Bess and Mattie engage in a stand-off of traditional ways versus youthful rebellion.
Center Stage Community Theatre is currently in its last few days of rehearsal before “A Lacey Summer” by Marsha Grant hits the stage for audiences this Friday, May 9 with three weekends of shows for audiences to enjoy.
“A Lacey Summer” will premiere this Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Center Stage Community Theatre at 604 Powell St. in Lebanon. Shows will continues on Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 11 at 2:30 p.m., continuing for three weekends at the same times through Sunday, May 25. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased for $18 through MainGate or by calling the Theatre at 765-894-5587.
Directed by seasoned actor and director Richelle Lutz, “A Lacey Summer” follows the story of three elderly aunts as they invite their teenage niece into their home for the summer while her father visits Japan. The three aunts, under the authority of Bess, attempt to welcome their niece, Mattie, into their home following the request of their brother, whom they had lost contact with after a spat that led to him holding a grudge that may not be repairable. As Mattie denotes as she sets the tone for the play, her entire world was bound to change as she grew to understand the family she never truly knew.
Mattie and Rose have a deep, meaningful discussion.
Do you remember how you felt about things when you were a kid? Well, do you? I don’t. Not really. How I felt about things wasn’t important until my mother died. I was thirteen, and for the next three years all I did was feel awful. Then something happened to change all that. I discovered my father’s family. No big deal? Well, if you’re dumped on three crazy old-maid aunts in no-whereville, South Carolina… dumped for two whole months… Feeling awful changed to horrible, the most horrible time in my entire life.
Immediately upon Mattie’s arrival, a battle of wills, north against south, youthful rebellion against traditional ways, sparks between the various actors, but Mattie was soon to discover that reconnecting with her lost relatives, despite their old-fashioned ways, offers the security and sense of belonging that she has desperately sought for many years.
Through the suggestions of Mattie, the aunts develop new connections with the modern world and connect further with their long-time neighbor Mr. Cavanaugh, burying disputes from ages past, and through Mattie’s friendship with Mr. Cavanaugh’s grandson Andy, the two attempt to continue the introduction of newfangled technology and more into the lives of the Lacey aunts, leading to a climax that threatens to undo the progress that had occurred over the length of the summer. However, while Mattie attempted to continue making changes, she soon realized that she changed most of all.
The show takes a turn from the traditional comedic farces that have become expected of Center Stage, allowing audiences to enjoy a full-length story with numerous twists, turns, tears, connections and turbulence that all culminate to showcase a perfect snapshot of the importance of family.
Lutz commented that the production was chosen as a means to introduce audiences to a heartfelt story with a takeaway for all audience members by the end of the night, and Lutz highlighted the production’s set, stating that the furniture pieces, decorations and more truly built the atmosphere of the home while the sectioned stage provides multiple settings for the story to progress without disruption.
Through the Center Stage rendition of “A Lacey Summer,” Brian Nichols is reprising his role as Mr. Cavanaugh, and Richelle Lutz is transitioning from her role as one of the aunts to director of the show after the pair joined the cast of the show at Epilogue Players in Indianapolis under the direction of Marsha Grant herself in 2019.
“A Lacey Summer” will premiere this Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Center Stage Community Theatre at 604 Powell St. in Lebanon. Shows will continues on Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 11 at 2:30 p.m., continuing for three weekends at the same times through Sunday, May 25. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased for $18 through MainGate or by calling the Theatre at 765-894-5587. Senior and student discounts may be available.
