Swinging into Summerset
Published 1:01 pm Sunday, April 20, 2014
The classics endure, and they’ll live once again on the stage inside Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College this summer when Summerset Theatre walks the boards.
This Summerset season includes “Fiddler on the Roof” in June, “God of Carnage” in July, and “The Odd Couple” in late July and early August, all beloved shows.
“We felt like it was time to get back to one of those big, classic shows,” said Lindsey Williams, Riverland Director.
Though Williams won’t be directing Summerset this summer, she serves on the Summerset Theatre board and was there when board members decided to go back to a classic theme for a change.
“Fiddler on the Roof,” the well-known 20th century play, is an intimate look in the lives of a Jewish community in Russia and one family in particular. Tevye, a father, must navigate his way through life changes in his family by deciding whether to follow tradition or allow his daughters the freedom to follow their own path.
The show will be directed by former Riverland Director Jerry Girton, who had originally intended to direct “Fiddler on the Roof” as his last show before he retired in 2011.
“There’s a really, beautiful wonderful musical,” Williams said. “I’m excited to see what Jerry’s going to do with it.”
“God of Carnage” is a little less family friendly than “Fiddler on the Roof,” however. The play was an instant success when it debuted in 2006. “God of Carnage” revolves around two couples who meet to discuss their sons, one of whom punched the other.
The play, directed by David Dahlquist, will feature four area actors and actresses in a smaller, impactful show as the couples descend into arguments about worldviews, racism, parenting and more.
“We like to do something every season that will push those boundaries once in a while,” Williams said. “It is a really interesting piece.”
Rounding out the season will be “The Odd Couple,” Neil Simon’s classic play about two roommates whose personalities couldn’t be more different. From household chores to spaghetti dinners, “The Odd Couple” remains a timeless classic that has spawned several movies and TV series. The Summerset show will be directed by John Deyo.
“Fiddler on the Roof” will take place June 15-21, “God of Carnage” runs July 8-13 and “The Odd Couple” plays July 29-Aug. 2. Auditions for all three shows will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, and from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 5, inside Frank W. Bridges Theatre. Williams said all residents are welcome to attend, and children 8 years of age or older can audition for “Fiddler on the Roof.” She also encouraged families in the area to audition together as a bonding experience.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Williams said. “Come on out and give it a try.”