An Inspector Calls Well Under Way
The cast of An Inspector Calls, JB Priestley’s thriller, is already hard at work rehearsing for the January LLT production. According to Director Neal Checkoway, despite the early start, the four men and three women cast members are now rehearsing daily at an undisclosed location because of the amount of time that will be lost to them due to the upcoming holiday season.
“This will also be the first serious drama of the season,” says Checkoway. “And since it’s such a powerful story with a message – a kind of modern morality play – we’re giving ourselves just a bit more time to hone our unique production.”
Priestley’s play, written in 1946, has been a smash revival in London and New York for over 10 years. Set in 1912 England, the play opens on the nouveau riche Birling family celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila. But their pleasant evening is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a police inspector, and the drama ensues.
The cast consists of a mix of LLT stage veterans, professional actors and stage newcomers: Pat Carroll as Arthur Birling, Jeritza McCarter as Sybil Birling, Sylvia Bitting as Sheila Birling, Rex Wilson as Eric Birling, Michael Warren as fiancé Gerald Croft, Christine White as maid Edna, and George Lugg as The Inspector.
In addition to daily rehearsals, other aspects of the production are already well under way. Don Puderbaugh, in charge of set design and construction, is hard at work planning and building set elements, while his team is busy locating furniture, fabrics and fixtures. Puderbaugh is a newcomer to LLT and to theater in general, but the enthusiasm and professionalism he has brought have been most welcomed by Checkoway, a relative newcomer himself. Additionally, veteran Lois Cugini is busily preparing the costumes for this period piece.
The play debuts January 5, 2004 at LLT. For more information or to volunteer to help with the production, contact Neal Checkoway at 766-2847.
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