Between the rigors of back-to-back programming, new shows, casts, and changing audiences, nothing is ever the same twice in community theater.
Embracing the theme of change, Vallejo's Bay Area Stage has a brand new director at the helm of its next production, The Foreigner.
“We're getting a little burned out,” Stacey Rowe said, citing the 54 films she and business partner Jeff Rowe have produced since 2009. We ourselves are a big part of everything. ”
When Solano University alumnus Trey Reeves expressed interest in coaching, Lowe and Lowe jumped at the chance to hire him.
Reeves' entry into the Bay Area stage scene encapsulates community theater at its best. He is one of the many people who aspire to the performing arts and can pursue and hone their talent at the grassroots level.
Lowe said Reeves not only brings the passion and energy of youth, but is also a relative newcomer with a lot of ideas.
“We decided to give this young man a shot at coaching, because how can he learn a craft if someone doesn't give him a chance?” Lowe said.
Lowe and Lowe had been familiar with the play for some time, but adding it to their program based on Reeves' interest was a moment of authenticity for them. Somewhat ironically, “The Foreigner” itself is a comedy about newcomers and identity.
The play, set in the Deep South, follows “Froggy” LeSueur as he returns to the fishing cabin he frequents in rural Georgia. However, during this visit, “Froggy” brings along her friend, a morbidly shy young man named Charlie, who is terrified at the mere thought of talking to a stranger.
Before leaving, “Froggy” tells the assembled crowd that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and cannot speak English. Chaos ensues as Charlie is forced to hear more about the evil plans of the menacing Minister and his associates, as well as the fact that the Minister's beautiful fiancée is pregnant.
The script's hilarity proved appealing not only to Reeves, but also to other young professionals. Director Lowe said the majority of the cast are young people and are keen to bring the script to life in the coming weeks.
If you go:
- what: foreigner
- when: Friday – 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 8pm.Saturday — 4/20, 4/27, 5/4 8 p.m. Sunday — 4/21, 4/28, 5/5 3 p.m.
- where: Bay Area Stage Theatre, 515 Broadway St., Vallejo.
- ticket: General tickets are $22, senior/student tickets are $20