“It has been fun, and it is good to get to interact with some of our students,” said Keeling, part-time acquisitions assistant at the KCKCC Library, about her role in ‘Dream Girl.’ “It has also been great to be able work with Scintilla Capalla, after going to Japan with her (and many others) two years ago.”
“Dream Girl,” by Elmer Rice, covers one day of Georgina Allerton’s life. The play focuses on Georgina’s effort to run a bookstore even though she has the tendency to drift off into extravagant and sometimes comical daydreams.
“Dream Girl” is at 7:30 p.m. March 5, 6 and 7 as well as a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. March 8. All performances are at the KCKCC Performing Arts Center, 7250 State Ave. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens, students and KCKCC employees. Admission is free for all KCKCC students with a valid student I.D.
“My link to this production goes back to a friend of mine. She always used a monologue from the play for auditions. In fact, many women do. It is one of the greatest monologues from a comedy I know of,” said Charles Leader, KCKCC theatre professor and director of the play. “I read the play and decided that someday, with the right cast, I just might be able to stage it. I have some terrifically talented actresses this year, so I thought I should take advantage of the situation while I had the chance.”
The cast includes – Ethel Rodriquez, Georgiana Allerton; Allenea Anderson, Lucy Allerton and the nurse; Kenan Meadows, a radio announcer, a mariachi and Clark Redfield; Charles Humphrey, Dr. J. Gilmore Percival, the obstetrician, the judge, third mariachi, theatre manager, Justice of the Peace and George Allerton; Gabrielle Kempf, Miriam Allerton Lucas and Arabella; Jaziel Sandoval, Jim Lucas, Salarino and second mariachi; Scintila Capella, Claire Blakeley; Ann Keeling, a stout woman; Christopher J. Miller, a doctor, Bert, a waiter, Luigi, an usher, Antonio, head waiter, a chauffeur and a policeman; Joshua Warren, a district attorney and George Hand and Danielle Jefferson, Miss Delehanty.
Leader said he likes the “wonderful acting opportunities” the play provides for students. He said there are some difficult roles in the piece for both men and women, but the students are doing well with the material.
“If people liked the humor and pathos of Ally McBeal, I think they will enjoy this play,” Leader said. “I also think the English faculty will enjoy this quite a bit because the play revolves around the publishing world of 1945. There are tons of references to people, places and things in the literary world that they will appreciate. It is an extremely well-written comedy.”
For more information or to make reservations, call 913-288-7106. Group rates are available.
