111
East Washington Street
P. O. Box 635
Rockingham, N.C.
28380
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Our Town by Thornton Wilder Auditions - January 3, 4,5 Show Dates - February 24, 25, 26 and March 3, 4, 5  Thornton Wilder's
Our Town provides the audience with an informal, intimate and
compelling human drama. Wilder was dissatisfied with the unimaginative,
stilted theatrical productions of his time: "[They] aimed to be
soothing. The tragic had no heat; the comic had no bite; the social
criticism failed to indict us with responsibility." Our Town, with its
far-reaching theme and unmistakable symbolism, was a far cry from the
typical bland depression era play (though, ironically, "the magic of
the mundane" is the play's major theme).Though set during the early Twentieth Century, Grover's Corner is anyplace and all places, anytime and all times. A constantly shifting verb tense throughout the play reveals that something strange is happening here with time. Pantomime and conversation simultaneously enact life's continuum of time and place. The principal actor is the Stage Manager, who remains on stage the entire time explaining much of the action. He is aware of the present, and privy to both the past and the future. He knows the characters' feelings, and alternately takes on the roles of narrator, philosophical druggist, host, master of ceremonies, commentator and friend to the audience. Wilder creates types rather than individuals in 0ur Town. Every audience member can say, "Yes, I know someone like that. He's just like so-and-so," or "I know what he is feeling. I've felt that way myself." This sense of "recollection" permeates the play to both thrill and haunt us with reminders of our common - and fragile - humanity- By using the barest of scenery and props, Wilder reinforces that our hopes and despairs and loves begin and end not with things, but in the mind and the soul, as our lives unfold through one another. This focus on "absolute reality" allows us to see Emily's simplest pleasures and cares (algebra lessons, birthday presents, etc.) through child-like eyes. Her timelessness helps the audience understand, just as she herself comes to understand, the seamless relationship between past, present and future. Her commonplace experiences (marriage, family ... ) contrast sharply with her death experience, where she finally comes to appreciate the commonplace. The play motivates the audience to treasure everyday life just as it is. Meet the Men of Grovers Corners  DR. FRANK GIBBS – Chris Auman Father to Alex and Colt, and Husband to Wanda, Chris Auman appears as “Dr. Frank Gibbs” in his 4th year of RCT involvement. A psychology professor of 16 years, Chris is involved in tennis and karate, plus he enjoys crafts. Chris is a RCT board member, and has been involved in past productions such as “Never Too Late” and “Solid Gold Cadillac”. GEORE GIBBS – Joey Bennett In his 10th year of RCT, Joey Bennett now dons the role of “George Gibbs”. An active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Joey recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a BA in Business Administration. Joey has been featured in past productions such as “Smoke on the Mountain” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” plus assisted backstage in many productions to numerous to mention. Joey has lived in Richmond County all his life and is currently the Auditorium assistant at the RCC Cole Auditorium and a RCT board member. JOE STODDARD -- Bob Boyette A retired schoolteacher of 22 years and former Forester of 18 years, Bob and his wife, Peggy, have four children: Robin, Beth, Terri, and Jaye, and 3 grandchildren. Bob has appeared in numerous shows including: “The Matchmaker”, “Nothing But the Truth”, A Christmas Carol’, and “The Whiff”. His first production was ‘Of Thee I Sing” in 1978. A graduate from NC State, Bob attends First United Methodist Church and enjoys golf and reading. This will be Bob’s 17th production here at RCT this time in the role of “Joe Stoddard”. SAM CRAIG – Duane Cochran Last seen in the RCT production “Dearly Departed”, Duane Cochran is a film lab technician and attends “Randolph Community College”. Duane enjoys solving computer problems and digital photography. A RCT board member, Duane has lived in Richmond County more than half his life. He is the son of Nellie Cochran CHARLES WEBB – Robert Graves History buff and RSHS Latin teacher Robert Graves is a 12 year veteran of RCT in his 17th year of residency in Richmond County. Currently in the role of “Charles Webb”, Robert enjoys painting and is an avid reader. Not only has Robert performed on the RCT stage in past productions such as “The Rainmaker” and “The Crucible”, he has been featured in productions in Moore County including “Broadway Bound” and “Death of a Salesman”. STAGE MANAGER – Kirk Hasenmueller Pines Quick Care physician Kirk Hasenmueller is a 9-year Richmond County resident and husband to Shari. Hasenmueller enjoys collecting, traveling and reading. He is also on the RCT board of Directors and is actively involved with “Friends of the Library”. Previously prominent in RCT productions such as “The Whiff”, “Send Me No Flowers” and the 2001 Pulitzer Prize winning play “Proof”, Kirk now leads the cast of “Our Town” as the “Stage Manager”; a presence that will provide the audience with rich history of Grover’s Corners. In addition to RCT, Kirk has also taken the stage at “Old Town Hall Theatre” in North Ridgeville, Ohio. SIMON STIMSON – Jimmy Howell Retired from ECU and the Community College System, Jimmy Howell now appears as “Simon Stimson” after the RCT productions “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Send Me No Flowers”. Jimmy writes and enjoys computer games, attends Fellowship Baptists Church in Ellerbe and is an avid walker. In addition to stage work, Jimmy has worked as an extra in feature films including, but not limited to “Love Field” with Michele Pfiefer. MAN IN THE AUDITORIUM – Jimmy McDonald Husband to Mary and father to Christopher and Cameron, Jimmy McDonald is a 17 year veteran of Swink Quality Oil and has been the proprietor of Guitar Stuff Music for 13 years. Jimmy loves playing the guitar and building websites (both professionally and recreationally). Jimmy holds positions in a plethora of organizations including the RCT board, the Rockingham Rotary Club, the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce and the Cole Plaza Committee. Having last been featured in the “Queen Victoria Rag” Jimmy is now featured in the role of “Man in the Audience” plus he is the sound technician for the show. HOWIE NEWSOME – Willis Strong First Health employee and retired Railroad worker Willis Strong comes to the RCT stage for the first time in the role of “Howie Newsome”. Willis is 3rd in a family of actors that have graced the RCT stage. These members are his daughter Karen Allen and grandson Seth Allen. A Saint Paul Lutheran Church member, Willis enjoys hunting, fishing, the Richmond Raiders and has lived in Richmond County for 62 years. Willis is married to Svea Strong and is also the father of Russell Strong. CONSTABLE WARREN – Freeman Thomas Performing for RCT for the first time is Freeman Thomas in the role of “Constable Warren”. A “Senior Games” and bowling enthusiast, Freeman attends West Rockingham United Methodist Church, enjoys gardening and is a 9-½ year Richmond County resident. Now retired from the NY Power Authority as a Power Dispatcher for 32 years, Freeman is married to Nancy with 3 grandchildren and father to Jim and Bill PROFESSOR WILLARD – Chris Wescott Temple Christian School attendee Chris Wescott begins his first RCT production but is familiar with stage work. Chris has appeared in various plays at Temple Baptist Church so he is comfortable in front of an audience. The son of Barry and Kathy Wescott, Chris enjoys writing, drawing, and acting. Chris will be seen in the role of “Professor Willard”. Meet the Women of Grovers Corners  Astrid
Perkins, Anitra Ingram, Jo Anne Greene, Merrie Dawkins, Marty Goodman,
Sara Hillert, Mary Dombrosky, April Dawkins
LADY IN THE BOX/ MRS. CARTER (1st Dead Woman) – April Dawkins In her 11th year at Richmond Senior High School, April is a Media Specialist and History Teacher. Traveling, reading, photography, and web design are all but a few of April’s hobbies. Having last been on stage in the RCT production of “Queen Victoria’s Rag”, she can now be seen in the dual roles of “Lady in the Box” and “Mrs. Carter/1st Dead Woman” in “Our Town”. A First Baptist Church member, April is also on the RCT Board of Directors, and an active participant in the Relay for Life Planning Center. MRS. WEBB – Merrie Dawkins Mother of Mathew DeMay and Meghan Cooke, Merrie is also a grandmother of 4 and wife to Douglas Dawkins. No stranger to the RCT stage, Merrie was seen in past productions such as “Bell Book and Candle”, “No Sex Please We’re British” and “The Crucible”. A member of First Presbyterian Church, Merrie enjoys knitting, working in her yard, and running (she is a member of the Mangum Track Club). A member of the Book and Wine Club, Merrie is also the Co-owner and teacher at Mary Jane’s Playschool. FIRST CEMETERY/DEAD WOMAN – Mary Dombrosky Mother to Joe and Jessie, Mary Dombrosky is a Pre-registration Counselor at Scotland Memorial Hospital. A long time Richmond County resident, Mary enjoys the Opera, the Symphony and Gardening. Mary is appearing in her first RCT production in the role of the “First Cemetery Dead Woman”. MRS. GIBBS – Marty Goodman Wife to Steve Goodman, Marty has been a resident of Richmond County nearly all her life. Having been involved in RCT for 25 years, Marty has appeared in productions and also lends her talents backstage, previously in “The Crucible” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” to name a few. Secretary to the RCT board, Marty attends First Presbyterian Church, is involved in a book club and enjoys traveling. A retired school teacher of 30 years, Marty now appears in “Our Town” as “Mrs. Gibbs”. WOMAN IN THE BALCONY – Jo Anne Greene American Red Cross Branch Manager and wife to Gary Greene, Jo Anne Greene appears in her first RCT production in the role of the “Woman in the Balcony”. Jo Anne enjoys creating mosaics, gardening, and poetry. Mother to Joshua Paul Greene, Jo Anne is also a Rockingham Rotary member and RCT board member. Born and raised in Richmond County, Jo Anne is in her 5th year of employment at Michael’s Art and Crafts in addition to the aforementioned. EMILY WEBB – Sara Hillert Ellerbe Junior High 7th grader, Sara Hillert, emerges into the role of “Emily Webb” in her first RCT production. Sara is into California surfing, hanging out with friends, shopping and jet setting. In addition to her hobbies, Sara is involved in the Art Club, Drama Club, and the “Battle of the Books” at her school. Sara is the daughter of Mary O’Kelly and Andrew Hillert. MRS. SOAMES – Anitra Ingram A recreational therapist of 6 years, Anitra is in her 25th year of residency in Richmond County. A fan of do-it-yourself projects, and baking, Anitra is involved in volleyball, softball and attends the New Direction House of Prayer. Anitra arrives this time to the RCT in the role of “Mrs. Soames”, having been involved in past productions such as “Never Too Late” and “Solid Gold Cadillac”. When not on the RCT stage or at work, Anitra can be found actively involved in the Anson Women’s League, the NC Professional’s Association or the choir in her church. SECOND CEMETERY DEAD WOMAN – Astrid Perkins “NY City American Musical and Dramatic Academy” attendee Astrid Perkins last appeared in the RCT production of “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Astrid now comes to the RCT stage in the role of the “Second Cemetery Dead Woman”. A 16 year resident of Richmond County, Astrid enjoys playing the flute, and tends church at Ellerbe Grove Missionary Baptist Church and is employed at Perdue Farms Inc. as a grader. Meet the Children of Grovers Corners  REBECCA GIBBS – Hailey Stafford Daughter to Chris and Sharon Hollon and James and Amanda White, Hailey Stafford is currently a 5th grader at Monroe Avenue School. Not only is Hailey an active 4-H club member, she also distributes her time participating in gymnastics and tennis and lends her time to Christmas plays at her church. Hailey is portraying the role of “Rebecca Gibbs”, sister to “George Gibbs”. When not on the RCT stage, she can be seen enjoying Harry Potter movies, reading, playing her Gameboy, and listening to her favorite musician “Gretchen Wilson”. WALLY WEBB – Seth Allen A 6th grader at Washington Street School, Seth Allen is the son of Karen and Meto Allen. A Beta Club member and soccer player, Seth enjoys hanging out with his friends, “Harry Potter” movies, and listening to the music of the “Black Eyed Peas”, “Maroon 5”, and “Simple Plan”. Portraying the role of “Wally Webb”, brother to “Emily Webb”, Seth appears for his first time on the RCT stage. Seth also enjoys playing the video games “The Sims” and “Crazy Taxi” in abundance to his extracurricular activities. BASEBALL PLAYER #1 – Tyler Deese A Rockingham Junior High 8th grader, Tyler is the son of Keith and Tammy Deese. This is Tyler’s first RCT production and he will be playing a “Baseball Player” and boyhood friend to “George Gibbs”. Tyler enjoys listening to “Korn” and “Radiohead” plus is a member of the Beta Club. Tyler can also be seen playing soccer, skim boarding at the beach and playing “Tiger Woods 20005” on his Playstation 2. BASEBALL PLAYER #2 – Will Currie Fresh off the RCT stage in last years production of “The Nerd”, Will Currie is portraying the role of a “Baseball Player” and young friend of “George Gibbs”. The son of Will and Julie Currie, Will is an 8th grader at Rockingham Junior High. Will is very active in hunting and fishing but also has time to play baseball and golf. In addition to playing “Tiger Woods 2005” on his Playstation 2, Will enjoys listening to “Blink 182”, “Linkin’ Park”, “New Found Glory” and watching his favorite movies “Step Into Liquid” and “Endless Summer”. BASEBALL PLAYER #3 – Wessley Futrell Son to Ted and Sandra Futrell, Wessley is an 8th grader at Ellerbe Junior High. Wessley is a student council member, plus he is enrolled in the Fellowship of Christian Students. He has been on the acting stage before at his school participating in “Couch Potato Santa” and joins the RCT group in the role of a “Baseball Player” thus rounding out the boyhood friends of “George Gibbs”. Wessley enjoys watching “Pirates of the Caribbean”, listening to his favorite bands “Korn” and “Yellow Card” and playing “Madden 2005” on his Playstation 2. SI CROWELL – Jase Wagers A 4th grader at Washington Street School, Jase is the son of Jay and Krisit Wagers. Jase has been vigorous in plays at his church and comes to RCT in the role of “Si Crowell” brother of “Joe Crowell”. Jase is a 4-H club member, plays soccer and baseball and enjoys scrap-booking as his hobby. When not involved in the aforementioned activities, Jase can be found listening to his favorite band “5th Dimension” or watching “101 Dalmatians”, one of his favorite movies. JOE CROWELL – Ryan Butler A Rockingham Junior High School 7th grader and son to Jim and Debbie Butler, Ryan begins his first RCT production in the role of “Joe Crowell”, brother to “Si Crowell”. Ryan is a Beta Club Member and an avid reader. If Ryan is not hanging out with friends, he may be listening to his favorite artists “Eminem” and “Van Halen”. Mind you, he is partial to the “David Lee Roth-Van Halen” albums as opposed to the “Sammy Hagar” versions. Among all of the these activities Ryan is keen on watching his favorite movies “Top Gun”, “Napoleon Dynamite” and playing “Tony Hawks Underground” on his Playstation 2. Rehearsal begins for Our Town:
Out Town Cast Announced: The following people have been cast in Richmond Community Theatre's production of “Our Town”: STAGE MANAGER ……………………………. Kirk Hasenmueller DR. GIBBS ………………………………………... Chris Auman JOE CROWELL …………………………………. Ryan Butler HOWIE NEWSOME ……………………………. Willis Strong MRS. GIBBS ………………………………...…… Marty Goodman MRS. WEBB ……………………………………… Merrie Dawkins GEORGE GIBBS ………………………...……… Joey Bennett REBECCA GIBBS ………………………………. Hailey Stafford WALLY WEBB ………………………………….. Seth Allen EMILY WEBB ……………………………………. Sara Hillert PROFESSOR WILLARD ………………………. Chris Wescott MR. WEBB ……………………………………...… Robert Graves WOMAN IN THE BALCONY ………………… Frances DeSha MAN IN THE AUDITORIUM ………………… Jimmy McDonald LADY IN THE BOX ……………………………. April Dawkins SIMON STIMSON ………………………………. Jim Howell MRS. SOAMES ……………………………….…. Anitra Ingram CONSTABLE BILL WARREN ………………. Freeman Thomas SI CROWELL …………………………………….. Jase Wagers BASEBALL PLAYER ONE …………………... Tyler Deese BASEBALL PLAYER TWO …………………... Will Currie BASEBALL PLAYER THREE ……………….. Wessley Futrell SAM CRAIG ………………………………………. Duane Cochran JOE STODDARD ………………………………… Bob Boyette FIRST (DW) CEMETARY WOMAN ………… Mary Dombrosky FIRST (DM) MRS. CARTER ………………....… April Dawkins SECOND (DM/DW) CEMETARY WOMAN .. Astrid Perkins Our Town production photosCreated by *duane.
Click on an image below for a larger view. The link will take you to another website for additioanl viewing options.                                                                                                                                      For additional information please call or write: Richmond Community Theater P.O. Box 635 Rockingham, N.C. 28380 (910) 997-3765 Copyright 1997-2005 - Richmond Community Theatre (RCT) This page was made available by contributions from the Richmond Community Theatre Board Members . |
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