Local actors and actresses take the stage to present the contemporary farce The Fox On The Fairway by playwright Ken Ludwig for two weekends in March.
‘Theater to the community allows the acting arts to continue,’ said Fleetwood Community Theatre President and Producer Brian Miller, a native of Hamburg and resident of Blandon. ‘We are a community theater (group), not professional but very good. We all do acting because we enjoy it and it allows us to be other people outside our normal lives.’
Miller said FCT productions give all people the chance to be involved with an activity whether on stage or behind. Those involved develop relationships in life with their fellow cast and crew as well as the community businesses and the many people who live there, he said.
‘We are based in Fleetwood but have actors and crew from all over Berks County and surrounding counties as well. Last, it’s an activity for our patrons to enjoy,’ said Miller.
‘We want (the audience) to have a good laugh and truly enjoy the theatre experience,’ said director Tara Sands, from Fleetwood. ‘We tend to choose the lighter side of theatre, and comedies have been a great success for us over our history.’
The Fox On The Fairway is the fourth Ken Ludwig script that FCT has produced.
‘We keep choosing his shows because of the wit and creativity that he creates. The characters are interesting to portray and interesting to watch. Ludwig packs history, literature, and classic comedy into his work,’ said Sands.
Being Fleetwood Community Theatre’s non-musical production, Sands said the spring show usually has a small cast and a single set.
‘It’s a very intimate theatre experience, the audience is a vital cast member for this type of show,’ she said. ‘It’s a great way to experience live theatre.’
The talent comes from all across Berks County, including volunteers from Fleetwood, Blandon, Topton, Mount Penn, Temple and Birdsboro.
Cast members include Brian Miller as Henry Bingham; Eilizabeth Limper, Birdsboro, as Pamela Peabody; Steve Miller, Blandon, as Justine Hicks; Melissa Kopicz, Blandon, as Louise Heindbedder; Stan Durlak Jr., Mt. Penn, as Dickie Bell; and Cheryl Bleiler, Topton, as Muriel Bingham.
Brian Miller said his character, Henry Bingham, executive director of the Quail Valley Golf Club, is very different than he has ever played, a country club director, who likes everything in its place and complete order. His character is married but they have grown separated because of jobs and age.
‘I tend to be bossy and somewhat demanding, could say that I might have been stereotyped for this one. I have a long-standing rival against another country club director which we play a golf tournament every year and I always loose because he’s a site looser and does whatever he can to win,’ said Miller. ‘The play is focused on this as the story… So all in all, I have developed a love interest with an ex of the other director, hire an assistant who is a great golfer but doesn’t tell anyone and make a bet which I was sure to win until things change.’
Miller describes his character as funny, witty, jealous and just wants the best for himself and his club.
Stephen Miller (aka Justin Hicks) said the best thing he likes about the show is that he gets to work and learn from a very talented cast of actors, actresses, and directors.
‘They have pushed me to be the best that I can be and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity that was presented to me!’ said Stephen Miller.
‘I like this show because I like the play write, Ken Ludwig and also because it is very, very funny!’ said Stan Durlak Jr.
‘This is my first ever stage play,’ said Elizabeth Limper. ‘I am usually in musicals. What I like best about the show is the comedic aspect. Lots of funny characters with distinct personalities.’
Justin Hicks is an energetic and lovable young man at the center of attention. Justin’s girlfriend Louise Heindbedder has an aloof way of making things happen.
Limper portrays sharp-tongue Pamela Peabody. Cheryl Bleiler plays the stern and sturdy Murial Bingham.
‘The show will definitely bring a smile to your face,’ said Limper.
Summary: Justin Hicks is having the biggest day of his life… he just got a job at Quail Valley Country Club, he just got engaged, and he’s about to play in the Annual Golf Tournament as a last minute substitute. If he wins, he and his new fiancee have been promised a wedding and honeymoon paid for by the club’s executive director, Henry Bingham. If Justin loses – no job, no money and blacklisted from all golf courses in the county. But with a scratch handicap and an average score of 67… he’s a ringer!
A rain delay, a lost engagement ring and the series of events that follow just might be some of the funniest things to ever happen at the 19th Hole.
Fleetwood Community Theatre is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization of theatre lovers currently in their 26th season. FCT is committed to the education and development of their membership within the theatre arts program by offering opportunities to all ages both on-stage and behind the scenes. As an outlet of quality musical, dramatic and ensemble productions, it encourages and supports local youth to pursue performing arts opportunities through school, church, collegiate or other local productions.
Fleetwood Community Theatre’s production of Ken Ludwig’s The Fox On The Fairway is at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 201 E. Main St., Kutztown, March 8 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday performances, March 9 and 16, also offer Dinner & Show performances – dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. are March 10 and 17.
Tickets can be purchased at http://fctspringshow.bpt.me or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Dinner & Show tickets must be made in advance by March 4. Show only tickets can be purchased at the door as cash only sales.
