'Rumors' ravage Panache stage
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John Toms (left) and Aaron Feinstein (right) "P.S. Your Cat is Dead!" directed by John McKemmie in May 2007. Reminder Publications submitted photo
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By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
SPRINGFIELD Nestled in City Stage is a small, intimate venue called the Winifred Arms Studio Theater, which houses "one of the best kept secrets in Springfield," according to Bettie Hallen, corresponding secretary for the Panache Productions board of directors.
For the past nine years this 85-seat box theater has been home to Panache Productions and its founder John McKemmie's vision to bring entertaining, intellectual and quality community theater to the residents of Greater Springfield.
In an interview with Reminder Publications, McKemmie discussed his overwhelming commitment to theater, the city of Springfield and his vision for the latest play to hit the stage "Rumors" by Neil Simon. Performances, under McKemmie's direction, will take place on March 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., with a final matinee performance on March 16 at 3 p.m.
The play a farce written by Simon in 1988 tells the story of four affluent couples going to visit their friends, the deputy mayor of New York City and his wife, at their Long Island residence. Upon entering the house the couples discover that the residence has been abandoned and the deputy mayor has a gunshot to the earlobe. The play continues on as the couples desperately try to cover up the incident from the police.
"People are going to be seeing a hysterical, action-packed play," McKemmie said, adding that Simon's "funny and intelligent" one-liners are sure to be crowd pleasers.
He added that the multi-level set design, which lends itself to the extensive physical comedy, will be sure to give the production an added level of visual stimulus and entertainment.
"He has a lot of vision for community theater," Hallen said, adding that the caliber of theater directed by McKemmie continues to inspire her.
McKemmie explained that with each year Panache Productions attempts to bring not only entertaining but also complex theater to the stage. "The plays we pick are entertaining on various levels, whether a heavily entertaining comedy or a thought-provoking drama," he said.
Hallen, who has worked as an actor in Panache Production's "I Hate Hamlet" several years ago, said McKemmie's enthusiasm for directing and patience for his actors resonates with their every performance.
"The bond, the friendships, the affinity for theater and devotion to what we can accomplish is really amazing," Hallen said, adding that board members, cast and crew, work together to assemble the productions from the sets to lighting to manning the box office to publicity.
McKemmie said throughout the three shows during every season which each light up the stage for two weekends in March, May and November he believes that the members of Panache Productions are doing their part not only to bring quality theater but also to revitalize downtown Springfield. As a Springfield resident for over 25 years, he explained that he is committed to doing his part, however small, to "supporting the arts downtown and supporting Springfield."
Tickets for "Rumors" are $18 per person and $16 for senior citizens and students, including parking. For more information about Panache Productions, upcoming plays or to make ticket reservations for "Rumors" call 283-5980 or call McKemmie at 788-4723.
Panache Productions is a non-profit organization, located at Winifred Arms Studio Theater, City Stage, 1 Columbus Center.
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