BCP continues to find creative ways to use their new theater. This past Thursday and Friday nights, an hors d’oeuvre and wine mixer was held before the performance of A. R. Gurney’s “Love Letters”, giving us a chance to mix and mingle with fellow theater goers in our spacious Lobby Lounge and Hexagon Party Room.
Pre-play Mixer
The audience really responded to the Pulitzer Prize nominated play, which has been internationally on Broadway and in other theaters all over the world, and has featured many famous actors including . In the BCP version, a different set of actors was used on each night….some people attended both nights to experience the difference and weren’t disappointed.
You might think a production where two actors read letters to one another would be a bit of a yawn….but not so! Both nights solicited both tears and laughter that brought the audience to their feet at the end of the performance on both nights.
Director Susan Thoms again brings her sense of fun and professionalism to the stage. When asked why she took on double the work by casting 2 different couples, in typical Thoms’ fashion, she replied…..”When I took on this job I decided to explore as much of the talent in our community as I could…..this reader’s play format allowed me to do that without too much stress on anyone.” It certainly worked well, Susan!
Director Susan Thoms
Thursday’s play proved that Yella Werder not only sings great, but she can also belt out an acting performance. Sitting in a chair, with a notebook in her lap, her use of gestures, facial expression, voice inflections , squirms and slouches helped us to know the free spirit, Melissa Gardiner, who reaches out over the span of years for the stability that always eludes her.
Yella Werder and Jim Maffitt
Her unrequited love, played by Jim Maffitt, made good use of his unique voice , upright posture and dignified demeanor as the perfect Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, as he rides the roller coaster of their lifelong friendship.
On Friday the tone was as different as the two actors involved.
Newcomer to BCP’s stage but seasoned in community theater in Dallas, Sandra Shepherd portrayed the character Melissa with the restrained, tightly controlled manner of a woman heading toward a breakdown; which the character faces repeatedly throughout her life. You could just feel it coming through Sandra’s excellent portrayal of Melissa.
Sandra Shepherd
Jerry Wager, who has acted and written for the BCP stage in the past, gives Andy Ladd, the charm and the sense of duty that ultimately controls his life. Jerry always brings authenticity to his parts….you really believe he is the character! Jerry has quickly become one of Boquete’s most sought after thespians and has a following of his own.
Jerry Wager
The cast and crew of this excellent production thank you for your support.
BCP urges you to join us when we try something different like this….you never know when something new is just what you need to enjoy your new and different life here in Boquete. We strive to continue to bring you quality entertainment of all kinds, and welcome your suggestions and talent We need all types of volunteer assistance, so Contact Us to volunteer.
And, if you are not yet a member of BCP, or if you know someone who is not yet a member, please encourage them to contact our Membership Director .
Please join us in thanking the cast and crew of Love Letters….
Director – Susan Thoms
Thursday’s Melissa Gardiner – Yella Werder
Thursday’s Andrew Ladd – Jim Maffitt
Friday’s Melissa Gardiner – Sandra Shepherd
Friday’s Andrew Ladd – Jerry Wager
Producer – Ann Kane
Dialogue Coach – Loesje Sonnemans-Sherwood
Food and Beverage Coordinator – Dana Applegate
Lobby Hostesses – Dana Applegate, Pam Pankratz, Sandi Stephens, Jamie Clem, Babbie Earle
House Manager – Robert Durand
Ushers – Linda Day, Summer Durand
Stage Manager – Janet Hartley-Wager
Stage Designer – Sandi Stephens
Lighting Design – Dan Grieve
Lighting Technician-Peter Markus
Sound Design – Marilyn Jenkins
Graphic Design – Robert Durand
Publicity Manager – Penny Ripple
Guy with the truck – Bob Johnson
