‘Torch Bearers’ is a historic work well worth a ticket
VENICE –
A story about the beginning of the community theater movement was Venice Theatre’s first production 75 years ago.
The title was “The Torch Bearers,” and, indeed, those people were torch bearers, Venice torch bearers.
That they did everything involved with that show in an old Army building left over from the Venice airport’s days as an Army Air Base was, at the very least — brave.
But then, as written by George Kelly (said to have been related to Grace Kelly), it is quite entertaining, and with this theater’s talent, fitting and fun.
Those Venice Theatre pioneers borrowed chairs from the local funeral home (on days when there was no funeral) or used benches for viewers. There was no bathroom so actors and patrons shared one outhouse — outside, of course.
Fast forward to today. Venice Theatre is once again performing “The Torch Bearers.”
Tim Wisgerhof’s set depicts the parlor of the Ritter home. Mr. Ritter (Kevin Powell) has been away on business. While he was away, his wife (Pamela Hopkins) was drafted to be in a play as the replacement for Mrs. Shepherd, whose husband had died suddenly.
Mr. Ritter ran through a litany of actions and mannerisms with a big old stogie cigar as he tried to learn more about his wife and what was happening in their living room.
Candace Artim portrays Mrs. Fell, who was charged with helping actors who forgot a few words or more. That this prompter did not always know where they were in the script added to the fun.
Paul Hutchison portrays Mr. Hossefrosse, who had a variety of little things go wrong. He could not always manage to keep his mustache on his face, for example.
Tan Selby portrays Mr. Spindler, who was in charge of a variety of sound and other effects, which, of course, did not work as they were supposed to.
Colette Wheeler portrays the stage manager, and Cody Ziebkro portrays Teddy Spearing. Gretchen Lynch is Florence, one of Mrs. Ritter’s friends, and Judy Tilley portrays Mrs. Shepherd, the grieving widow who was replaced in the play within this play by Mrs. Ritter.
Jenny, the Ritters’ maid, is played by Aleah Colon Alfonso, and Paul Mullen is Mr. Twiller, another actor in the play within the play
Understudies include Cody Ziebko as Mr. Spindler, Colette Wheeler as stage manager, Pamela Hopkins as Mrs. Ritter, Karen Kelly as Mrs. Pampanelli, Allyson Robertson as stage manager and Robin O’Hara as Jenny.
Not only were there many sight gags in the script but also a few in the set itself, another masterpiece by Tim Wisgerhof.
Kelly Woodland has directed many a show at Venice Theatre, as well as other area theaters — some plays funny, some serious. This one may have been the funniest, enhanced by sound and lighting and that wonderful set that envelops the Raymond Center stage and audience.
With costumes by Ross Boeringer, plus lighting by John Andzulis, the fine staging evident in this theater’s anniversary production of this historic work is well worth a ticket.
The play was written in 1922 by George Kelly, 100 years before the arrival of Hurricane Ian. Ian did massive damage but this theatre group adapted to its temporary quarters within 55 days.
The Raymond Center will be the theater’s education center, for which the low ceilings are fine. Yet the tech team opened up what there was above the ceiling to gain a little bit of extra height and with creativity has managed to mount several very good shows that sadly can not be seen by as many people as were accommodated in the Jervey Theatre.
Nevertheless, the set and the stunning costumes are every bit as fine as ever they were in the Jervey Theatre.
The Raymond Center is at the north end of the theater’s parking lot, adjacent to the north bridge and the office of Venice Area Beautification Inc. Follow the signs down North Nokomis Avenue and into the parking lot on the right.
The Raymond Center is to the left at the north end of the property.
The Torch Bearers continues through Oct. 13. For tickets, call the theater at 941-488-1115 or visit VeniceTheatre.org
The Torch Bearers, 2024
The Torch Bearers, 2024
The Torch Bearers, 2024
The Torch Bearers, 2024