So I think alot of you know I do alot of local theatre and music theatre, most notable my portrayal of Janis Joplin in Rock and Roll Heaven by Sheri Grace Productions for Piccolo Spoleto 2005 and 2006. For me there is nothing like being on a stage in front of a live audience, it’s heady feeling to say the least. However, I am not writing this blog to toot my own horn, but rather to tell you about the incredible talent that I have had the great honor of working with in these many of these productions. Actually I want to talk about the play I am doing right now.
I am currently in a play called The Boys Next Door, by playwright Tom Griffin, and it’s the story of four mentally challenged men living in a community home. What I love about this play is that it presents us with an overall picture of their world, as it looks into the minds and hearts of the mentally challenged in today’s often impatient and intolerant society. What amazes me about this play are the actors that play these lovable mentally challenged men and the role of Sheila, a mentally challenged woman, portrayed by Monique Waters. Not only are their talents just unbelievable, but their dedication to “getting it right” has been inspirational. They spent a day visiting the Hope Center and the Delicious Delights Bakery – two places where adults with mental disabilities work and spend their days. This trip was arranged at the invitation and encouragement of Karolyn Elliot, the Executive Director of the Charleston County Disabilties Board.
THE CAST consists of some of Charleston ’s finest actors, including:
- Fred Hutter – as “ Arnold ”, a nervous, paranoid delusional who works in a movie theatre, and dreams of traveling to Russia .
- Ross Magoulas – as “Lucien”, a senior citizen with the mind of a small child, who is in danger of losing his state benefits.
- Robbie Thomas portrays sweet natured Norman, the sensitive one, who works in a doughnut shop, and has a crush on Sheila, a resident of one of the women’s homes.
- Jamie Smithson plays “Barry”, a functional schizophrenic who fancies himself a golf pro.
- Overseeing the group is “Jack”, the burned-out social worker, played by Scott Haithcock.
- The wonderful supporting players are: Monique Waters (Sheila), Paulette Bertolami, Karl Bunch, Andy Cohen, and yours truly!
This is smallest role I have even played in a production but it is has been so worth it! I play a neighbor to the men named Karen Warren and I play a very mentally challenged character by the name of Clara. Believe me it’s been alot harder than I thought it would be, even though the roles are small. The character Clara has been very difficult for me. The actors who play the four mentally challenged men and the one woman make it look so easy and it’s been such a pleasure to watch that art happen on stage night after night. I don’t want to leave out the director, a young man by the name of Ryan Ahlert, who is also well known performer in the area. I took this quote from the press release because it really does capture what he has done with this play.
“While at times Griffin ’s play is hysterically funny, mental challenges are no joke. In this play we get to see the world not only through rational eyes, but through the fractured perceptions of these men whose conditions are chronic and heart-wrenching”, says director, Ryan Ahlert. “I want the play to simply tell the truth and to walk the line of entertainment and honesty.”
And believe me it does.
I tell you this not because I am in it, but because it’s simply a beautiful play. I believe you will be as moved as I am by this wonderful local production. If you get the chance, make some time, take your spouse or friend, and come see it. It’s currently running at The Village Playhouse in Mount Pleasant though July 22nd. Here’s the info below:
Thursday, July 12 th, Friday, July 13 th, Saturday, July 14 th at 8pm
Thursday, July 19 th, Friday, July 20 st, Saturday, July 21 nd – 8pm , and Sunday, July 22 nd at 3pm
Ticket prices: $20/Adults, $18/Seniors, $16/Students
Due to some adult language, the play is rated PG13
TICKETS:
For Tickets Please Call: 843-557-1163 – Or Email your reservations:
SHERI@SHERIGRACE.COM
