The Middletown-based Vintage Players is getting ready to present "The Torch-Bearers", a satirical comedy written in 1923 by George Kelly (uncle of actress Grace Kelly and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for his 1925 play "Craig's Wife.") That's Charles Rich, who plays the laconic stage manager, awaiting the beginning of rehearsal.
The story revolves around an amateur theater group putting on a serious play and how one woman gets involved, much to the dismay of her husband. We enter the play the night before its final performance, the same night the husband returns home from a truncated business trip to find the troupe rehearsing in his living room. Some of the actors are serious but not talented, some are silly and not talented but all are under the spell of their hyper-active director and the lure of the stage lights.
The second act (out of 3) shows the performance in all its glorious ineptitude. The actual stage is split between the "play"and the events backstage. It's marvelously silly (note: I'm in the cast so expect some bias here) and is followed by a very funny ending.
Cast members include Terri Klein, Naomi Kamins (also assistant director), John Hall, Pat Farrell, Peter Sipples, Jane McMillan, Maria Madsen Holzberg, Lynne Fiducia, Bob Alexander, Charles Rich , Richard Kamins and Danny Glazier. Director Carolyn Kirsch (an experienced dancer and actress) leads the "behind-the-scenes" crew that also includes Marian Katz (set designer and costumer), Pat Murray (lighting, props and stage crew) and Cora Rodenhizer (costumes and makeup.)
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday March 19, 8 p.m. Saturday March 21 and 3 p.m. Sunday March 22 in the main auditorium of Congregation Adath Israel, 8 Broad Street. The suggested donation is $10. and the proceeds will be shared by the Amazing Grace Food Pantry, Oddfellows Playhouse and the synagogue. For reservations, call 632-1067 or 346-1377.
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