It is very challenging to be able to find those layers and portray them with strong conviction.  Working with Chuck Wilkins (we’ve done several shows together over the years) has made that a bit easier.  Chuck and I have a great stage relationship.  We know what each of us brings to this show and we know we can count on each other to give it our best.  Working with a newcomer, like Jonathan Woods, is always a challenge.   It’s a process to get to know another actor through the roles you play, and he does a very nice job with Miles.  The three of us are having a good time with this show, and I think that will be evident to audiences as they watch the story unfold.  Michael can always get us to delve a little deeper into what the character is and has to offer. 

I really think audiences will enjoy this show.  It has some lighthearted moments as Miles tries to learn about farming, but then also has the heavy-hitting dramatic scenes that will evoke a lot of emotion.

Friendship, memories, the past, the present, the future.  “The Drawer Boy” has it all.  Hope to see you at MHT!

January 6, 2016
Chuck Wilkins
"Angus"
The Drawer Boy

In all the many years I have been involved with Market House Theatre, I have to say that I feel the most comfortable on stage when doing a comedy. There’s something about hearing the laughter of the audience that makes all the rehearsals worth every single hour!

The Drawer Boy is a play that I thought would be definitely outside of my comfort zone. I play the part of Angus in this show with just three actors. My best friend, Morgan, and I live on a farm where he takes care of the farm and I take care of the books for the farm, do the cooking and bake bread. Morgan and I have grown up together and lived life together. What makes Angus different is that due to his injury in the war, he can’t remember from one minute to the next.

We all have friends that we feel close to and probably would do anything for them. The bond of friendship that Angus and Morgan share goes beyond the normal realm of friendship. The short term memory loss of Angus and how Morgan handles it is something that has hit home with me. My dad suffered with Alzheimer’s before he passed away in 2012. His loss of memory was so hard to witness because in my mind, I was thinking this man isn’t my dad. All the memories I had of him were good memories. But this man didn’t even recognize me, his own son.

I believe every one of us know or have known an Angus. Yes, you may chuckle from time to time during The Drawer Boy or you may even shed a tear or two. But I honestly feel that you will leave the theatre with that warm, fuzzy feeling that only a true, heartfelt friendship can give you.

(Middle and lower right photos: Chuck in rehearsal for The Drawer Boy, and with Jonathan Woods—who played Miles, the actor/writer who comes to live on the farm with the two friends in order to write a play about farming and farm life.)

November 16, 2015
Anne Bidwell
"Miss Nelson"
in Miss Nelson is Missing

I have a backstage pass to my daughter’s experience.  That’s not what I expected to get out of my first Market House Theatre on-set experience.

I’ve been the audience, the carpooling parent… and, at my children’s insistence, have auditioned a time or two for shows.  This time, I was cast as “Miss Nelson” in Miss Nelson is Missing – an exhilarating and terrifying honor.  I haven’t been on stage acting since I was eighteen… and I’m just a little older these days.  

But, I also get to share the stage with my daughter, Kate! She’s the more “seasoned professional” – having worked with director April Cochran for the better part of four years, since she was old enough to be in Footlights. 

 I did not fully appreciate that last fact.

Kate’s character, schoolroom bully “Lavita,” is a gum-cracking, attitude-wielding piece of work.  As we worked the script, it was obvious bubble-blowing was a part of the action.  I insisted – INSISTED – she come prepared for the first rehearsal with gum in her mouth.  She protested Miss April does not allow gum.  “Nonsense,” I said.  She will make an exception… it’s in the script!

It took April about 15 minutes to notice Kate chewing when she, um, enforced the rules.  I, actor - not mom - had to stand by silently while my child... err, Fellow Thespian… was reminded of the NO GUM EVER UPON PAIN OF DEATH rule.  A glance at the studio door later, I saw the notice – in big red letters – hung on the door.

For the first time in my mothering career, I thought, “Kate knows more than I do about this.” (gasp)

On top of that, Kate (pictured at left WITH gum!) didn’t once give me the evil eye for insisting she break theatre protocol. I certainly wouldn’t have begrudged her the look. Nor did she make excuses to Miss April — I would have backed her up! She simply stood up, spit out the gum, and returned to work. I was rather astounded at her restraint; my resolve to not intervene was failing fast.

This was only the beginning of seeing things from my daughter’s perspective.  I watched, from behind Miss Nelson’s desk, as each and every elementary school actor/colleague of mine took critique in stride.  No self-esteem was lost.  Some of them even smile in the face of mistakes!  Even when they make them over and over and over again!  In case you do not know, a Market House Theatre children’s performance is NOT child’s play.  The expectation for responsibility and preparedness is the same for children as it is for adults.  I have been blown away by the resilience and tenacity of these kids.  They are fearless and they have fun!  I stand in awe of my daughter (and my sons) – I had no idea they worked THIS hard.

In the same breathless appreciation, I am grateful we have the Market House Theatre in this community.  What opportunity – not just to learn the art and skill of acting – but to grow as people!  I’m not sure if the kids realize it, but they are learning to fall and get back up.  I am RE-LEARNING the same thing!  They are learning to push through – despite homework, exhaustion, and a want of free time – because they made a commitment.   Me, too!I know you’ll see the hilarious product of all these efforts this week.  What you may not notice is how different we are because of this experience and what it’s taught us. I, for one, have had a chance to walk in my child’s shoes for a moment.  I’ve caught a glimpse of the exhaustion, the pressure, and the reward.  I’ve come to respect the knowledge of her experience over my own (in this case, at least).

MISS NELSON IS MISSING • November 19-22, 2015 • Tickets on sale at 270.444.6828, or online at markethousetheatre.org.

Farce of Nature
Steve Schwetman, "Sonny Barbosa"
Sept. 10, 2015

Last year, I did something at Market House Theater I'd never done before—drama. I always wanted to stretch my wings and was grateful for the opportunity to play the role of Jim Casey in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." However, as much as I enjoyed my experience, I wanted to get back to making people laugh. So when it was announced that "Farce of Nature" would kick off MHT's 52nd season, I checked out a script the moment they became available.

The show is written by Jones, Hope and Wooten—the writers of "The Dixie Swim Club" and "The Hallelujah Girls." I'm going to be honest: I skimmed through it the script the first time I read it, and wasn't excited about it. I was expecting more. Then I gave it a second chance, except I took my own sweet time reading it very meticulously. Suddenly, the humor jumped out at me. I auditioned, made the cast and found myself laughing hysterically during the first company read-through. It was as if I had discovered the script for the very first time.

I play Sonny Barbosa. He's a mobster from Chicago who's just been released from prison following a five-year stretch. He's hot on the trail of his wife, Lola (played by Rachael Jaenichen), who he thinks is having an affair with Ty (played by Aaron Gipson), the son of D. Gene and Wanell Wilburn, (Roy Hensel and Stephanie McGlenon),  proprietors of the Reel 'Em Inn Fishing Lodge in Mayhew, Arkansas. Are you with me so far? Good, because it gets even more confusing as the show goes along. Lola calls Sonny a "hot head," but he hates that; he fancies himself as "passionate." He sometimes lets his temper get the best of him. I see a little of Sonny in myself. I'm guilty of letting my temper get the best of me and I easily jump to conclusions. So it's easy for me to play Sonny.

I've really enjoyed my time working with Kathy Pingle, the guest director of "FON." She has lots of great ideas for our characters and loves it when we come up with stuff on our own. I hope she'll come back to direct at MHT again. Getting to work again with old friends Roy Hensel, Stephanie McGlenon and Al Knudsen is always a bonus and a blessing. Rachael Jaenichen and I have worked together in MHT murder mystery fundraisers, but this is our first time together in a Main Season production. Plus, we get to play husband and wife. It's really fun seeing Delaney Rogers and Crystal Blanton (both of whom I've worked with before) step out from the background and step into a couple of great roles. I've gone from watching Aaron Gipson as a kid on stage at MHT to working alongside him in a production. And Bethany Russell has been a joy to work with in her very first MHT show. She fits right in with this wacky theatrical family! 
     We've got our lines down and have fine-tuned our characters for tonight's opening performance. We can't wait for you to see this very funny, VERY fast-paced show. Hope to see you there!

September 4, 2015
Farce of Nature
Bethany Russell (Maxine Suggs)

 

 I am so excited!!  I auditioned for the first time at Market House Theatre after many years of making excuses about “now is not a good time.” My hope was that they would at least ask me to pass out programs, and then I got a call back and a role in the play. I was immediately overjoyed and frightened all at the same time. But the director, Kathy (Pingel) and the cast have been so accepting, welcoming and encouraging that I feel I have been a part of MHT forever.
  



I have always loved the rehearsal process best! I love seeing the characters develop, the set emerge, props and costumes appear. I love running the script over and over and working all the little parts to make an entertaining production. The actors and actresses in this play are some of the best at developing unique, entertaining and loveable characters.  Sometimes I realize I’m laughing at something new that they have created with their character and have to remind myself to stay in character. I have learned so much from Kathy about how to make bits funny and how to approach a play, specifically a farce. She is positive and encouraging as she gives much helpful direction. 


I absolutely love Maxie! I want to be her when I grow up. She’s brave, energetic, happy, always solving problems, fearlessly walking right in the way of danger and kicking butt and taking names.  For an old broad she is a force to be reckoned with. She is a hoot. My kids have been saying “Mom, that’s something Maxie would do or say” as we go through our day, so I guess she is starting to bleed over into my everyday life.  Now if I can stay in character and not get the “giggles” with Al and keep up with all the running we do all over the stage, Maxie and I will leave our mark at the Reel ‘Em Inn!

There are no words to truly express the impact this experience has had in my life. It has been so affirming for me. I encourage anyone who has a love or interest in theatre to step out and become involved at Market House Theatre. I believe you will be welcomed with open arms and find a safe place to pursue your interests.

(Above, Bethany as "Maxie Suggs" with Al Knudsen as "Carmine DeLuca")

September 2, 2015
Farce of Nature
Kathy Pingel, guest director

(Kathy Pingel is visiting MHT as a guest director for the first play of our 52nd season, FARCE OF NATURE. Kathy is retired from The Des Moines Community Playhouse, where she was education director, as well as artistic director for the Kate Goldman Children's Theatre. Kathy resides in North Port, FL.)

One week before opening! Normally, directors are in panic mode: “When will they get their lines down?”  “Will the set ever be completed?”  “Will anyone LAUGH?” Panic? Not me. Not when we have such a dedicated cast and crew. 

The set needs a little decoration, true, but we’ve been using the different levels and slammin’ the doors for almost two weeks now. The actors have not only memorized their lines; they’re delivering them with confidence. And our set designer, Logan*, was in last night-, and even though the run-through he saw was minus one actor, he laughed!  Music to our ears. 


So, what’s left to do then? Plenty. Now comes the polish. We add sound, lights, props, costumes and tighten up the action so that it comes at the audience like a tidal wave. In this week before our dress rehearsals begin we are running through the show, correcting small things here and there and watching it grow until it’s ready for an audience—the final addition.  Can’t wait!!


*Logan Reagan, MHT's technical director.

Farce of Nature Blog
Stephanie McGlenon
August 31, 2015

I’ve always been fascinated by the processes used to put a play together. Taking a string of people that may or may not know each other and creating a story that hopefully will totally draw your audience in.  For the players, trying to learn the lines and the blocking is always a challenge at the beginning, and sometimes you wonder if it’s all going to come together.  But in the end there’s a show that usually proves worthy of a ton of laughs or tears (depending on the genre) from an audience.

Looking back at the years that I’ve been involved with Market House Theatre, I can honestly say I’ve had more good times than bad. I’ve been fortunate to play many different roles, both comedy and drama. Every show I do is always a roller coaster ride of laughs, camaraderie and togetherness. I’ve been blessed to share the stage with both of my sons and this play is one of those occasions. My youngest, Aaron, is really testing his acting skills by playing my son (Ty Wilburn) in the show. I’ve auditioned for shows that I’ve wanted to be in so bad that I’d have been a tree in the background just to be a part of it. This is definitely one of those shows.

Playing the part of Wanelle Wilburn has been an absolute blast.  This is a lady who is trying very hard to rekindle the romance with her husband, D. Gene (played by Roy Hensel), but unfortunately he’s completely oblivious to her ploys. She’s a firecracker when it comes to her man and will stop at nothing to prove it. In the process of keeping her marriage “fresh” she encounters some very interesting people and developments.  She suspects there is another woman and the gloves come off with D. Gene.  Fortunately there is always something going on that will have the audience thinking, “Wait, did that just happen?”

This show will definitely keep you on your toes while having a blast trying to figure out everyone’s next move.  Of course with Al Knudsen, Steve Schwetman and Aaron Gipson there is never a dull moment both onstage and off.  

Roy Hensel and Stephanie in rehearsal for "Farce."

I can’t say enough about this show because it is absolutely hilarious.  There was never a rehearsal that the actors didn’t get cracked up and it’s a blessing we get to share that humor with an audience.  The cast, the action, and the comedy are crazy and we invite you to ride the roller coaster with us. 

Come out and have a blast watching the hijinks develop in to ultimate chaos.  Get your tickets before they’re sold out and you’re left with “bupkis.”  Opens September 10 and runs thru September 20.  Hope to “catch” you there!