Plays highlight differences between the sexes

The Proscenium Players try something different this weekend at the Donald Reynolds Theatre in the Brewery Arts Center - two one-act plays that examine the sexes and their ways in a small Texas town.

This is the first show Jeff Whitt, a new member of the board of directors, has directed for the Proscenium Players, and it goes back to his long relationship with the play. He has acted two of the male parts in various forms offstage, but never on stage.

"There's a lot of humor in these plays; it's good escape and laughs," said Whitt at a dress rehearsal. "But at the same time, there's a poignancy about today in America, with boys out fighting in another war. The character of Roy is back from Vietnam, but after two years, he is still confused. Some of the language is harsh, but it's also funny."

The audience can decide for itself about the humor and language.

In "Laundry & Bourbon," three wives take the stage in a back porch setting in Maynard, Texas, on a hot and humid day. They discuss their lives and the choices they made while they sip bourbon highballs.

Tiffany Hawkins is in her first major role with Proscenium Players, portraying Elizabeth. She thanks her mother for "giving me the melodramatic tendencies that keep life entertaining."

Jamie Brazil, who plays Hattie Dealing, is from Silver Springs, has been in theater since she was 13, and is raising a family and driving a school bus. She also thanks her mom for supporting her in her theater life.

Amy Gotham is Amy Lee in the play. She directed Proscenium Players' opening show past season, "Arsenic and Old Lace." She appeared as Helena in last season's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and plans to go to acting school in Southern California this fall.

In "Lone Star," the three husbands meet in an alley behind a bar at the same time and same place as the three women. Tensions clash as they drink beer and rag over the questions nagging them.

Andrew Johnson is Roy. He appeared in "Arsenic and Old Lace" as the uncle and in "A MIdsummer Night's Dream" as Lysander. He hopes to attend the Pacific College of the Performing Arts in the fall.

Christopher Willson appeared as the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz" and appears as Ray in this production. This is his first outing with Proscenium Players, and he is a new staff member of the Brewery.

James Darby Scoggins is also in his initial outing with the Players. He teaches English and drama at Douglas High School. He doffs his hat to fiancee Krista for keeping dinner warm while he rehearsed.

Like most of the cast, director Whitt has an outside life. He now works with a student travel organization after 10 years in Hollywood, where he had modest success. He also teaches acting at Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village.

The set is well done, considering the limited resources at the theater, by Rick Sorenson and Jaimie Dunbar. Liz Mitchell as producer keeps the show rolling, and Pat Josten handles publicity and programs.

The show runs Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26 and March 4-5 at 8 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for Proscenium members, students and seniors. Call 883-1976.

n Contact reporter Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.