Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal From left, Andrew Johnson, Amy Gotham and Warren Schader rehearse for "Butterflies Are Free" at the Brewery Arts Center on Monday. Below, Johnson and Gotham rehearse another scene from the play.
Sometimes a certain play just seems the only thing to do. Sometimes as a director you even know whom you want to cast. And sometimes you have to act before the opportunity slips away.
Thus, "Butterflies Are Free" plays this weekend and next at the Brewery Arts Center. The show is a special fund-raiser for the Brewery staged by the Proscenium Players.
The production is directed by Western Nevada Community College's drama instructor Jeff Whitt. He says he has always loved the comedy, so much so that he included a scene from it in his senior recital.
And he knew whom he wanted in the cast of this special benefit for the Brewery.
"I had seen Amy Gotham (who plays Jill) in the Sand Harbor production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' and I knew that she was going to the Pacific Conservatory this fall.
"Amy was never a student of mine, but I knew that she was perfect for the role. Andrew Johnson, Teri Levy and Warren Schader had been my students so I knew them well and cast them without auditions.
"Johnson was also headed to the Pacific Conservatory this year so I had to get the show on the boards before it was too late.
"When the chance came up to do a special show, I knew what I wanted to do and whom to do it with."
Levy and Schader play supporting roles in "Butterflies."
Pat Josten is the producer, lights are by Gary Guberman, light/sound operator is Dave Anderson, props are by Freida Lang and Heather Brodie, stage manager is Eric Klug, and house manager is Elizabeth Tonkinson.
All profits from the show will go to the Brewery, where the Proscenium Players present shows during the season. "But we'll splurge a bit on opening night with a champagne reception after the show."
Oh, yeah - what's the play about?
Don Baker, a blind young man, is ready to go out on his own. He wants a place away from his overprotective mother. Baker's been blind since birth, but that doesn't bar him from a San Francisco apartment and making the acquaintance of his wacky, liberated, actress neighbor, Jill.
Baker learns the kind of sweet things from Jill that his mother could never have taught him. And Jill learns from Baker what growing up and being free is really all about.
The rest is light, happy-unhappy-happy times. Does it have a happy ending? Of course.
Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for members, students and seniors. On Friday, Saturday, June 17 and 18 showtime is 8 p.m. On Sunday and June 19, the matinee is at 2 p.m.
n Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.
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