Have you been to the Casino Theatre to see a production by The Island Players yet this year? Their 2018-19 season is underway, and after a successful run of “I Hate Hamlet,” they continue their spring shows with Norm Foster’s romantic comedy “The Affections of May” in March, which will be followed by Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” in May. That’s right, May in March, and a little New York slice of life in May. Got it?
In “The Affections of May,” May Henning discovers that she’s an attractive target for a town’s two lonely bachelors after being dumped by her husband and left with a failing bed & breakfast. This rowdy comedy of love lost and love found is sprinkled with snappy dialogue, unexpected twists and turns, and lots of laughs. Show dates are March 2-4, 9-10, 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. and March 11 and 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Auditions for “Plaza Suite” will be held in March too. Come out to the theatre at 7:00 p.m. on March 4, 5, or 6 to try out for a part. Actors are always welcome, even if you’re new to the stage! “Plaza Suite” is a thee act play which focuses on three different stories involving different characters, but all taking place in the same suite at New York City’s Plaza Hotel. Director Bob Boles will be looking to fill main character roles for a male and female who are 45-55, a male and female who are 35-55, a male and female who are 45-60, with supporting roles for a female 25-30, a female 21-30, a male 25-30, and 3 males 25 or older. Performances will take place May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. and May 6, 13 and 20 at 3:00 p.m.
But you don’t have to get up on the stage to become involved with The Island Players. The group is always in need of extra hands to help build sets, work lighting and equipment, help with marketing and promotion behind the scenes. Boles credits longtime member of The Island Players, Ed Cheshire with bringing him to the group. When they were closing on their new St. Simons Island home, Boles and his wife ran into island residents Ed and Judy Cheshire. They talked about getting involved in the community, and Boles told Ed he was looking for a creative outlet on the island. When Boles shared that he had worked as a writer and director of commercials, educational programs, and documentaries, and had been participated in professional and community theatre when he was younger, Ed suggested that he get involved with The Island Players. Boles says, “One thing led to another and I found myself working with David Butler on ‘Is He Dead’ last spring. There, I discovered a great group of creative people who worked hard at putting on a wonderful production and was very open to new volunteers. It was a terrific experience and I made lots of new friends. As a result of working on that production, I was asked to direct ‘Plaza Suite’ this May, which I am looking forward to.” He adds, “Whether you’re new to the island or have been here a long time and are looking for a fun, creative way to get involved in the community, The Island Players might be just the ticket. There are so many opportunities both on stage and off. You don’t have to have a theatre background, you just need to show up!”
Purchase your tickets for “The Affections of May” online at theislandplayers.com, and give an audition for “Plaza Suite” a shot, if you want to try your hand at acting. For backstage opportunities, email Bob at rsbusa@aol.com and he can put you to work or steer you in the right direction. And if you’re not ready to take a role on the stage or behind the scenes with The Island Players just yet, at least come out and see the shows. They’re saving you a seat!
