'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' heats up FWB stage
FORT WALTON BEACH - Stage Crafters Community Theatre Inc. turns up the heat this summer with its production of Tennessee William's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."
The show opens tonight at 7:30 at the Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium, 107 Miracle Strip Parkway.
Eddie Kelley, co-director with Nancy Kruzek, said the classic story about Harvey "Big Daddy" Pollitt and his dysfunctional brood had been considered by the theater group before.
"The show had been looked at several times in the past for possible production," said Kelley, who first worked with Stage Crafters on "Annie Get Your Gun" in 1988 "It just worked out this time due to the way we select our seasons that we needed a good drama to round things out."
Stage Crafters veteran Nunzio Cappadona will take on the role of Big Daddy, a wealthy, domineering Delta plantation owner. Fellow veteran Mark Murphy plays his alcoholic, sullen son, Brick.
Stirring things up is Michelle Green as the sensual female lead, Maggie.
"We were very lucky with our cast," Kelley said. "We had a strong presence at auditions, and we actually had some decisions to make. It allowed us to pick some outstanding actors and actresses."
The supporting cast includes other Stage Crafter favorites Kathleen Keefe-Wilson as Big Mama; John Guzalak as Gopper, Brick's scheming older brother; and Melissa Wolf, as Gopper‘s fertile wife, Mae.
Rounding out the cast are Kevin Clemons as the Rev Tooker, Kelley as Dr. Bough, and Mary Balint as the family's servant.
The play has a long history and is considered one of Williams' best works. Premiering in 1955, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" opened to critical acclaim and won a Pulitzer Prize for best play.
In typical Williams fashion, a stormy plot brews through vivid stories told by Maggie, Brick and Big Daddy as the family gathers for what may be Big Daddy's final birthday.
Although set in the '50s, the story line about life and death, and the main themes of sexual repression, alcoholism, greed and "mendacity" remain timeless.
Stage Crafters is not publicizing the play with a "mature themes and language" warning, but Kelley said it was discussed.
"There are adult themes of death, dying and unrequited love," he said. "To put it into movie terms, it would be a PG-13.
"As far as the language goes, we always clean that up."
The 1958 movie starring Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives has no rating because it came out before a ratings board was created.
Although the entire play takes place in Maggie and Brick's bedroom and there are no scene changes, Kelley said there were still production challenges.
"One of the biggest challenges was getting a cast on Brick's leg," he said. "We ended up getting help from someone who works with Orthopedic Associates who made one for us that could be removed."
Another challenge was creating an opulent-looking set, including chandeliers, on a community theater budget.
"It's amazing what Mardi Gras beads can look like," Kelley said, who thought up the idea of using them to fashion the fancy lighting.
Because shows are planned months in advance, it allows time for gathering props.
"I'm a big flea market person," Kelley said.
Having co-directors is not unusual for a Stage Crafters production, and Kelley and Kruzek have teamed up before.
"It takes a little bit of the pressure off," Kelley said, "especially in case of an emergency.
"Also, I'm in the cast and it's hard to direct yourself."
After tonight's opening, performances continue Saturday night at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m. Next weekend, shows are at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 24.
Tickets are $20 each and, in addition to at the door, are available in advance at P.S. Gifts in Fort Walton Beach, Bayou Books in Niceville, Connect With Flowers in Shalimar, Dowd Title Group, LLC, in Destin and all Century 21 locations.
Call (850) 243-1101 or visit stagecrafters.com online.