Veteran actors and newcomers ready for April 2 -11, 2010, WLTCo. run of My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady opens Friday at 8 p.m.

Along with Professor Henry Higgins and the irrepressible Eliza Doolittle, a full cast of dames, blokes, and assorted characters will present the Washington debut of My Fair Lady Friday, April 2, at 8 p.m. at the Bolton Lunceford Playhouse. The Washington Little Theater Company’s spring musical, directed by Stan Coe, will bring the music- and dance-filled classic story to life on Friday and Saturday evenings, April 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 8 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, April 11, at 3 p.m. (Photo by KIP BURKE) Final preparations for the Washington Little Theater Company’s production of My Fair Lady continue in high gear at the Bolton Lunceford Playhouse. In addition to many veteran actors and actresses, several new faces will be seen on stage.
“We have been fortunate to find some young singers and dancers to help with several of the scenes that require youth, vigor and pizzazz,” director Stan Coe said.
Stephen Bufford and Carlos Lopez of Washington as well as Benjamin and Becca Hawke of Thomson add style, grace, and a high degree of energy to several song and dance numbers. Coe added that it is very gratifying when young talent presents with such willingness and capacity to adapt to various roles. “Each one of these young people came to help out with one thing or another and ended up doing several things well,” he said.
Another new face to the stage is Jennifer Slaton who has delighted everyone with her acting and help with set design. Timothy Kelley, from Appling, adds a distinctive flair to several of Eliza Doolittle’s songs with his talent on violin.
“Among our veteran actors is Jonathan Kimbrell, who drives from Augusta and at times all the way from Atlanta where he studies,” Coe reported. “He plays Freddie who tries to croon his way into Eliza’s heart with ‘On the Street Where You Live.’” Sabrina Dodgen of Washington waltzes, polkas and taps her way across the stage. She and Becca have trained under Cynthia Altman at the Washington Dance Studio. “Then there is Zack Gebing whose performances are always unforgettable and this one promises to be no different,” Coe said.
Another veteran of the summer drama camp, Yarelli Lopez, performs several singing and dancing roles. Abby Foster, also from summer drama camp, adds to the music ensemble with her percussion. Pat Niemann, from previous performances, brings her daughter Lynn Young and granddaughter Lilly to the cast. Shay Harris, originally “put on the payroll” as music director has found she had her talents stretched to fill numerous singing and dancing roles, which add an indescribable quality to several scenes.
Helping to keep this production in a forward motion and on time is the multi-talented Sharon McKee. As assistant director, she also shares her talents in several song and dance numbers. Sherry’s husband, Jim, is a natural character actor who adds a dash of spice and humor to several scenes.
This is a timely, marvelous story that appeals to all ages and has a cast that ranges from age three to octogenarian. Theater lovers will not want to miss this delightful performance at the Bolton Lunceford Playhouse April 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 8 p.m. and April 11 at 3 p.m. For reservations, call 706-678-9582.