06/10/2008 - Theater for young people set for July

Richmond Community Theatre has announced its 2008 Young Peoples Theatre Session for July 14-26 at the theater in Rockingham. This two-week session will be offered from 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, for children who have just completed the third through the eighth grades. There will be a total of 28 young performers, arranged into two casts, chosen to learn and perform the play "The Monsters Under the Bed." Children may sign-up for the program at the theater from 9-10 a.m. June 14 and 21, before the morning movie. The cost for the two-week session is $75 for one child, $50 for each additional child from the same family. Play performances will be presented at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on July 26. Tickets for the shows will be $5. "Everyone is invited to come out and see our local youth perform," Artistic Director Mark Colbenson said. An after production celebration will be held after the 4 p.m. show to meet and speak with the young actors and actresses. For information call 997-3765.


03/18/2008 -  Production begins March 27.

The stage is set for the upcoming theatrical production, “Daddy’s Dyin’...Who’s Got the Will?” which will be presented at the Richmond Community Theatre beginning March 27.

“Daddy’s Dyin’...Who’s Got the Will?” is the third and final production of the 2007-08 season under the artistic direction of the Mark Colbenson, since he took the position in 2007.

The play will be performed at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from March 27 through Apr. 12, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, Apr. 6.

“This play will make you laugh,” Colbenson said. “It involves a family of diverse people trying to mesh back together as a family once again.”

The play is about the children of a Texas farmer who return to the homestead to relive old enmities and fight over their inheritances.

The box office will be taking reservations for tickets for the theater’s 146 seats and will open on March 24, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for ticket sales at a cost of $9 each.

The theater always welcomes volunteers to assist with set design and production requirements.


01/23/2008 - "Perusal scripts for our next show, "Daddy's Dyin, Who's Got the Will?" are available at the theatre.  A $10 deposit is required to check a script out.  Auditions are Tuesday and Wednesday, February 12th and 13th, from 6-9 p.m. at the theatre."

Casting for "Daddy's Dyin, Who's Got the Will?":
(3 men, 5 women)

Note:  These people are real, not cartoons.  It's easy to go for laughs...harder to strive for the truth.

Sara Lee Turnover:  36, the middle sister.  Twenty pounds overweight, the
town beautician.  Single and still lives at home.  Strong willed and has a
wonderful sense of humor.

Lurlene Turnover Rogers:  42, the oldest sister.  A preacher wife and
elementary school teacher.  Attractive, stylish, very Christian - but she
has a bite.

Mama Wheelis:  80, The Turnover children's grandmother.  Feisty, speaks her
mind and rules the household.

Evalita Turnover:  35, the youngest sister. Six-times married, loves to
shock her family.  She was a beauty...and still is from a distance.  Has a
worn look about her.  A wounded soul.

Harmony Rhodes:  36, Evalita's latest fiancée.  A musician and vegetarian.
Attractive, tan, off-beat, long curly hair.  Looks like Jesus with earrings.
Has a past.

Orville Turnover:  38, the brother.  Fat, abusive, unhappy and mean.  A
redneck trash collector.

Buford  "Daddy" Turnover:  67, the father.  A stroke victim.  Partially
paralyzed on his left side, but he can walk with a limp.  Has occassional
moments of coherency.

Marlene Turnover:  36 Orville's wife.  Temporarily overweight.  A constant
victim of Orville's abuse.  However, losing sixty two pounds boost a  girl's
confidence.


01/10/2008 - Play Opens Tonight
By David Wall/Richmond County Daily Journal

The play, “Sea Marks,” opens tonight at the Richmond Community Theatre. “Sea Marks,” is a story of an Irish fisherman who falls in love with a woman he has only seen once.

“Anyone who has ever loved another person will find this play a delight,” Artistic Director, Mark Colbenson said. “It offers the audience the full theater experience. The characters will make you laugh and make you cry.”

Jay Wagers, an English Professor at Richmond Community College, takes on his second theater role as Colm Primrose, the Irish fisherman.

His counterpart in the play, Ellen Geanes of Charlotte, plays the part of the fisherman’s love, Timothea Stiles.

“Sea Marks” is the second theatrical production under the artistic direction of the Colbenson in Richmond County.

Hilda Auman, a theater volunteer, said she is looking forward to the play.

“I am excited about this play,” Auman said. “I really enjoy love stories.”

The play will be performed at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Jan. 10 through 26, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, Jan. 20.

The box office is currently taking reservations, but will open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. for ticket sales.

Future Productions

In March or April the theater will open “Daddy’s Dyin’ - Who’s Got the Will?” by Del Shores. This play shows that while a Texan patriarch lies on his death-bed, his offspring assemble for a binge of bickering greed.

Theater Information

The box office is currently taking reservations for tickets for the theater’s 146 seats and is also open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. for ticket sales at a cost of $9 each.

Colbenson said the theater is still looking for volunteers to assist with the set, scene changes, lighting and sound.

For information, reservations or to volunteer call 997-3765

09/10/2007  Cast List – “A Month of Sundays”

Thanks to all who auditioned.  There were some very good reads, and some very tough decisions…especially for someone who doesn’t know you all yet!

Cooper – Lance Barber

Aylott – Gary Smith

Nurse Wilson – Lauren Wesley Adams

Julia – Karen Allen

Mrs. Baker – Anitra Ingram

Read thru is Monday, Sept. 10,  at 7:00 p.m.


08/24/2007 -  If you are interested in auditioning for an upcoming production and would like to read through a script please call Mark at 410-0734.  A refundable $10 deposit is required to check out a script and it must be returned within 5 days.

08/23/2007 - Richmond Community Theatre is pleased to announce the approaching 2007-2008 Season. It is a very exciting time for us as we welcome our new director, Mr. Mark Colbenson. Mark joins RCT after having lived in Minnesota and having been involved in numerous areas of community theatre since high school. Mark and our board of directors are very eager to begin a new adventure for Richmond County and Richmond Community Theatre.   Each show that is presented this year will include one Sunday Matinee performance.

The 2007-2008 Season

Bob Larbey’s “A Month of Sundays”
Auditions: Tuesday, September 4 & Wednesday, September 5
6:30p.m.-9:00p.m.

Show Dates: October 11-13, 18-21 and 25-27.

It is “On Golden Pond” meets “The Sunshine Boys” in this humorous and touching look at out “golden years.”


Gardner McKay’s “Sea Marks”
Auditions: Monday, November 5 & Tuesday, November 6
6:30p.m.-9:00p.m.

Show Dates: January 10-12, 17-20 and 24-26.

The humorous and tender tale of an Irish fisherman who begins writing to a woman he has glimpsed only once. Their correspondence leads to a meeting, and a blossoming love, but will he choose the woman he loves or the only life he has ever known.

Casting:
(1 man, 1 woman)

Note:  Accents preferred.

Colm Primrose:  Irish fisherman; can be played from 35-50
Timothea Stiles:  Welsh woman, from Liverpool; can be played from 30 -40


“Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got The Will” by Del Shores
Auditions: Monday, February 11 & Tuesday, February 12
6:30p.m.-9:00p.m.

Show Dates: March 27-29, April 3-6 and 10-12

A Texas family gathers when the patriarch suffers a serious and disabling stroke. But this is not a story of death and dying. This family of varied and comical characters is reborn and rejoined in the hilarious and touching story of family differences and family love.

Casting:
(3 men, 5 women)

Note:  These people are real, not cartoons.  It's easy to go for laughs...harder to strive for the truth.

Sara Lee Turnover:  36, the middle sister.  Twenty pounds overweight, the
town beautician.  Single and still lives at home.  Strong willed and has a
wonderful sense of humor.

Lurlene Turnover Rogers:  42, the oldest sister.  A preacher wife and
elementary school teacher.  Attractive, stylish, very Christian - but she
has a bite.

Mama Wheelis:  80, The Turnover children's grandmother.  Feisty, speaks her
mind and rules the household.

Evalita Turnover:  35, the youngest sister. Six-times married, loves to
shock her family.  She was a beauty...and still is from a distance.  Has a
worn look about her.  A wounded soul.

Harmony Rhodes:  36, Evalita's latest fiancée.  A musician and vegetarian.
Attractive, tan, off-beat, long curly hair.  Looks like Jesus with earrings.
Has a past.

Orville Turnover:  38, the brother.  Fat, abusive, unhappy and mean.  A
redneck trash collector.

Buford  "Daddy" Turnover:  67, the father.  A stroke victim.  Partially
paralyzed on his left side, but he can walk with a limp.  Has occassional
moments of coherency.

Marlene Turnover:  36 Orville's wife.  Temporarily overweight.  A constant
victim of Orville's abuse.  However, losing sixty two pounds boost a  girl's
confidence.


Children’s Summer Theatre Program:

Coming Summer 2008! Director Mark Colbenson and the RCT Board are working on plans for restarting the Children’s Summer Theatre program at RCT. Your support of RCT as a Sponsor or Benefactor and your attendance at the shows will help fund a production where children will perform all backstage operations and are the stars. This fun project will take the children through the entire learning process of a theatre production. Help us make this a success.
Please keep checking our website for the latest information and date announcements.


Colbenson joins RCT in August
By Stacy Stenberg/Richmond County Daily Journal
Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Mark Colbenson began his theater career when he was a senior in high school. “A friend bet I wouldn't do it,” he said of his audition for a part in Thornton Wilder's “Our Town.”

The $5 bet in the fall of 1973 led to Colbenson being cast as the lead - the “Stage Manager.”

He said he had a ball and was hooked for life.

In August, the Minnesota native will take the lead role at the Richmond Community Theatre as director. He will succeed David Ariail, who retired after 30 years as the theater's director.
Ariail's success here attracted Colbenson to the position.
“The theater has been very successful under David,” he said.

Along with the history of the theater, Colbenson said there is a large talent pool here and appreciates the city and community support of the theater.

“It really looked to me as the great next big step,” he said by phone from Rochester, Minn.

City Manager Monty Crump announced Colbenson's hiring Tuesday at the city council meeting.

Colbenson, 50, has served as managing director of the Rochester Civic Theatre and served as artistic and managing director of the Lone Wolf Players in Park Rapids, Minn.

Colbenson began directing 12 years ago. He has directed more than 20 productions. His work includes acting, building sets and lighting design.

“It's been a real passion of mine,” he said.

When he arrives in Rockingham, Colbenson said his goals include keeping the theater going and working on a children's summer theater program.

Colbenson, who has three grown children, said he looks forward to being in a smaller community.

“I'm very excited about it and can't wait to get there,” Colbenson said.

Search

“He was our unanimous choice,” Crump said of the search committee who worked with him to find Colbenson.

Karen Allen, Glenn Sumpter and Joey Bennett were on the committee with Crump.

Crump thanked them for their help. “We're very anxious to have Mark on board,” he said.

Mayor Gene McLaurin echoed Crump's accolades for the committee. “We learned a lot through this search process.”

He said the theater board in instrumental for the theater director to be successful.

The theater director is a city employee, who works with the community theater board, a non-profit corporation to produce plays here.




A tribute to A Great director: David Ariail created local theater out of thin air

Glenn Sumpter/Guest Commentary  
Published: June 2, 2007

When the stage lights go down tonight at the end of the Richmond Community Theatre's production of "The Gazebo," it will mark the end of David Ariail's 30-year career as director of the local theater. David, the only director RCT has ever had, announced his retirement earlier this season. He not only founded the Richmond Community Theatre, but he also created it - out of thin air.

When David came to Richmond County in 1976, under Richmond Community College's visiting artist program, with the job of starting a community theater, he had absolutely nothing to work with. No actors, no scenery, no one to build scenery and no theater building in which to stage plays. And, aside from a few stage-struck folks like me, there was no great public demand for a local community theater.

David started by building public support, visiting civic clubs, church groups, any group that asked him. He explained that a local community theater group could be a major asset to the community.

Soon he had created enough hard-core support to create a theater board to promote the idea of a local theater and had gained an important ally in the Rockingham Woman's Club.

Building needed

The next big problem was to find a place in which to stage plays. Some at Richmond Community College had envisioned a sort of vagabond players idea, where the community theater would travel to various school auditoriums in the county. David knew that was impractical. The theater needed a home, a building in which to rehearse, build scenery and stage plays. Acquiring that building was a big problem for a fledgling theater group with no money.

Several buildings were considered, but the old Strand Theater on the Square in downtown Rockingham soon became the prime candidate.

The Strand had undergone a long downhill slide from a popular movie house to a theater featuring X-rated films before it finally closed its doors to the relief of civic leaders. It was vacant and decrepit when it came under consideration for the home of the community theater.

David and a group of local citizens managed to talk the cinema chain that owned the Strand into donating the building to the city of Rockingham for use as a community theater, and they talked the city into accepting the rundown structure as city property. The theater finally had a home.

But that home was a mess. The Strand was dirty, full of trash and had no useable seating or stage lighting. It needed major renovations and that meant major fund-raising.

I forget the exact amount of money that had to be raised, but it was well over $100,000. A lot of money to be raised for a theater group that had never staged a play. However, the money was raised, and the theater was renovated and equipped with seats and lighting.

Time for plays

At long last, it was time to stage a play, and that was what David proved to be really good at.

The first production was "Never Too Late," a comedy about middle-aged pregnancy. Boosted by the appearance of popular city Councilman Ralph Gandy in a leading role, it drew full houses and the theater was off to a good start. It was followed by Agatha Christie's mystery, "The Mousetrap," and "The Price," a serious drama by Arthur Miller. From the start, David tried to schedule a variety of plays, not just a series of similar comedies.

David designed and built attractive scenery, but his strongest point was his ability to work with actors. Rehearsals lasted for six weeks, five nights a week.

Actors were expected to be on time, learn their lines and make a serious effort to bring their characters to life. David was very good at getting them to do that. He was very good at working with kids, getting great performances from them.

Over the years, RCT produced a broad spectrum of plays, including Pulitzer-Prize-winning dramas, such as "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible," and American classics like "Our Town," "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "On Golden Pond."

That variety was increased by David's own writing. He contributed two original comedies, "The Whiff," and "Queen Victoria Rag," His stage adaptation of Charles Dickens" novel, "A Christmas Carol" was probably the theater's greatest hit. It was staged three times for extended runs.

All America City

The community theater also proved to be an asset to the community. It was one of the three civic projects cited in Rockingham's successful quest for All America City honors.

When the lights go down tonight on David Ariail's 89th and last RCT production, he has every reason to be proud of what he has accomplished here. That pride is shared by those of us who have worked on or appeared in his productions.

David has made valuable contributions to this county, and I think there should be some permanent recognition of that.

An appropriate act might be to name that old theater building on the square after him. After all, it would probably have been torn down if he hadn't turned it into something the city can be proud of.

Glenn Sumpter is a former editor of the Daily Journal and has been a long-time Richmond County Theatre supporter.


05/28/2007 - Final Production




04/06/2007 - Cast Named for "The Gazebo"

             Elliott Nash.………..Kirk Hasenmueller

            Harlow Edison..…....Lance Barber

            Matilda Beecher…....Marjorie Rainey

            Nell Nash...…………Kim Crump

            Mrs. Chandler.….....Amy Blake

            Mr. Thorpe..….........Ted Futrell

            The Dook…….…..…Bill Cleveland

            Louie……….….……Wayne Webb

            Jenkins.……...……...Curtis Swallow

            Dr. Wyner……..…...Anitra Ingram

            Drucker…………….Bobby Mabe

            A Cop………………Adam Lone

First presented by the theater in 1983, “The Gazebo” became one of the theater’s most popular plays. It’s the story of a mystery-writer, who writes perfect crimes for television, only to discover that his wife is really being blackmailed for episodes in her past. He tries to end the blackmail as he would on TV, but learns that real life doesn’t always work like life on television.
 
The play is scheduled for May 24-26 and May 31-June 2.

09/11/2006 - Richmond Community Theatre announces plays for 2006-07

The schedule will begin with the adaptation of Earl Hamner’s Christmas classic, “The Homecoming.”

The winter presentation will be David Rogers’ “Flowers for Algernon.” The final show of the season will be Alec Coppel’s famed mystery-comedy, “The Gazebo.”

“The Homecoming” is a play based on the novel by Earl Hamner Jr. It is the popular story upon which the TV show, “The Waltons,” was based.

“Other than the story of Scrooge, this is probably one of the best known Christmas stories,” said Jimmy McDonald, chairman of the theater board.

The story takes place during the Great Depression at the foot of the Virginia Mountains on Christmas Eve.

The Spencer family awaits the return of their father who has had to find work far away from home. As the snow falls the oldest son, Clay-Boy, is sent to find out why his father hasn’t returned home.

There are roles for six teenage boys and girls, (including Clay-Boy), five children between the ages of 8 and 10, grandparents in their 60s or older, as well as men and women in their 20s through 40s.

The play will be presented Dec. 6-9 and 13-16. Auditions will be Oct. 9-11.

The winter production will be Daniel Keys’ poignant story “Flowers for Algernon.” It is the story of a mentally retarded man named Charlie Gordon.

With an IQ of 68, he undergoes experimental brain surgery to improve his intelligence. Algernon is a mouse that doctors use as a basis to judge Charlie’s mental progress. The brain surgery is successful but there are some complications.

Adapted for the stage by David Rogers, the story was made into the movie “Charly,” for which Cliff Robertson won the Academy Award as “Best Actor.”

With roles such as doctors and workers, it is a large cast production. There are roles for eight men and nine women, ranging in age from teenage to 60s.

The show will be presented March 1-3 and 8-10. Auditions will be Jan. 8-10.

The final play of the 2006-07 season will be Alec Coppel’s mystery-comedy, “The Gazebo.”

First presented by the theater in 1983, “The Gazebo” became one of the theater’s most popular plays. It’s the story of a mystery-writer, who writes perfect crimes for television, only to discover that his wife is really being blackmailed for episodes in her past. He tries to end the blackmail as he would on TV, but learns that real life doesn’t always work like life on television.

“A great person named Lloyd Johnson played the lead role in the original show,” said director David Ariail. “I’m glad it’s back on the schedule.”

There are roles for eight men and four women of various ages. Auditions will be April 2-4. The play is scheduled for May 24-26 and May 31-June 2.

“We have some great roles for children and teenagers this season,” McDonald said. “The plays we produce and select always depend on the involvement of the entire community for their success. We hope people will be willing to share their time and talents.”

Show must go on here

By the Richmond County Daily Journal Editorial Board
Saturday, June 24, 2006 12:22 AM EDT

Richmond Community Theatre, the state’s fifth-longest producing community theater, will lose its director, David Ariail, at the end of next season.

Ariail has been with RCT since 1977 and has done a splendid job. Every year he puts on entertaining shows that are watched by standing-room-only crowds in the Harrington Square venue.

RCT board members are concerned about the troupe’s future and rightfully so. RCT is a real feather in Richmond’s cap and is asset to the quality of life here. Theater volunteers are worried they won’t be able to recruit a suitable replacement for Ariail.

“If you find someone who seems qualified to run the theater,” RCT treasurer Marty Goodman said, “it might be difficult to recruit that person to Richmond County. I think David has enjoyed living in Richmond County, but others may want a more metropolitan setting.

“That is a factor.”

Indeed it may be, but then again we often hear how city folks are tired of the urban hustle and bustle and are looking to relocate to the country. Viewed in that light, Richmond County might be a positive for the theater. We certainly believe Richmond is a great place to live and has much to offer.

Board members also are concerned they may not be able to afford a new director.

The city of Rockingham, Richmond County and RCT fund the director’s position. The city provides two-thirds of the salaried position.

“But, that may not be enough,” board member Jimmy McDonald said. “There is no question that we will be meeting with our elected officials over the next months and gauge what their position is as to the theater’s future.”

We appreciate the board’s fears, but we also think members are being, appropriately enough, a bit overdramatic. We’re confident the board will have several capable, affordable candidates from which to choose.

The board should seek out the best available talent, but it’s not realistic to expect a Broadway director or even an off-Broadway mentor to show up in the piles of resumes. Board members also should remember that community theaters across the nation maintain successful programs with all-volunteer staffs. Frankly, those outfits would love to have the luxury of paying a full-time director.

Yes, replacing Ariail will be a tall task on many counts and we hate to see him leave, but it can and will be done.

The show must go on for Richmond Community Theatre.

06/21/2006 - Theater begins search for new director

As Richmond Community Theatre enters into its 30th year, it faces a difficult decision.

Director David Ariail, who helped found the theater in 1977, will step down as its director after the 2007 season. Finding his replacement may prove difficult.

“Colleges have become very specialized,” said Jimmy McDonald, chairman of the RCT board of directors. “Graduates who know something about directing, know little about scen-

ery. Those who know lighting design and set construction have seldom directed a play.

“Where most theaters have two positions, an artistic and technical director, to handle the differences, we’ve never been in a position to afford both.”

RCT Treasurer Marty Goodman agreed the search for a director may be difficult.

“If you find someone who seems qualified to run the theater,” she said, “it might be difficult to recruit that person to Richmond County. I think David has enjoyed living in Richmond County, but others may want a more metropolitan setting.

“That is a factor.”

Another issue the board may face is “sticker shock.”

The city of Rockingham, Richmond County and the Community Theatre fund the director’s position. The city provides two-thirds of the salaried position.

“But, that may not be enough,” McDonald said. “There is no question that we will be meeting with our elected officials over the next months and gauge what their position is as to the theater’s future.”

Since its first production of “Never Too Late” in 1977, the Richmond Community Theatre has presented 86 major productions and 15 years of Children’s Theatre before more than 100,000 people.

RCT, which was featured in Southern Living magazine, is the fifth-longest producing theater in the state.

Another 30 years?

Ariail arrived in Richmond County in 1976 as a visiting artist through the auspices of Richmond Community College to create a community theater. He convinced the owners of the closed, formerly X-rated Strand Theater, to donate the building to Rockingham to produce plays.

As an RCT patron said as he stood in line for the theater’s comedy “Anybody Out There?,” “I’ve watched textile mills move away, along with the railroads in Hamlet and NASCAR. I hope we’re not going to lose this, too.”

Board directors are still hopeful of the theater’s future.

“It’s not all over by any means,” said Dr. Kirk Hasenmueller, vice-chairman. “David will still be directing the next three plays for the upcoming season. He simply showed the board the courtesy of giving us some time to plan.

“My plan is to convince him to stay here for 30 more years. He can then retire when he’s 86.”

At the board’s June meeting, a continuation committee was named to establish a search and hiring process.

April Dawkins was appointed as chairwoman.

The theater board will meet again at 7:30 p.m. July 17 at RCT.