W. TERRY SMITH
Editor
TARBORO —
The Tar River Players have just completed their fifth season and Roberta Cashwell already is making plans for next season, which appears challenging.
"We have had some pretty challenging seasons (and 16 plays)," she said, "but this will be extra challenging because we have added a musical to the mix."
The Players earlier planned to present "The Fantastics," "but we didn't have enough voices," Cashwell said. "This time we have musical directors."
Becky Johnson, is a music teacher in the Edgecombe County School and codirector of the Community Chorus; and Bill Hilderbrandt, music director and organist at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church, will director "The King and I" next June.
“I'm excited that we have reached the point where we feel comfortable taking on a musical. We didn't want to attempt it until we were ready.”
The season’s first production will be in December, "It's a Wonderful Life," based on Frank Capra's classic film.
Cashwell will direct a cast of 25.
"I'm excited about this because we have, I think, 25 different parts," she said. "It's a holiday show."
The winter offering in late February and the first weekend in March will be "Having Our Say, The Delaney Sisters; First 100 Years."
Brian Lampkin will direct. He previously was director of "Inherit the Wind," 'The Real Thing" and "Mayberry."
"It's an upbeat funny play," Cashwell said.
Come spring, the Players will present "Crimes of the Heart" in late April and the first weekend in May.
Cashwell will direct.
"It's a play that was made into into a movie," she said. "It's another light comedy. We had good response to 'Steel Magnolias' this year."
And "The King and I" offers a cast that includes 16 children and 11 adults.
“I think (five seasons) represents a great mix of plays that showcased a lot of our local talent,” said Cashwell, who founded the troupe in 2005.
"I am proud (the Tar River Players) we have been able to hold our own," she said. "It's very gratifying."
All Tar River Players' shows are in Edgecombe Community College's McIntyre Auditorium.
"I can't go on record often enough thanking Edgecombe Community College for the use of McIntyre Auditorium for auditions, rehearsals and performances," Cashwell said. "From January through June we were in there straight through the six months with three back-to-back shows. They are not only generous, but gracious about it as well.
Since 2007, starting with "To Kill a Mockingbird," the Edgecombe County Cultural Arts Council through the Grassroots Arts Program, has awarded the Tar River Players grants.
"It has allowed us to take on particularly challenging projects (e.g., more elaborate than usual sets, sound equipment, etc.)," Cashwell explained. "At the arts council, I especially thank Carol Banks and Buddy Hooks.
"We are very grateful to be in a community that not only supports live theatre as an audience, but also contributes to it financially in this way."
