Shadowlands by William Nicholson
Performance dates: November 13-22, 2003
Cast:
Sabra
Hayden Sally McCoy
Frank
Nemecek Emily Rellinger
Larry Kilmer Spencer
Nemecek Patrick Richmond
Charles Hershberger Charles Brecheisen
Shelly Cutshall Nicholas Arkison
Brynne Klawuhn Samuel Hayden
The Crew Our Corporate Sponsors Special Thanks
The Setting: The action takes place in Oxford, England in the 1950's.
William Nicholson's "Shadowlands" is the story of the relationship and marriage between the reserved British theologian, C.S. Lewis, and Joy Gresham, an outspoken American poet. But it is more than just a love story. As the relationship unfolds, and their lives become intertwined, the story also becomes one about faith and facing the loss of love through circumstances that challenge their faith. Through the eyes of Joy's son, Douglas, we get a glimpse into a world of fantasy and hope and we see how lives can be transformed by what the heart believes.
Director's
Notes
In preparation
to direct, I read many different works about and by C.S. Lewis. I had
always admired his work, but now I have come to respect the man even more.
Though he was a theologian, he chose not to proselytize. He felt that
every man's religion was his own.
In the dialogue of "Shadowlands" there is a reference to an
event that took place in England in October, 1955, which is essential to the
storyline of the play. Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth's sister) had
fallen in love with Group Captain Peter Townsend. He was, however,
divorced and the Church of England would not allow her to marry this man.
"Because marriage is indissoluble within the eyes of God".
"Shadowlands" is, in large part, C.S. Lewis' need to concurrently resolve
the same dilemma: love over faith or faith above all.
The events depicted in the play are largely based on fact. Lewis
did have a deep friendship with American poetess, Joy Gresham; and this
friendship developed into love - a love complicated by her divorce. If you
will allow me a personal note: My research leads me to believe that,
indeed, Lewis and Gresham were true soul mates
Sabra Hayden (Director) This
marks the beginning of Sabra's 11th season with LTCT. During that time,
she has worked on every show, in almost every capacity from acting to directing
to producing to props to lights. Sabra enjoys her involvement with theater
and believes that it is absolutely vital to education and to the
community. Sabra lives in the Boyne City area with her husband and two
children. When she's not at the theater, Sabra spends her time with family
and friends, she love to cook and read. top
Sally McCoy (Assistant Director) Sally
is no newcomer to Little Traverse Civic Theatre. Her most recent role on
stage was as Mildred in last spring's production of "Cemetery
Club". She has been onstage in several shows, has been the producer
for two shows, and is now trying her hand as assistant director. She has
had a wonderful time working with Sabra and has enjoyed their lengthy
conversations about the layers of meaning in "Shadowlands".
Sally is the owner and founder of Capricorn Moon, Petoskey's earth spirituality
shop. top
Frank Nemecek (C.S. Lewis) Frank is
hardly a stranger to LTCT. He debuted in the 1986 production of
"Gigi" and since that time has been in many productions. His
talents do not stop with his acting. He has done almost everything
backstage - director, stage manager, set construction, set design, lights and
the list goes on. He has been on the LTCT Board serving as Vice-President
and Newsletter Editor. Frank also has a wonderful bass voice. Over
the past 26 years, he has been in various choirs, performed in shows at Bay View
and is a current member of the Little Traverse Choral Society. Frank is a
teacher in the Gaylord Schools; he spends his leisure time with his lovely
actress wife, Karen, and their children, Spencer and Maddie. top
Emily Rellinger (Joy Gresham) This is
Emily's first appearance on the LTCT stage. She fell in love with the
theater at an early age when her mother took her to see "A Chorus
Line" in Chicago. That inspired her to participate in musicals and
dance throughout high school. Both of her boys, Harley and Parker, are
equally inspired, and have been on stage in school plays. Emily works as a
financial consultant for the New York based investment firm, Pace Capital
Management. top
Larry Kilmer (Major Warnie Lewis) "It's
a pleasure to be involved in "Shadowlands" says Larry. He loved
the script when he read it as a member of the LTCT Artistic Committee and was
very pleased when it was placed in this season as part of the month-long C.S.
Lewis Festival. As a twenty year LTCT member, Larry has been involved in
almost every show. His favorite role in recent years was as Willie Clark
in the "Sunshine Boys". "I'd like to thank Bev Holden for
casting and directing me in that show. Love Ya Bev!".
top
Spencer Nemecek (Douglas) This show
marks Spencer's LTCT stage debut, although he has been a part of the group for
all of his nine years. He has been coming to the theater with his parents,
Karen and Frank and has worked on set construction and in the box office for the
past two years. Currently, a fourth grade student at Sheridan, Spencer is
also very involved in Cub Scouts. He has also performed with Petoskey's
Elementary Enrichment Choir and is a sports fan...both participating and as a
spectator. (Don't challenge him in a sports trivia game!) Spencer
has been to several Broadway shows and has had backstage tours with his Aunt
Peggy, a professional costume designer. top
Patrick Richmond (Christopher Riley) Pat,
in just five years, has become a staunch theater person. He was most
recently seen in last year's production of "The Best Man" but he has
filled many roles for the group. He has been a director, stage manager,
light designer, and sound technician. He has served on the Board as
Vice-President and Program Advertising Co-Chair. After "The Best
Man" closed last season, Pat went to New York City to run in the
Marathon. Several LTCT members accompanied him to cheer him on!! top
Charles Hershberger (Harry Harrington) This
is Chuck's debut performance on the Little Traverse Civic Theatre's stage.
However, his acting experiences date back to junior high where he played Mr.
Brent in "Aunt Cathy's Cat". He has acted in high school,
college and community theater productions. His acting credits include the
Prince of Verona in "Romeo and Juliet" and Thomas Edison in "The
Great American Light War", Chuck has directed children's productions of
"Stop & Go Christmas" and "Rooftop", as well as the
Jordan River Arts Council's production of the "Good Ole' Girls".
He has also designed sets and done set dressing. Chuck is a retired
elementary school administrator and resides in East Jordan with his wife Lynn
and daughter Whitney. Besides theater, his hobbies include painting in
watercolor and oils, as well as the creation of collages and assemblages. top
Charles Brecheisen (Alan Gregg/Doctor) This
is Charlie's fourth appearance on the LTCT stage. He dove in head first
for the 2001 production of "Much Ado About Nothing" and is obviously
hooked. He is currently a Board member and the Membership Committee Chair,
a daunting task. He has been a resident of the Petoskey area for several
years and, when not busy at Fletch's of Petoskey, he enjoys snowboarding and
mountain biking., We are always glad to see Charlie in a show as he has a
large family who boost the ticket sales! top
Shelly Cutshall (Registrar/Nurse) Shelly's
first theater experience was in high school as one of the king's wives in
"The King and I". After a several year break from acting to go
to college, make a couple of career changes, get married and have two boys, she
decided to try her hand at acting again. Her first part with LTCT was
sharing the role of Madame Giry in "Phantom 2000", and she has been
involved ever since. Her favorite role so far has been as Edie Boggs in
"Too Soon for Daisies". top
Nicholas Arkison (Priest/Waiter) This
is Nicholas's second appearance on the LTCT stage. He played William Tabb
in last year's production of "Rebecca". When he is not attending
rehearsals, Nicholas spends his time perusing "The Complete Tales of Uncle
Remus" and organizing his own fantasy variety show. Nicholas is a
home-schooled student and lives in Wolverine. top
Brynne Klawuhn (Woman/Witness) Brynne
moved to Harbor Springs three years ago from Midland where she was very involved
in community theater. She has been involved in several LTCT productions
both onstage and backstage. Brynne is a graduate of Michigan State
University in Materials Management and is currently a sales representative for
BlueGreen Vacation Club at Boyne Highlands. She has one child, Brandon who
is "the cutest toddler ever". top
Samuel Hayden (Boy in Tea Room) This
is Sam's third time appearing on LTCT's stage. He was last seen as Ivar in
"A Doll's House". Sam has also appeared as Running Deer in
"The Aracoma Story" in Logan, West Virginia. Sam is in the
seventh grade at Boyne City Middle School. top
The
Crew 
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