LOCAL ARTS
Peter Pan Opens This Weekend
A new community theatre is springing up along Eighth Street in Ballinger, inside the old Texas Theatre.
The play, by J.M. Barrie, is based on the original Peter Pan which debuted in 1902.
- Who: Texas Theatre Ballinger
- What: Peter Pan, stage play by Douglas Irvine.
- When: Sept. 25 at 7 p.m., Sept. 26 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Texas Theatre, 8th Street, Ballinger, TX.
The production will run just under two hours, and stars many local actors in their stage debut, directed by Shannon Dennis, who has choreographed and acted in many Angelo Civic Theatre productions.
Let’s Start A Community Theatre!
If you happened to grow up in the more rural sections of the Concho Valley (this reporter grew up in Mertzon), you’ll know the value a team of dedicated people making art for the public brings to a community. It doesn’t happen too often.
But community theaters have long been a part of rural life.
Newspaper records from the 19th century show that almost every town that was big enough to have a railroad station was big enough to have a community theatre, or a Shakespeare company, or a musical society.
And a lot of the reason why we went, back then, was because our people were in the play. Lots of people from town would have signed up to play leading roles, joined by their families on stage and in the crowd.
It is in this spirit that Ballinger is organizing its own community theatre, housed in the former Texas Movie Theatre on 8th Street, which runs up a good ways from the Colorado River, still paved in brick.
The Building
It was a mill at one point, but after the theatre burned down across the street, it was converted into a narrow venue for movies. The walls are much closer together than a traditional theatre, but the stone walls and the antique tin roof reflect sound back in a major way.
The property is fixed up well, with modern trim on the inside and framed movie posters in the main room, a nice lobby. It looked like the perfect space for a community theatre to emerge.
A Family Cast
The cast is made up of an all-community troupe.
Like DJ Fuchs, who works as a machinist for fine medical equipment in San Angelo. He, and his entire family, are in the play. He plays the role of Starkey, and Mr. Darling and Nana. Christy Fuchs plays Adult Wendy, and his daughter Scarlett plays Slightly.
DJ found acting to be natural: “It was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Of course, I haven’t acted in front of a crowd yet!” He struts along in his tuxedo and hat while everyone takes their place.
Or, like Christy Fuchs, who says that she’s enjoyed the experience so far.
When asked if she wanted to act again, she said definitely: “No.”
“Oh no, this isn’t for me,” she says. She has a sweet smile and a wonderful personality that shines through her performances on stage nevertheless.
And their daughter, Scarlett, who roped them into the production. She’s acted in 16 plays over 6 years of serious theatre effort.
The director’s father acted as both Captain Hook and the fight choreographer.
The rest of the cast is much the same, locals who care a lot. And their enthusiasm shines through.
Director from Angelo Civic Theatre
Shannon is a diligent director, and spends the last hour before rehearsal sewing a new cloth onto a pirate hat. She has attention to detail, running over during rehearsal to give actors notes on costume adjustments.
She cares quite a lot, and seems to enjoy showing off the actors she’s helped teach over the last many weeks.
She says that some of her favorite moments throughout the process have been teaching the greenhorn actors fight choreography. She says that sometimes she has to stop and explain theatre lingo to them, but other than that, the cast and crew have been naturals all the way.
The actors, going back and forth in costume, clearly respect her experience and leadership.
Later this season…
Texas Theatre in Ballinger will stage a production of A Christmas Carol this coming winter.
According to the directors, they are in need of artists; lumber for sets, costumes, props. Anyone who can contribute should reach out. The entire cast and crew are volunteer. They say that currently they don’t have a set shop in the back.
