Catsplay brings together VPA regulars and rookies

The fourth production of the 2002-2003 Valley Performing Arts season gets started tonight at Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre when the curtain rises on Catsplay.

It brings together a nice mix of VPA veterans who audiences will recognize in a second, and newcomers who breathe fresh air into the production.

Written by Istvan Orkeny and translated by Clara Gyorgyey, it is the story of two elderly sisters who have been separated for many years and who have difficulty remembering their past. Each has remodeled her past in a different way to fit her needs.

There will be a familiar face in the lead role, as Janet Girard brings years of experience to the stage as Bela Orban, the 65-year-old agile, nervous, compassionate woman who reviews her life. Girard was last seen as Mrs. Maleprop in The Rivals, and has been a VPA regular for years.

Supporting her is Patty Taylor, an experienced actor with credit as Mother Superior in Bethel Actor Guild's productions of Nunsense I and Nunsense II. Taylor is a newcomer to VPA, however, and she will be making her VPA debut in Catsplay.. Rounding out the cast are VPA veterans Bill Campbell, Mathew Firmin, Christine Lloyd and Thomas Jacobs, as well as newcomers Teresa Capo and Michelle Bentley.

The production is co-directed by Richard Dossett and Anna von Reitz. This is Dossett's directorial debut (see related story). He is an experienced actor who has been seen in two VPA shows this season playing Lord Brockhurst in The Boy Friend and the lead in Scrooge!

Anna von Reitz is new to VPA but not to Catsplay. She helped direct it many years ago when she worked at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.

The show runs on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. from Jan. 17 to Feb. 2.

Tickets are $15.50 for adults and $13.50 for youth and seniors and are available either through CARRS TIX or by calling the VPA box office at 373-0195.

For more information call VPA Managing Producer John Fairfield at 373-0195.