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Nov. 14 , 2008

Reston Community Players Start 42nd Season

By Leslie Perales Observer Staff Writer

The Reston Community Players' 42nd season started with many laughs as "Forbidden Broadway" took to the stage last weekend. The musical comedy spoofs different show tunes and musicals, including "Annie," "Wicked" and "Chicago."

"They just lambaste all the shows," said Kay Vakerics, volunteer and media representative with the group. "It is hysterical." The show features a six-person cast who bring the style of actors like Ethel Merman, Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand to life on the Reston stage, she said. Director Andrew Regiec prepared the cast for the show by watching old clips of the actors with them, Vakerics said.

"Forbidden Broadway" attendees will hear many familiar songs, but they are "tunes with a twist," Vakerics said. The musical is short and sweet, she said, and the actors' impersonations are "absolutely fabulous." Regiec not only directed "Forbidden Broadway" but also choreographed the musical, Vakerics said. Regiec previously directed RCP's "Urinetown" and "Museum."

Later this season, RCP patrons will have the opportunity to see "more than they have ever seen on our stage" when "The Full Monty" opens in March, Vakerics said. The show will be directed by longtime volunteer Sue Pinkman and produced by Vakerics. "It's just going to be unbelievable," she said. The players will be presenting an Americanized musical version of the British film, in which six unemployed men decide to perform a strip show in order to bring in some extra cash.

Vakerics said lighting is key to "The Full Monty," especially during the scene where the men take to the stage for their big show, but an even bigger task is building and designing the set. "The challenge of the season is building a car for "The Full Monty,'" Vakerics said. She said the players either would have to build a car or borrow a very small vehicle, which could be stored at the theater during the show's run. Vakerics said the show does not begin until March, but RCP began planning in the summer and auditions are being held in early December.

Other shows this season include "Brooklyn Boy," a drama about a man who launches a career as a successful writer but has to return to Brooklyn when his father's health declines. Josh Redford, who is currently a cast member in "Forbidden Broadway," will direct the show.

RCP's season will close with "Laughing Stock." The comedy is about a New England summer theater company that cannot seem to get things right. The small-budget theater struggles with misplaced cues, forgotten lines and wrong entrances, but it ends the season on a high note with a great play. Karen Schlumpf will direct "Laughing Stock," and she also heads the Noble Blades, RCP's stage combat troupe. "Everybody wears many hats," Vakerics said.

Vakerics said the players are excited about this season's shows and many residents have already inquired about auditions for future shows. In the past few months, volunteers also have increased the players' online presence and that has created more outside interest in the group, Vakerics said. RCP is still looking for volunteers for many various tasks, including painting sets, designing costumes and performing music, Vakerics said. "We need volunteers everywhere," she said.

"Forbidden Broadway," which opened last Saturday, will run through Nov. 23. All evening shows begin at 8 p.m. and matinee shows begin at 2:30 p.m. A sign language interpreted show will be held Saturday. Visit the box office at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods or www.RestonPlayers.org.