Rivercity Players has put together a cast of both new and familiar faces for the upcoming production of 84, Charing Cross Road.
The production has presented a challenge because the actors are not playing fictional characters – they are real people, and the script is based on their actual correspondence.
The two concurrent settings – a New York apartment and a London bookstore – require a split stage. The play covers the period 1949 to 1971, and forces the cast and crew to make the most of lighting, music and period costuming. Music is interwoven through the monologues to help move the play forward.
The actors are required by the script to present in a naturalistic manner.
Nathalie Anderson plays Helene Hanff, one of the main characters, who wrote scripts for the murder mystery series, Ellery Queen. She based her plots on the biographies of previous writers such as John Donne, Walter Savage Landor and Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch. Anderson said, “I feel a responsibility to offer a credible portrayal of Helene Hanff. There were very few women script writers in 1949. Also, it’s been a huge learning experience for me, all those authors and book titles.”
Tim Myerscough plays Frank Doel. Doel is the other main character, and the bookstore manager.
“This role is the hardest I’ve played,” said Myerscough, “There’s some leeway in developing a fictional character, but not in a real person, especially one with that proper British reserve.”
There are three additional book store employees in the play, played by Lynne Macara, Susan Wydenes and George Lake.
Macara (playing Megan Wells) is enjoying the camaraderie of the production.
“Being in a play is a great way to meet new people,” she said, “Plus it’s very rewarding working together as a team and bringing a script to life.”
“I love the dedication and passion of the cast and crew to ensure the audience is treated to a fantastic theatre experience,” said Lake (playing William Humphries), a newcomer to Campbell River.
Another newcomer to Rivercity Players, Sara O’Haver, plays Maxine Stuart, who is a friend of Hanff’s. O’Haver said, “84, Charing Cross Road has brought up a lot of memories for me from my time in England. It has been great working with such a wonderful group of people as I watch this story come alive piece by piece.”
84, Charing Cross Road runs from Wednesday, March 7 to Sunday, March 18, and is suitable for all ages. Tickets can be purchased at the Tidemark Theatre, CR Laundromat and Impressions Gallery. Performance are at the Rivercity Stage, 1080 Hemlock St.
