The Orphans opens May 22nd
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| Karen Downs as Catherine Spangler, and Karen Martin as Lily Spangler |
The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is pleased to announce the opening of The Orphans written by James Prideaux, directed by Chris Chiola and produced by Rikki Reid. This touching and funny production opens at The Barn Community Playhouse, located at 12th & Ivy in Tillamook, on May 22nd with an Opening Night Gala celebration.
A touching comedy, The Orphans is set in the late 1930s, 25 years after tragedy strikes the family of two young women, Lily and Catherine Spangler, who are the sole heiresses to a
family fortune, or so they think. They have secluded themselves in a room of New York’s once grand Chalfont Hotel and have lived in near isolation for those years. The hotel and its guests have steadily declined in stature, but with an energetic floozy next door and a gossipy operator constantly on the phone, there is seldom peace. Mr. Ervin, who has handled the ladies’ business affairs for years, comes to visit and warns of a claim to their family fortunes. Distrustful and afraid of the outside world, Lily must cope with protecting her sister from the fears of the world while Catherine yearns to break free and explore life.
This touching comedy brings back to the stage Karen Martin and Karen Downs who lit up TAPA’s stage in 2012’s A Fine Monster You Are. Their onstage chemistry is funny, warm, and inspiring as the Spangler sisters. “This play is a colorful story of the love of two sisters who have faced tragedy and who now must stare down the reality of the world. I hope audiences will appreciate the humor and antics of these ladies and the rest of the cast” says director Chris Chiola, who brought to TAPA the comedies Sex Please, We’re Sixty; Never Kiss a Naughty Nanny; and Inspecting Carol as well as the compilation play You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running.
The cast is comprised of several actors that have been in a variety of TAPA productions, as well as some that are stepping on the stage for the first time. In the production are TAPA veterans Karen Martin as Lily Spangler and Karen Downs as Catherine Spangler. Martin Cherry, who had previous roles in You Know I Can’t hear You When The Water’s Running is Mr. Ervin. Val Braun and Diane Cross, who have been very active behind the scenes at TAPA are stepping out on stage for their first roles as Florette and Maxine respectively.
The Orphans runs May 22nd through June 7thwith an Opening Night Gala celebration that includes free hors d’oeuvres and a beverage of choice with the purchase of each ticket for opening night, May 22nd. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:00 pm and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 pm. Doors open one half hour prior to curtain.
The Barn Community Playhouse is located at 1204 Ivy Street on the corner of 12th and Ivy one block west of Hwy 101. As always, reserved seating is available through Diamond Art Jewelers located at 307 Main Street in Tillamook, call (503) 842-7940 for reservations. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and those over 65. Tickets are on sale now.
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| Catherine is yearning to go outside and see the world |
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| Hello? Operator? |
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| Lily giving Florette quite the look |
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| Tea for two |
