Dear Editor,
I grew up in the glory days of the Red Ryder BB Gun, and yes I did almost shoot my eye out because of a ricochet accident. No, my name is NOT Ralphy, but I can certainly identify with him. My Mom didn’t want me to have any type of gun, not at any age! Therefore I am very well acquainted with the story line of this play.
I have to admit that back in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, the scenario was no laughing matter for me. However, with a lot of water having passed under my personal bridges since then, and now looking through bifocal lenses, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of humor so pleasantly presented by this cast of our own local volunteer performers this past Saturday evening at the Stevensville Playhouse.
Having walked the boards since the age of ten, and taught many young people to perform as well, I can well appreciate how well these local cast members did. Each ‘child’ character was well developed and enjoyably different; quite an achievement for those kids for whom this was a first appearance on stage. The newcomers came across just as well as those with a bit longer thespian experience… a tribute to both the show’s director and to the theater management that has a mission of giving equal opportunity to actors of all ages and levels of talent. Oh yes, I also want to give kudos to “the Old Man”, who pulled off his first time role as if he was as seasoned an actor as the rest of his adult counterparts. All in all, the evening was one of the highlights of my season.
I only have one negative comment, and it is not directed at the cast. I was disappointed at the fact that there were so many empty seats in the house. I cannot understand why the excellent performance by community volunteers is not rewarded by every chair being full, and “standing-room-only” being the operative word of the day! I know this is not a sports event, but such valiant effort in bringing entertainment and enjoyment to our community should be supported and applauded equally as strongly.
Clay Freeman
Stevensville