You see, for the last few months I’ve had the opportunity to experience play practice, and last night it all came to an end. Now I’ll be catching up on my television programs and settling back into my normal little routine. It’s just a day after the final performance, and I’m feeling a bit sad!
A while back I casually mentioned to my friend Valerie Snow, a member of Kingfisher Creative, that I’d try a small part if one ever came up. Little did I realize she took me at my word and pushed me right out of my comfort zone! She handed me a small role in the play Amdram is Murder, a murder mystery dinner theater presented July 10 and 11.
My first challenge was acquiring a British accent! My Okie accent never let me get there. I was pretty sure after the first practice that I was there for a good time, not a long time!
I’m so intimidated when it comes to memorizing lines. Fortunately for me, I didn’t have a huge number of lines to learn. The five main characters, however, took on that task like champions. Those roles were played by Ulanda Heckman, Mike Brown, Nicole Goodson, Karisa Eaton, and Jeff Rutledge. It was obvious they had worked together before. They were all veterans in the craft of theater.
I heard stories about actors recording rehearsals and listening to them while driving to work. Some even recruited family members to help run lines. I got to watch the characters come to life through each practice.
My character was one of the witnesses, along with David Heckman and Isaac Holder. Of course, you can’t have witnesses without a detective, and that role was played by Melody Kuehn. Our fearless leaders, a.k.a. the directors, were Valerie Snow and Dustin Eaton. The cast headshots were taken by photographer Amber Albers.
Besides learning lines, sets had to be built, table decorations arranged, programs designed, and, of course, tickets had to be sold! The details were always being tweaked right down to the wire.
The one thing that really hit home with me was watching this group juggle work, family, and all of life’s challenges, then leave it all at the door. They walked into every rehearsal with a common goal and a shared passion to give each other their very best.
I witnessed bloopers and forgotten lines, but the seasoned actors always picked up the slack and got everyone back on track. They didn’t just know their own lines. They knew everyone else’s, too.
Since the four suspects never knew what questions the audience would ask, it was entertaining to watch them come up with witty answers while staying completely in character.
As I reminisce, I have to share the phrase my director, Valerie Snow, assigned to my character:
“My name is Linda. I am NOT a nosy neighbor. I am a good neighbor who keeps notes!”
I have a feeling that line is going to haunt me!
I also came home with directions on how to make sagging breasts for the costume. Apparently, all it takes is pantyhose and a whole lot of rice.
If you didn’t make it to this production, you missed a night of great food and plenty of laughs. I can’t wait to see what this talented group comes up with next.
Until then, do yourself a favor and come be entertained!
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