Leaving Iowa filled with humor and heart

by Sharon Falduto

Washington - The family road trip is a situation easily mined for a story, for nostalgia, and for humor. Even in the modern era, families still pack the car for trips around the country and forced family bonding.

Leaving Iowa, presented by the Washington Community Theater, is a nice play. Gentle humor, gentle people, and slight self deprecating jabs at Iowa that should make every Iowan smile. We are warned before the play begins that we are not allowed to video tape, take photos, or detassel during the performance.

Don is the main character of the show, the prodigal son who returns home to visit family, and to fulfill a promise to his father. The play is told in a series of flashbacks to the family vacations of their youth; interminable car rides with the sibling squabbles and wrong turns that anyone who has ever taken a road trip will recognize. He is played by affable Steven Lockard, who transitions seamlessly from annoyed older brother to a grown man on an “adventure” and back again. His reactions to his annoying little sister feel true, and his weariness as he completes the task set before him as an older man shows in the slump of his shoulders.

Dad, played in the flashbacks by Brett Pierson, is the center of the story and carries himself energetically and with enthusiasm as he treats his family to Civil War reenactments, historical markers, and other Fascinating Road Trip Wonders. He is a quiet presence on stage when his character is no longer with us, and a bubbly center when he is.

Melody Lockard's Mom character is alternately annoyed, patient, and balancing precariously in between—a mom we can all relate to. Melanie Jeter-Hawkins retains a nice sense of character as she shifts from the role of pesty younger sister to the adult role of irritating younger sister. I didn't quite feel the chemistry I wanted, however, between her and her brother.

The show suffered from some pacing problems and dragged occasionally, forcing the audience to wait too long for the punch line of a long tale.

The incidental characters that drifted through the play were used to nice effect; their sight gags and characters were sometimes unexpected and sometimes familiar. After all, a play called Leaving Iowa is almost required to have at least one farmer in Osh Kosh B'Goshs and one homage to “American Gothic,” isn't it? My particular favorite character was Sue Spencer's Museum Assistant, the sort of stern usherette type every theatergoer has encountered at least once.

Leaving Iowa is an Iowan kind of show; not flashy, but droll, and with a good heart. Before the show begins we are treated to a slide show of some wonderful Iowa scenery, which is a nice introduction to the state and to the show. The message of the play, which will resonate with many Iowa Theatre Blog readers, is that you can leave Iowa, but it will still be your home.

Leaving Iowa plays one weekend only

Washington - Washington Community Theater will present Leaving Iowa By Tim Clue and Spike Manton this weekend. Leaving Iowa is the story of Don Browning, a middle-aged writer, who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place. This road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don’s memories of the annual, torturous vacations of his childhood. Leaving Iowa is a postcard to anyone who has ever found himself or herself driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of youth.

The show is directed by Doug and Beth McBride. Co-playwright Tim Clue described the show as “...a toast to children of parents from the now dubbed ‘greatest generation’. The story is a tribute to that idealism and character and a little roast of their undying dedication to the classic family roadtrip. It is a postcard to anyone who has ever found themselves driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of their youth.”

Performances are October 14 and 15 at 7:30 PM and October 16 at 2:30 PM. Call 319-653-5175 or email leavingiowatickets@gmail.com for information and tickets.

Cast:

Don Browning – Steven Lockard
Dad – Brett Pierson
Mom – Melody Lockard
Sis – Melanie Jeter-Hawkins
Farmer Johnson, Mechanic, Bob – Rick Bonar
Mrs. Johnson, Judy – Mary Maxted
Grandpa, Uncle Phil, Civil War Guy – Terry Shaw
Grandma, Aunt Phyllis, Jessie – Nancy Salemink
Cart Guy, Jack Singer, Wayne – Brent Pfeiffer
Joe Hofingers, Amish Guy – Bill Gatchel
Amish Gal, Clerk – Regina Schantz
Museum Assistant, Jamie – Sue Spencer
Drunk Lady, Park Ranger – Amy Langr

Auditions for Leaving Iowa Aug 7, 9 and 10

Washington - Auditions for the Washington Community Theater Production of Leaving Iowa will take place on August 7, 9, and 10, starting at 7:00 PM at the Washington Community Theatre. Performances are scheduled for October 14, 15 and 16.

Leaving Iowa is the story of Don Browning, a middle-aged writer, who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma’s house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place. This road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don’s memories of the annual, torturous vacations of his childhood. Leaving Iowa is a postcard to anyone who has ever found himself or herself driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of youth.

The cast consists of four main characters; Don, Sis, Mom and Dad in both the past and present day portrayed by the same actors. Additional cast members can number as few as 2 and as many as 22. Aspiring as well as experienced actors are encouraged and welcome to attend auditions. Scripts are available for check out at the Washington Library. Please contact directors, Doug and Beth McBride at 653-2433 with any questions.

Man of la Mancha is enjoyable

by Andrew Juhl

Washington - Man of La Mancha is a musical inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century masterpiece Don Quixote. A play within a play, Cervantes and his fellow prisoners perform the story of the “mad” knight Don Quixote as they collectively await hearings under the Spanish Inquisition.

Washington Community Theatre is performing the musical at the Washington Community Center, which possesses a comfortable, somewhat large permanent theatre for a smaller town of roughly 7,000. Even though WCT normally stages only three productions each year, the community theatre members are a rabidly enthusiastic group, as-one committed to putting-out strong shows and who know how to use their stage and auditorium like a master carpenter knows how to use his tools. This especially goes for the tech crew, who exhibited slyly proficient lighting and sound design. Jeff Crone, the lighting designer, should especially be commended for adding nuance throughout the show.

The onstage presences are unassumingly talented, as well. Mike Jewell belts out an impressive version of the Broadway standard “The Impossible Dream” as well as competently portrays Don Quixote with the requisite bumbling lunacy. He is less interesting as Cervantes, but then again almost all Don Quixotes are. Rebekah Trotter’s fantastic voice lends needed solemnity to the character of Aldonza, Quixote’s love interest—though that downtrodden tone was also present throughout the happier scenes, making the character some measure more pitiful than necessary. Additionally of note are Beth McBride (“Housekeeper”) and Mackenzie Roth (“Antonia”), who-with Brian Langer (“Padre”)-provided a wonderful rendition of “I’m Only Thinking of Him.” I remember seeing Man of La Mancha as a high school junior and finding that song simply insufferable; this trio, however, shows just how beautifully constructed the music and lyrics really are.

Don Hughes pulls the entire show together with skilled direction, both on the stage and as the orchestra pit conductor. He and vocal director Beth McBride have expertly collaborated; rarely does his 17-piece pit get in the way of the singer on stage. Though a few songs were still somewhat loose during my preview, I have faith that Hughes and McBride are aware of these soft spots and will be focusing on them prior to Thursday’s opening night performance.

I was worried that the entire production would have a “Hey, gang, let’s put on a show!” vibe to it, but the dedication and enthusiasm of the cast and crew turn in a community-produced musical that is enjoyably dependable. Overall, I would definitely endorse the short drive to Washington to see WCT’s Man of La Mancha this weekend.

Auditions for Man of la Mancha Coming Soon

Washington - Auditions for Washington Community Theater's next production, Man of la Mancha, will be held in Washington and Iowa City. The play was originally slated to be directed by Josh Sazon. However, due to circumstances beyond his control, Mr. Sazon has had to step down as director. Don Hughes will now be directing the show. The show runs June 23-26.

Audition Dates:

Washington:
Washington Community Center
Sunday, April 17 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Thursday, April 21 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Iowa City:
Robert A. Lee Rec Center
Meeting Room B
Tuesday, April 19 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Roles:

Don Quixote/Cervantes (Baritone)
-Plays both a vigorous nobleman-poet and an old and eccentric knight-errant.

Sancho/The Man Servant (Tenor, comic role)
-Don Quixote's lovable servant

Aldonza (legit soprano)
-rough-and-tumble bar wench who finds her inner-beauty

Antonia (Soprano)
-pretends to be concerned for her uncle

Innkeeper/Governor (Baritone)
Padre (Tenor)
Dr. Carrasco/The Duke (Baritone)
Housekeeper (Mezzo)
The Barber (Tenor)
Anselmo
Chorus

Plan to perform a prepared song (from the show or not), a pianist will be provided.
You may contact the director at dwhughes@iowatelecom.net if you have any questions.

Experience an American classic at WCT

by Matthew Falduto

Washington - What an amazing theatre they have in Washington, Iowa. Beautiful stage, fly rigging, lights, raked seating... it's a great place to perform. Apparently, a gift from Washington residents and theatre lovers Dick and Sara McCleery made it all possible back in the 70s when the theatre was built. If you've never had a chance to check out the theatre, I highly recommend you do so. And what better way to do that than by attending one of the remaining performances of an American classic, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck?

Of Mice and Men tells the story of two farmhands looking for work during the Great Depression: George, played by Tim Johnson, and Lennie, played by Don Hughes. George is a smart man who takes care of Lennie, who despite his great size and strength, has the mental faculties of a child. George and Lennie arrive at the ranch with the hopes of making a big enough stake so they can buy their own place. Unfortunately, this story is a tragedy and Lennie's combination of an amazing strength and an utter lack of understanding leads to a death that forces George to make a terrible decision.

WCT's production has many wonderful aspects to it. Before the show began, we were treated to some excellent harmonica playing. The music really set the mood for the show and was a welcome distraction during intermission and set changes. And what a great set it was! Every location was perfectly and realistically rendered, from the bunkhouse to the giant haystack in the barn.

Three actors really stood out in this production. Don Hughes perfectly captured Lennie and all of his moods. For the show to work, we have to feel a great empathy for Lennie and Hughes did an excellent job of evoking that emotion. He also had excellent chemistry with Tim Johnson's George. Another performer who truly stood out was Alicia Smith as Curley's Wife. In the book (and the play), the character is never named. Her purpose in the story is to further the tragedy of Lennie. However, Smith's portrayal added depth to the character which in turn added to that tragedy. Finally, Andrew Cole did a fine job as Crooks, the African American farm worker with the crooked back. He provided some much needed humor in his one main scene.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the four-legged actor, Stitches. Performing the role of The Old Dog, Stitches really got into character when it was time for him to go off stage and be "killed." He refused to go, fighting every step of the way. That's some powerful acting from our canine friend.

I realize many of my readers are in the Iowa City/Coralville area. It's definitely worth the 50 minute drive to check out this theatre. If Of Mice and Men does not interest you, their next show is Man of la Mancha, which will be directed by a name familiar to many Iowa City area theatergoers: Josh Sazon.

I enjoy the new and innovative shows that are being done, but it's always important to remember that classics are classics for a reason. Of Mice and Men is a novel I read every few years. This production is a great way to experience this truly American story.

Washington presents Of Mice and Men

Washington - Washington Community Theater is one of two theatres we have added to the roster of theatres we will cover in this blog. (The other is Starlighters in Anamosa.) WCT has three shows scheduled for 2011. Later this season, you will have a chance to catch Man of La Mancha (June) and Church Basement Ladies (October). Of Mice and Men, directed by Thom Sobota of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, opens on Thursday and is showing for one weekend only.

The play is a stage adaptation of the classic novel by John Steinbeck. Two drifters, George and his friend Lennie, with delusions of living off the "fat of the land," have just arrived at a ranch to work for enough money to buy their own place. Lennie is a man-child, a little boy in the body of a dangerously powerful man. When Lennie's brute strength threatens to get out of control, George has to make difficult decisions.

The show runs:
Thursday, February 17 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 18 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 19 - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 20 - 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 students (high school & under). Call 319-653-5175 for tickets.

Cast List:
George - Tim Johnson
Lennie - Don Hughes
Candy - Terry Phillips
The Boss - Henry J. Eicher
Curley - Dalton Christner
Curley's Wife - Alicia Smith
Slim - Richard Mickelson
Carlson - Henry H. Eicher
Whit - Shane Schwartz
Crooks - Andrew Cole