Tin Shop Theatre to present ‘Spirit!’

Published 4:37 pm Thursday, April 4, 2024

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BUCHANAN — The Tin Shop Theatre is ready to perform its spring production.

The historic theater, located at 108 E. Roe St., will be performing “Spirit!” by Peg Kehret. Sponsored by Buchanan Meadows and Buchanan-Galien Lions Club, performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 and 12 and Saturday, April 6 and 13; 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7 and 14. Tickets are available online at tinshopthetre.org and reservations can also be made at the box office at (269) 695-6464.

Directed by Alice Kring and Assistant Director Phil Brackett, the story focuses on 83 year-old Clara, a resident of Happy Hollow Rest Home who begins taking hula lessons, holding seances and sending out for pepperoni pizza, much to the chagrin of the manager. A young aide, a lawyer and a policeman join forces to ensure that Happy Hollow’s group spirit is allowed to grow. 

“We searched for a play that interests us,” Kring said. “I picked it out years ago and thought it would be a great production. It has comedy and brings a social awareness to how older adults are treated. It’s a heartwarming story.”

The cast includes Anne Marie Widmer as Clara Panowski; Andrea Ferrett as Esther Oriole; Julie Blaylock as Arby Clements; Patricia Baltazar as Miss Monroe; Phil Brackett as Joe Johnston; Craig Sumerix as Mr. Dobbins; Dave Perez as Police Officer; April Jonatzke as Frances Wells. Kring said the production has been rehearsing since the first of the year.

“It’s been really good,” she said. “Everyone has been coming together and gelling as a cast.”

Kring believes the show will be a great way for audience members to bring in the spring season.

“I hope everyone has a feel-good experience,” she said. “I hope people see some of the older adults go through as their circumstances change. Just because you’re retired, you still may be doing good work. ‘Once a teacher, always a teacher.’”