Correction and a comment regarding the Children's Hour review

First, the correction: we deleted the line "It’s only been in the last 20 to 30 years that women have stopped wearing hosiery. In 1961 it seems unlikely that women of the class depicted in this play would all be bare legged." It has been brought to our attention that the women were wearing nylons, which is appropriate for the period. We apologize for the error.

It has also come to our attention that Brad Quinn, our reviewer for The Children's Hour, auditioned for the play and was not cast. We did not inform the reviewer ahead of time that it is the policy of this blog to not allow people who have auditioned for a play to then review the play. We are not stating that Mr. Quinn's review is anything other than his objective opinion. However, we strive to remove even the appearance of bias in these reviews and therefore wanted to be forthcoming about this situation. Going forward, we will not allow reviewers who have auditioned for a particular play to review that play.

The Children’s Hour Hits and Misses

Meg Dobbs as Amelia Tilford,
Serena Collins as Mary Tilford

By Brad Quinn
Photos By Elisabeth Ross

Iowa City - The Children's Hour is a simple enough premise: in 1961 America, two women, teachers and headmistresses of a small private school for girls, are accused by one of their students of committing lesbian acts with each other. The resulting scandal threatens to destroy their lives and the lives of those who love them. Whether the accusation is true or not is irrelevant; it is the perception which matters.

It took me awhile after I sat down for me to put my finger on what seemed so out of place in this theater in which I have many times similarly sat down. The doors to the stage were closed. They are never closed before a show. As soon as I realized this, I was intrigued…what surprises were they hiding behind the doors, on the stage? When they finally opened the doors, it turned out to be relatively mundane, and yet quite surprising nonetheless: it was just a regular set, but a really well done set!

The Children's Hour Opens May 10

Iowa City - "Dreamwell continues its 2012-13 season OVA-tions: A Season of Women's Words with The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman and directed by Elizabeth Tracy. Performance dates are May 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:30pm at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 10 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City. Tickets are $13 regular, $10 students/seniors.

The Children's Hour is a serious adult play about two women who run a school for girls. A malicious student, trying to protect herself, starts an entirely unfounded rumor about the two women. When the young teen sees the rumor turn to scandal, she understands the power she wields and sticks to her story, which eventually precipitates tragedy for the women.

The Children's Hour Cast
(in order of which they speak)
Peggy Rogers...Rachel Hittner
Catherine...Mary Vander Weg
Lois Fisher...Paige Harken
Mrs. Lily Mortar...Paula Grady
Evelyn Munn...Lizzie Carrell
Helen Burton...Mady Nachtman
Rosalie Wells...Genevieve Wisdom
Leslie...Anna Baynton
Mary Tilford...Serena Collins
Karen Wright...Aisling Beck
Martha Dobie...Heidi Bibler
Dr. Joseph Cardin... Matthew Falduto
Agatha...Valerie Keffala
Mrs. Amelia Tilford...Meg Dobbs"
(Source: Dreamwell Newsletter)

Two Actors Needed for The Children's Hour

Iowa City - Director Elizabeth Tracy continues to audition for the roles of Dr. Joseph Cardin and Grocery Boy. Special auditions for these roles will be from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 at the Iowa City Public Library. Questions and inquiries may be directed to the director, Elizabeth Tracey, at liz.tracey@aol.com

Dr. Joseph Cardin (28 - 35 yrs old) is a relaxed and amiable, country doctor and Karen’s fiancee. He has a warm and easygoing nature. He is also gracious and humorous and seems ideally suited to Karen.

Grocery Boy appears in the last scene, carrying a box of groceries into the school’s living room. An awkward teenager; giggling and gawking at Karen and Martha.

Auditions for The Children's Hour

Iowa City - Dreamwell Theatre has announced auditions for The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman.

From Dreamwell's press release:

"Dreamwell Theatre announces auditions for The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman February 25 and 26, 6 to 9pm at the Iowa City Public Library. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script but short monologues may be presented as well. Scripts will be available at the library. Directed by Liz Tracey.