Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Russ Hagen

To the Editor:

Curtain up, light the lights, we’ve not nothing to hit but the heights!” This weekend the Allamakee Community Players gave us a back stage look at the mystery that is theater.

Jonathan Buhl in his directorial debut tackled Rick Abbot’s “Play On” to great effect. Turning the mirror on the players, all was exposed in taking a play to the stage.

Sarah Hagen was the wonderful wise-cracking stage manager. Zach Troendle played the mercurial director to frustration and beyond. Jonathan Buhl doubled his play duty by playing the huffy-stuffy Lord Dudley. Cheri Turner “padded her role” as the scene eating Lady Margaret. Emma Berges in her Players debut swept the stage as Doris.  Cameron Berges of a thousand expressions ground out Dr. Forbes. Joeann Tesar trotted out her Lauren Bacall voice and passion as Stephen. Anna Hoins as Diana was positively wacky and regal at the same time.  Louise was played by veteran Player’s actor Karla Lubahn, who made a mash-up of all backstage guffaws she’s seen. New to the stage was Elizabeth Hoins doing a superb job as the enthusiastic, off-kilter, author of the mess.

The grand dame of the group, Gwen Schroedel, assisted in directing with a practiced eye from the back.

Running gags, slap stick comedy, double takes, “Play On” had it all. With personality galore and the constantly confusing “let’s take it from the top”, the audience was kept on its toes to hear all the cues and mis-cues of this laugh fest.

“The play’s the thing!”  -  Shakespeare

Russ Hagen
Waterville