PrestonKirk
11-07-2010, 08:40 AM
You know the story of Annie Sullivan (teacher) and young, blind and deaf Helen Keller (student)m and you've probably seen the movie, read the book or seen a past HCCT version of this memorable play. BUT . . . the version that opened this past Thursday at the Hill Country Community Theatre and directed by local Steve Reily has a wonderfully different feel and look about it, and not just because of the engaging set and lights designed by Stephanie Ellis. The set is a "see through," sometimes a silhoutte, some of it real and some of it imagined and with real and imagined levels. The 2nd floor ladder scene was hilarious!
There are two young girls alternating as Helen, and I had the pleasure of seeing Ocean Fillingim, a young 11-year-old novelist, doing her eighth play at HCCT and she was just terrific. Amber Grubert alternates in the role, and I'm tempted to go see her version of the character in this the Silver Anniversary (25th) Season of HCCT.
While there are many impressive cast members, Jim McDermott, for example, doing his best work as Papa Keller since he was the postman in "On Golden Pond," a real standout is Lacey Smith, (Annie), a tall, lean actress in only her first dramatic role. She is so assured and so polished, it's hard to believe this is her second play. Hope to see more of her acting chops on the HCCT stage.
One or two more observations: There are small roles in this play, but no small actors. The blind girls at the school are precious; Mark Fernandes, as always, is a great Greek, "Anagnos, and it is a wonderful welcome to add more actors of color to our stage -- African-Americans Denise Douse, Malik Salahuddin and Vania Brown, part of the Smoking for Jesus Ministry (and Christian School) that Hurricane Katrina fortunately blew our Hill Country Way a few years ago.
A lot of work -- and volunteerism -- goes into all of these productions. And it has not been an easy several years for the theatrical arts due to the economy and tighter purse strings all around. But BURNET COUNTY is fortunate to have such a great playhouse doing great shows. GIVE THEM YOUR SUPPORT, and the best way is to buy tickets and fill seats yourselves, with friends, family, neighbors and, particularly on this show, children and students. The Box Office is 8300798-8944.
There are two young girls alternating as Helen, and I had the pleasure of seeing Ocean Fillingim, a young 11-year-old novelist, doing her eighth play at HCCT and she was just terrific. Amber Grubert alternates in the role, and I'm tempted to go see her version of the character in this the Silver Anniversary (25th) Season of HCCT.
While there are many impressive cast members, Jim McDermott, for example, doing his best work as Papa Keller since he was the postman in "On Golden Pond," a real standout is Lacey Smith, (Annie), a tall, lean actress in only her first dramatic role. She is so assured and so polished, it's hard to believe this is her second play. Hope to see more of her acting chops on the HCCT stage.
One or two more observations: There are small roles in this play, but no small actors. The blind girls at the school are precious; Mark Fernandes, as always, is a great Greek, "Anagnos, and it is a wonderful welcome to add more actors of color to our stage -- African-Americans Denise Douse, Malik Salahuddin and Vania Brown, part of the Smoking for Jesus Ministry (and Christian School) that Hurricane Katrina fortunately blew our Hill Country Way a few years ago.
A lot of work -- and volunteerism -- goes into all of these productions. And it has not been an easy several years for the theatrical arts due to the economy and tighter purse strings all around. But BURNET COUNTY is fortunate to have such a great playhouse doing great shows. GIVE THEM YOUR SUPPORT, and the best way is to buy tickets and fill seats yourselves, with friends, family, neighbors and, particularly on this show, children and students. The Box Office is 8300798-8944.