Whatever Happened to Warren?
That's the title -- and the mystery at the heart -- of writer and director Patricia Smith's play being performed Jan. 27-28 at the Elks Lodge on Crossover Road in Fayetteville.
FAQ
What — Whatever Happened to Warren? presented by the Harold Street Players
When — Jan. 27-28. Buffet: 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; play: 7:30 p.m.
Where — The Elks Lodge, 4444 N. Crossover Rd., Fayetteville
Cost — $25
Information — 750-1222, 751-9835
Smith says the Elks' long history of theater arts is part of what moved her to first write and direct a show here last year.
"Back in 1868, most of the membership for the Elks Lodge came from theatrical performing troupes," says Smith, of Fayetteville. "I thought, in the spirit of these performing troupes, it would be nice to make theater and performance an integral part of our Elks Lodge today."
Last year's performance raised more than $4,500 to be donated to the Elks Lodge's charitable giving efforts, which include drug awareness, veteran's issues and student scholarships.
This year's six-person play will include a buffet dinner prepared by the Elks Lodge's "Chef Billy" and is a charming mix of comedy and mystery. Actors featured include Michael Weir, Judy Scott, Betty Butcher, David Godwin, Brenda Blagg and Tim Bunch.
"The play is about three older ladies in their 70s --Lorraine, Midge and Doris. Lorraine decides to take in her two friends because their families wanted to put them in [nursing] homes."
The group of three women each lie to their families to hide the fact they're trying to live independently.
When a mysterious package with particularly macabre contents shows up on their doorstep, chaos ensues as the trio attempts to solve the mystery at the heart of the play -- while hiding the fact that they aren't actually in nursing homes from their families.
"I really wanted to write for older actors a little bit," says Smith, who is a veteran of more than 30 Arts Center of the Ozarks plays. "We still like to act, and there aren't as many parts in community theater for older actors."
"It's hard for this age group to find really meaty good roles, and the older you get, the less roles there are out there," says Judy Scott, who plays Midge. "So it's been great for us senior citizens to take what we have a passion for and use it for good."
But Scott is quick to emphasize that the show's prospective audience isn't limited to those over a certain age.
"I think it's something that will entertain any age -- it's not depressing at all. There's a lot of humor in these three ladies and how they work things out," Scott says. "But I do agree that maybe an older audience, in particular, might see themselves in it."
Michael Weir, who plays Miles, the uptight son of ringleader Lorraine, agrees.
"It's just a good time -- you're going to have a good time at this show. It's a sweet little show, full of laughs. And it's got little messages here and there about growing old and the things you have to deal with during that time."
Scott says the relationships at the center of the story are very touching.
"These women are entering an age where ... I kind of hate to say it like this ... but no one wants to take them in and care for them," she says. "So they have all gotten together and decided they're going to pool resources and take care of each other and be as independent as they can."
There are no concrete plans for this becoming a regular event at the Elks Lodge, says Smith, but she leaves the door open for that possibility -- she's even named her theatrical troupe "The Harold Street Players."
"She's awfully creative," says Scott. "She's already got an idea for another one, and once those juices start flowing, believe me, there will be another play."
NAN What's Up on 01/20/2017