"A Man for All Seasons" Opens Friday

Opening night for The Playmakers theatrical production of “A Man For All Seasons” is this Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30. It’s a special night for audiences, for unlike most other performances, audience can sense the tension and excitement of an opening night. But, backstage at The Playmakers opening night isn’t the mad-house that one might think it is. Actors are quietly rehearsing difficult lines or off by themselves visualizing their scenes. It might even appear that they are meditating. There’s a hushed hum of the dressers making sure that costumes are organized for the quick changes. The backstage crew is going over the choreography of the set changes. But yes, there is tension and excitement being brought under control by actors so they can put it to good use in their performances.
But the three weeks leading up to this night are never quiet. They are filled with seamstresses picking up more fabric in order to make or finish costumes, and actors meeting them for fittings in between rehearsals. Set and prop people are coming and going, painting, cutting Styrofoam, and heating up the glue gun. Lights are being re-focused for the 10th time, and that lighting bug squashed. Box office volunteers are busy taking reservations and confirming them. These are the weeks that a big production such as “A Man For All Seasons” comes together. Opening night is a relief after all of this!
Nine seamstresses have been working since last November on over thirty costumes for this historical production. They are Marge Chowning, Joyce Burns, Gina Casey, Carol Browning, Marcie Hogan, Susan Schumacher, Sandra Strahm, Bill Flannery and Pat Wilson. The result of all their hours are beautiful costumes. Since the play takes place in the 1529, during the reign of Henry VIII, there are myriad costume pieces in addition to the basic wardrobe. Some were borrowed, but most were designed by Marge Chowning, our resident expert on period costuming, with assistance from the director, Suzanne Boles, and Bill Flannery and Tonna Zuech. They have been made by dedicated seamstresses, many of whom spent Saturdays at the theatre in a kind of ‘sewing bee,’ doing the finishing, hand-sewing, and detail work necessary to complete the look of the character. Some seamstresses are also working backstage as ‘dressers’ for the cast, making sure that cape is hanging right before the actor goes on stage, running for the missing hat, or helping with quick changes.
“Even though this isn’t a musical, it’s a very big production,” says Suzanne Boles, Director. “There are 14 people in the cast, and over 40 volunteers doing the myriad backstage and off-stage jobs. And, because of all the collaborative efforts of these volunteers, it is going to be one of those productions not to be missed!”
Performances are scheduled at 7:30 pm on Fridays, Feb. 17 & 24, Saturdays, Feb 18 & 25 and Tuesday, Feb. 21. Sunday matinees on Feb. 19 & 26 are at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $6 for students. The suggested maturity level for this production is upper elementary and above. Reservations may be made by calling 918-786-8950 or emailing http://us.f340.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=play_theatre05@sbcglobal.net. Off Broadway Arts theatre is located at 121 W. 3rd St., in Grove.
Photo: left to right: Carol Browning, Marcie Hogan, Joyce Burns, and Marge Chowning.)