Rec summer theater performances are July 11 and 12 years ago
By MATT NEWHOUSE
News Editor
Marion-Florence REC is going back in time for the children's summer theater performance this year.
"Krazy Kamp," by Tim Kelly, was performed in 1993, the second year for summer theater. It's back this year, both in recognition of 11 years of success, and because it's funny.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. July 11 and 12 in Marion Municipal Auditorium. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students, and free to those 10 and younger.
The musical comedy focuses on the misadventures of two summer camps, one for girls and one for boys. When the boys' camp has to temporarily close, they go to the girls' camp. Other characters come in as well, including a gangster, a runaway who thinks she's a Broadway star, and the girls' camp owner — who doesn't know the boys are there.
Cast members are:
Rachel Davidson — Eve Hunnicutt.
Allison Meador — Alva Doright.
Michael Brookens — Adam Apple.
Andrew Bina — Willard.
Kara Druse — Theodora Wolfswinkle.
Brittany Yates — Vivian Vandersnap.
Tedra Eis — Kate Millfloss.
Elisa Gayle — Hildegard Von Fishbeck.
Kirk Hansen — Officer Dumm.
T.C. Edwards — Mr. Terwilliter.
Amanda Bina — Nurse Smudge.
Amber Ratzloff — Linda Biddle.
Symba Steele — Cindy.
Annie Whitaker — Sylvia.
Brenna Blacketter — Beth.
Danae Bina — Susie.
Emily Meador — Jenny the camp cook.
Kyle Hett — Joe.
Thad Nichols — Larry.
Justin Heidebrecht — Ivan the Terrible.
Luke Bowers — Elmer Crumb.
Katelyn Whitaker — Cleopatra Nile.
Cody Blacketter — Clams Marinara.
Tristan Selling — Dixie.
Lena O'Connor — Mrs. Thistlemist.
Hannah Drow — Gloria.
Adam Svoboda — Doyle.
Michael Kirkpatrick, Aaron Bina, Brandon Yates — Boy campers.
Director Cathy Whitaker has been involved in summer theater since it began. She directed the first performance, "Sleeping Beauty," in 1992.
She has always had an interest in children's theater, and it was one of the first things they asked when her husband, Neal, was transferred to Marion Reservoir as a park ranger.
With no existing program, she agreed to head up the first show. It was a success, and it has become a fixture. Whitaker is one of several adults who has been an active participant since its founding.
Investment
Most people don't realize the time commitment for children and adults that extend far beyond the four weeks of three-hour daily practices. Props must be prepared. Lighting arranged. Costumes sewn. All the work is done by volunteers, often older teens who were involved on stage in previous years.
Nevertheless, it becomes a full-time job for the director and assistants.
"Neal knows that during play practice, it's 24-7," Whitaker said.
Organizers also have to work around other commitments of the young actors. It's a rare day when every child is present for a full practice.
"Ideally it would be five or six weeks of practice, but we do it in four, because it's such a big chunk of their summers," she said. "It's a big commitment for them and their families."
Whitaker says summer theater has many benefits beyond entertainment. Children involved tend to grow significantly in self-confidence.
"They just blossom," she said. "It's hard work, and frightening, to get on stage, so to overcome that can really make an impact."
That makes a difference in school, too, Whitaker said. After all, it's hard to get too nervous about giving an oral report for a class when they've recited lines from memory in front of hundreds of people.
"When you look back, the kids who have been involved were really successful," Whitaker said.
Pleasant surroundings
While audiences have been appreciative through the years, they've haven't always been large. Whitaker was sympathetic when the auditorium wasn't air conditioned.
"If you have the choice, would you want to come down and spend two hours in a sauna?" she said.
But the air conditioning system is installed and works well. Whitaker wants people to know that it will be a pleasure, not an ordeal, to see the performance this year.
"We really think that will make a difference in attendance," she said. "And the kids do work hard. People will enjoy it."
