Village Players finalize upcoming ‘Absence of a Cello? play

The Clarkston Village Players are wrapping up rehearsals for their latest production, ‘Absence of a Cello?, set to debut at the Depot Theatre on May 7.
‘We’re trying to fine tune it, all the way to the end,? Cynthia Haaseth, cast member, said. Haaseth plays the role of Marion Jellicoe in this upcoming production.
Written by Ira Wallach, ‘Absence of a Cello? is a Broadway favorite that takes the audience back to 1964. Focused on the Pilgrim family, Dr. Andrew Pilgrim, played by Jerry Payton, desperately needs a job with big business conglomerate Baldwin-Nelson to get his family out of debt and keep his young daughter Joanna, played by Johana Bell, in college. Paula Todd plays the doctor’s wife, Celia.
With the help of neighbor Emma Littlewood, played by Linda Payton, and her grandson, played by James Mistalski, the group tries to persuade conservative interviewer Otis Clifton, Mel Case, that the doctor can fit into the corporate mold of Baldwin-Nelson.
‘It’s kind of light and happy,? Todd said. ‘They think it’s going to work out somehow.?
Director Marlene Sewick believes that although the play is set in the early 1960s, its content can fit in today’s society.
‘It’s very lighthearted. Works out in a nice way,? Sewick said. ‘It’s not really trying to send a message, just to come out of a dilemma.?
‘I don’t think the basics have changed, just the attitudes,? Todd said.
Sewick found the play’s main character trying to start over midway through a career relates to a lot of current-day situations in today’s job market.
‘A lot of corporations felt that tenure didn’t seem important any more,? Sewick said. ‘I’ve seen people in my own neighborhood start over in their careers in their 40s. That’s pretty late in life.?
With Dr. Pilgrim working as hard as he can to keep daughter Joanna in school, Todd believes the play will appeal to fathers of all ages, no matter what the time period is.
‘I think it really appeals to dads with daughters in college,? Todd said.
Stepping inside the Depot Theatre the audience member will find a period-perfect set, quickly taking the viewer back to the early 1960s in New York. The set was designed and built by Case. Every effort was made to achieve the period-piece feel, right down to the magazines found on the coffee table.
‘The set and costumes really helped get into an older mood,? Todd said. ‘The language does as well.?
‘Absence of a Cello? appears to be a favorite with cast members.
‘She (Joanna) is very different,? Bell said. ‘I always play a character. She’s so normal.?
For Jerry Payton, the role of the physicist father brought new opportunities for a leading role to him.
‘Being the lead, you have lots of control of the play. It’s easier because you constantly have to stay focused to perform,? Jerry said. ‘Littler characters come in and out. Plus, it’s nice to be the star.
‘This role is a bit closer to my personality. He’s well read, educated, a little absent minded and flies off the handle easily at situations,? Jerry said.
Helping Sewick guide the excited cast is co-director Jamie Fish and producer Holly Stephens.
‘I think it (play) will be a nice evening out for people. They’ll recognize intimacies between the different people,? Jerry said. ‘They’ll see themselves in all the characters.?
‘Absence of a Cello? will run May 7-8, 14-16 and 20-22. Tickets are $10 for Thursday and Sunday performances and $12 for Friday and Saturday performances. To reserve tickets or for more information, call the theater at (248) 625-8811.

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