Smaller cast likes sense of community with theater production

Several of the cast members and the director of the Black Dirt Theater Co.’s latest production, “The Odd Couple,”say the love of theater, being involved in a community group and enjoying the sense of family are all part of what they like about the production.

Those sentiments were shared last week at rehearsals at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. The well-known comedy premieres later this month.

“I really admire what they are doing it,” said director Diogo Lopes. “They’re doing it – theater– because they love it. That’s really nice to see.

He said the cast took some time to warm up to each other, but rehearsals are going well.

“We’re on time with the play and we will be ready to go when the play premiers,” he said.

Caitlin Weber is a veteran of Hastings High School productions and has appeared in previous Black Dirt Theater productions, including “Oklahoma.” She plays Cecily in this production.

“I did a lot in plays in high school so I’ve been on stage,” she said. “I know Andy (Langenfeld, artistic director) and I like his approach.”

Weber, too, enjoys the community theater, especially Black Dirt Theater.

“There is such an energy with it,” she said. “I can’t recommend it enough; it is so exciting.”

Another endorsement comes from Rob Andersen, who plays Felix, one of the two male leads. He previously was in “Oklahoma” and “Tis a Gift.”

“We’re like a family here,” said Andersen. “There is a kind of freedom; it is non-threatening.”

Felix’s counterpart Oscar is played by a Black Dirt Theater newcomer, Michael R. Morningstar. He was involved in other community theaters prior to coming to Hastings. He heard about Black Dirt Theater on Facebook, attended “The Sound of Music” this summer and enjoyed it.

He went to the auditions in early September, and now has gotten his “feet wet,” so to speak.

About a month into rehearsals, things are going well, said Morningstar.

“Everyone is wonderful,” he said. “They are so supportive. “There are no divas here.”

They have quickly become friends, which is part of the message in “The Odd Couple,” Lopes said.

“Felix and Oscar are two friends who keep bumping heads,” he said, “in a funny way.”

“The Odd Couple” kicks off this season with shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at Christ’s Family Church, 518 E. Second St.

For the first time, Black Dirt Theater is offering both single and season tickets to its productions.

Adult season tickets are $85 (for four plays). With that purchase, the ticket holder also receives a $25 gift card to the Green Mill and a $10 gift card to the Alexis Bailly Vineyard.

Some of the shows are general admission, but season ticket holders will have first choice for seating. If they cannot attend one of the plays, their tickets can be used by someone else.

Season ticket information is available at www.brownpa

pertickets.com/event. Single show tickets are available at the Hastings Area YMCA, 85 Pleasant Drive.

Tags: area family events, events, entertainment