Gas and Candles by David Henry Wilson is the next Grand Marais Playhouse production underway and the Playhouse needs your help— with the donation of a used appliance! Gas and Candles Director Sue Hennessy is getting this humorous but poignant play off to a good start by having fun with stage preparation.
The play, she explains, is about two impoverished elderly people who hope to avoid starvation by calling attention to themselves through an elaborate kidnapping hoax.
The plotting—and subsequent hilarity—takes place in the couple’s small apartment. And as one can imagine from the play’s title Gas and Candles, the gas stove is a critical prop.
If you can help out, contact Hennessy at (218) 387-1284 or e-mail playhouse@boreal.org.
But not to worry, the play will go on with or without a real appliance. “If we don’t get one, I can build one,” said Hennessy. And, she cautioned, the appliance desired should be apartment-sized— and clean!
The play will star Dick Swanson and Tamara Andersen as the conniving senior citizens, and Braidy Powers will have a small role as a cop.
Gas and Candles opens Friday, February 11. Shows will be February 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss this funny and provocative play!
At press time, auditions were underway for Shout! The Mod Musical. Watch for next month’s edition of Backstage Buzz to learn who was named to the cast of this marvelous musical, which will feature music from the likes of Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, and Lulu.
Coming up next for the Playhouse is Macbeth and auditions are happening soon. If you are interested in performing in one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, attend auditions on January 12 at 6:00 p.m. Director Sue Hennessy invites high school students to adults to try out for a role in this classic.
Rehearsals will begin with occasional script/languagework rehearsals in January and February, and possibly a Shakespeare workshop. Regular production rehearsals begin Feb. 27 and will be held Sunday through Thursday evenings.
Performance dates for Macbeth are April 28-May 1 and May 5-8. The production will be performed in modern dress.
For information about Macbeth or any of the Grand Marais Playhouse productions, visit www.grandmaraisplayhouse.org.
Playhouse Board Member Maureen O’Phelan usually provides this behind-thescenes look at Grand Marais Playhouse activities. This month’s Backstage Buzz was written by News-Herald editor Rhonda Silence, who greatly enjoys attending Grand Marais Playhouse productions.
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