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Theater rehearsal set for Sunday
BY MARGO OXENDINE • STAFF WRITER
HOT SPRINGS - The newborn Bath community theater group, christened the Mountain Valley Players, has set its first rehearsal for Sunday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. in the Hot Springs firehouse. The variety show, "It Might As Well Be Spring," will feature the 38 people who auditioned Jan. 26, as well as any others who show up for the first rehearsal.
Anyone between the age of eight and "beyond" is welcome, notes MVP artistic director Michael Sharp. However, after the first rehearsal, the show is set; no other performers will be accepted.
The rehearsal is expected to last no more than two hours. During that time, the cast will learn two production numbers, "Hey, Look Me Over," and "Another Opening, Another Show." The two numbers, as well as "There's No Business Like Show Business," will feature the entire cast. So will a medley from "The Sound of Music," where the audience will be welcome to join in the singing.
The cast thus far includes 12 children, 13 teens, and 13 adults.
"We have room for a few more," Sharp says. "I'd like to have at least 40 in the show. Anyone who was unable to make it to the auditions can show up for rehearsal, and we'll put them in the show."
Last week, the Mountain Valley Players elected officers: President, Terry Kershner; vice president and corresponding secretary, Lori Witschey; recording secretary, Elaine Brown; treasurer, Debbie Yarrow; and artistic director, Sharp. The group also named committees for fund-raising, grantwriting, publicity and education.
The mission of Mountain Valley Players is to be a broad-based community organization with a strong desire to teach performing arts to anyone who wishes to learn. In addition to shows, the group plans to offer theater arts education, and trips to productions in other locales.
Those who auditioned for the show presented a wide range of talents, from singing, dancing and playing an instrument, to comedy and gymnastics.
The group had high hopes that Miss America 1988, Kelly Cash, would appear in the first show, slated for April 19; however, she has another engagement scheduled. In her place, Sharp has induced Bitsy Davis, a singer and actress, to perform several Patsy Cline numbers. Davis starred in "Always, Patsy Cline," which delighted a large crowd at Bath County High School auditorium two years ago.
For more information about Mountain Valley Players, call Kershner at 839-5191; to assure a place in "It Might As Well Be Spring," simply show up at the firehouse Sunday, promptly at 2 p.m., and be ready to rehearse. Children should be accompanied by parents.
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