Good theatre involves the audience in its story, through characters with whom the audience can identify, appealing music that advances the story or theme, and through production values such as appropriate costumes, sets, props and effects. Good theatre provokes an emotional reaction. And good theatre leaves you wishing there was a little more of it left to experience. Good theatre was what good crowds of people observed starting April 20th, when “Crooked Rivers’ Sisters Three” took the stage among the pines and river breezes (and coastal downpours on Friday) at Crooked River State Park. I heard and talked to many departing patrons that said they were returning for another dose of “Crooked Rivers” during the next two weekends and they were going to tell all their friends to come.
While “Crooked Rivers’ Sisters Three” begins with much good humor and faux sentimentality, poking fun lovingly at the historical competition and shared experiences of our ‘three sister’ cities, it ultimately transcends its local flavor with a universal message for all. Audiences sharing the “Crooked Rivers” experience this opening weekend, commented with wonder at the magnitude of the production, especially the competence of the singers and actors, folks they had previously just considered neighbors and friends. In the minds of many attendees this weekend past, stars have been born or at least propelled to new levels of fame (or notoriety, at least).
Here are some things that I experienced while attending “Crooked Rivers” and some things I heard audience members mention: genuinely funny moments at the eating scenes, especially when the old man discovers sweet, young things skinny dipping in his pond; endearing pathos discovered in the story of the Japanese woman that comes to a new home in Camden County from a WWII internment camp; and the essence of a ‘laughter through tears’ moment in the Act II story of how our community nobly dealt with the death and aftermath of two black women, murdered by a despicable white man who “mouthed” the evidence of his guilt (you’ll have to see “Crooked Rivers” to understand that one). Things I heard and saw from others: surprise at the size and complexity of the whole “Crooked Rivers” show; amazement at how “really good” the show’s acting and singing was, and moist eyes at stories about Grandma’s hands and about the ‘imagined’ heavenly antics of Carol Ann and Bernice, our two mortally wounded heroines.
Some things in your life you really do need to see to believe, to experience in order to appreciate them. This homegrown, historical musical drama is one of them. You have two more weekends to do so; the cast and I encourage you to try out this unique opportunity. Shed your cares for a few hours, suspend your business for an evening or an afternoon and discover the stories around every bend in “Crooked Rivers.”
You can reserve tickets are available by calling (912) 729-3154. Tickets are also available at the St. Marys Welcome Center, The Blue Goose, Once Upon a Book Seller, Sheila’s Hallmark, and at the show box office at Crooked River State Park on the day of performance.
Opportunities for this week and the future: find love and laughter in “Barefoot in the Park,” Alhambra Dinner Theatre, through April 30, 6:30 p.m.; fans of the Fab Four can join the JSO for a Tribute to the Beatles and Beyond, TU Ctr., April 28-30; discover the joy of sand architecture at the
Annual Beaches Sandcastle Contest, April 29, 1:30 – 3 p.m. at Seawalk Pavilion in Jax Beach; Camden Area Players present “Harvey” May 12, 13 & 20 at the Heritage Bank Recreation Ctr.; sign up children ages 8-14 for theatre summer camp now, Camden Summer Theatre at the CCHS Auditorium, May 23 – June 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays, call 912-729-7463 for registration information.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
4.26.06
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