Review: Maybe Baby, It's You -- tales of love for all seasons

The cast of "Maybe Baby" gathers for a photo. Back row, left to right, Tony Wagner, Kleob Norbury, Scott Hampton, Kevin Jaynes, Casey Long, Bret Gomez, Richard Arnold, Ethan Carpenter and Charlie Johnson. Front row, left to right, Helen K. Thomas, Lori Norbury, Hannah McKean-Shields, Jane Ann Hancock, Grace Keefhaver, Darcie Arnod and Vickie Reardon. The show opens tonight at 8 o'clock, with additional shows Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday, at 2 p.m., at the Fox Theatre, 110 S. Main St., Nevada. --submitted photo

When I was asked to review the current play by the CCPA at the Fox Theatre, to be presented Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday afternoon at 2, I didn't know what to expect. I knew the play was divided by several segments within the theme, but I was curious as to how it would all hang together.

The stage decorations proclaimed the theme to deal with romance and relationships and a quick look at the program titles of the separate acts confirmed that idea also. In the Director's note, Kathleen Day explains that the play was written for only two people playing the different parts. However she wanted to involve as many from the community as possible to share in the experience of local theater.

Of the 16 actors in the plays, only six have ever acted before in a CCPA production. However I was very impressed with the quality of the acting. Two outstanding scenes reflect my interest in the later stages of life, I suppose. It was great to see the veteran actor, Charlie Johnson, paired with a newcomer to the stage, Jane Ann Hancock, in a poignant yet hilarious scene. Then the two estranged grandparents meeting at a soccer game tugged at my heart as well as my funny bone. Lori Norbury, a young newcomer, played the grandmother but on stage she was the essence of a stylish, aged grandmother. Tony Wagner brought his experience of acting at Branson for several years to enhance the scene.

Alysson Fast, left, stage manager for the production of "Maybe Baby, It's You" said it was clear during rehearsals that both those on stage and those behind the scenes were enjoying the play. The production is directed by Kathleen Day, left. --submitted photo

The 16 actors are supplemented by 10 people who lend their voices to a video presentation and discussion between each of the individual skits.

Then, of course, there are 13 behind-the-scenes workers who make the play hang together beautifully. Some of these "stage hands" also double as actors or one of the voices, or both.

Allison Fast, the assistant director, told me that she never tired of watching the rehearsals because everyone from the directors to the actors to the behind the scenes people were having a good time. That showed on the stage.

The 16 actors represent a cross section of our county. They include high school students, students from both Crowder College and Cottey College, schoolteachers, librarians, and other professional and business people from our community.

The sponsor for this performance is the First National Bank. Other businesses in town also assisted in the production with costumes and other stage props.

The first skits in the play dealt more with young people and their dreams of finding just the right person as their soul mate. Humorous dialog points out that some people have their standards set too high. As the play progresses, the skits deal with more mature people who are not always acting in a mature way.

I am sure that you will see yourself in at least one or two of the skits, and if you don't learn anything from the discussions or skits, I am sure you will learn a new dance step, courtesy of Kevin James.

Music was a welcome addition to the play when the directors discovered that several of their actors had musical as well as dramatic talent.

I can't wait until I can go back and see the show again without the responsibility of finding words to express my enjoyment. I hope I'll see you there also.