Church Hill Theatre’s master of all performance arts, Michael Whitehill, takes us back to dusty western Texas as he examines the impact of celebrity on the lives of local residents. Although James Dean, the iconic star of Rebel Without a Cause and Giant, died in a 1955 car crash, he remains a cult idol for disillusioned teens and a romantic symbol who transcends the decades. In Whitehill’s dime store set, a fan club, the Disciples of Jimmy Dean, meets in 1975 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Dean’s death. Through flashbacks to 1955, when the movie Giant was filmed in nearby Marfa, we share the secrets, frailties and strengths of a group of women who find comfort in their own version of the James Dean legend.
The play, by Ed Graczyk, was made into a 1982 film by Robert Altman, starring Sandy Dennis, Cher, Karen Black and Kathy Bates. At Church Hill, Director Whitehill has created a striking and realistic set, “a womb for rekindled friendships and a tomb for cast off personal heartache.” Assisted by artist Brian Draper and lighting magician Doug Kaufmann, Whitehill is responsible for the set, sound and lighting. Church Hill Theatre regulars will relish the high quality production values these veterans always bring to their shows.
Whitehill notes that Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean offers some of the best and most challenging roles for actresses. His cast includes CHT favorites as well as relative newcomers. Debra Ebersole plays Juanita, the dime store manager; Heather Oland and Becca Van Aken play Mona, a disturbed woman who claims a personal relationship with Jimmy Dean; Emily Chiras and Shelby Ruff play Sissy, a sassy waitress; Rebekah Becraft is Joanne, a woman with a shocking secret; Jane Terebey is Stella May, a wealthy executive’s wife; and Lois Miller is Edna Louise, a shy mother. Brian Betley plays Joe, the only male in the cast.
Additional backstage support is provided by Laura Kaufman (Producer, Assistant Director & Makeup), Carolyn Hailey (Stage Manager), Steve Paine (Sound Design & Operation), Juanita Wieczoreck (Costumes & Makeup), and Monte Hailey (Photography & Graphics). Pat Patterson and John Beck produced the program.
Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean opens on November 2 and runs through November 18, with performances at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for members and $10 for students. Reservations and credit card payment can be made by calling the Church Hill Theatre office at (410) 758-1331 or online at churchhilltheatre.org. Reservations are strongly advised.
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