OUTLOOK - “Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life.” - Oscar Wilde
This statement, written by Wilde in an 1889 essay, often gets quoted when observing the parallels between art and life. It would certainly describe the situation Equinox Theatre is finding itself in as it prepares to bring its next play to the stage—this time the story of a community theatre group in search of its next production to keep community theatre alive.
The two-act comedy “Real Close to Broadway” tells the story of the Midville Community Theatre group and their efforts to keep the group afloat and find ways to fund their upcoming season. Director Delwyn Luedtke said the idea hits pretty close to home for Equinox Theatre. “We went searching for a play when we made the decision to move our musical to the fall,” he said, “and when I found this story I thought we could really relate to it. Community theatre groups are always on the look-out for their next script and figuring out ways to fund their next season so I thought we could have some fun with it.”
In “Real Close to Broadway” the Midville Community Theatre holds a script writing contest to find their next big hit. Trouble ensues when misunderstandings take hold and individual motives collide.
Floyd Childerhose will be playing Midville’s mayor, a man who wants a certain play to win but gets rather mixed up in his efforts to pull some strings to make that happen. Floyd, a veteran of Equinox Theatre, is enjoying working on this show. “I think people will get a kick out of seeing this story about a small town trying to make money for their theatre. It’s just a fun comedy and it has been cast so well.”
Having to do a bit of the mayor’s bidding is the president of Midville’s theatre company, Big Earl, played by veteran performer Phil Guebert. Phil enjoys the challenge of stepping into a new character each time he tackles a new script. “Creating characters is always fun,” he remarked. “Once you learn the lines you start developing a character and that’s the fun part.” He says he is once again enjoying the Equinox experience. “I get a chance to work with some new people and it’s great to see everyone add their own touch.”
Returning to the Equinox stage is Morgan Dingle who last played one of Ariel’s sisters in “The Little Mermaid.” In “Real Close to Broadway” she plays starlet Juleelee, the mayor’s daughter who has big ambitions. “She’s a small-town theatre star that has the dream of making it to Broadway and she’s going to do everything she can to get there,” Morgan explained. After having a great time doing “The Little Mermaid” Morgan is excited to be back on the Equinox stage. She believes this show will provide something for everyone. “It’s quirky and it’s funny and I think there’s something or some character that could be relatable to anybody that’s in the audience.”
Rounding out the cast is Jordan Davies, Sheri Lovrod, Heather Peardon, Chastan Sim and Amber Turton
“Real Close to Broadway” runs May 26-28. Tickets are on sale at Outlook Printers.
