Oh, what a night

WASILLA — As the Valley is blanketed with fresh now in sub-freezing temperatures, a group of dedicated performers promise to transport audiences to the steamy jungles of Mexico.

“Night of the Iguana” is one of Tennessee Williams’ most memorable dramatic works and a little outside the norm for the usually G-rated, musical-oriented Valley Performing Arts. Beginning tonight, however, a cast of 14 expect to keep locals riveted.

“People will be impressed with this one, I think. I really do,” said Grant Olson, who is directing the play for VPA.

With more than 60 plays and musicals under his belt, the veteran director said the VPA production of “Night” “stacks up” to any professional troupe.

“I’ve seen a lot of shows,” he said. “I’ve been to a lot of professional shows, and this stacks up with them. … This is a serious drama. It’s very challenging (and) thought-provoking.

“There’s yelling and screaming, tortured souls. But it’s also about redemption, and it can be charming at times too. Also, it has an optimistic ending.”

The drama centers around T. Lawrence Shannon, a defrocked minister from Virginia who tries to find his destiny in Mexico. As a tour bus guide, he meets up with Maxine Faulk, a widow, and Hannah Jelkes, a spinster artist. The three become entwined in a love triangle that “provides an interesting dynamic,” Olson said.

“It’s one of those plays that, after you leave the theater, you talk about the characters and where they are in the play,” he said. “Those are terrific plays, when you can get out of the theater and still live with the three-dimensional characters.”

Ted Carney, a veteran of Valley theater, brings depth and humanity to T. Lawrence Shannon, Olson said.

“He brings his experience,” he said. “He’s won numerous awards, and this is his first true drama, so he has a real opportunity to develop.”

For local VPA fans, Olson and Carney old friends, but to flesh out the main characters of the 14-member production are a pair of actresses who are performing their first major roles for VPA.

Gena Graham plays the widow Faulk. “She’s broken out and is really quite good,” Olson said.

And the spinster artist Hannah Jelkes introduces Ruth Josten to the local stage. Following a small role in a recent play, her part in “Night of the Iguana” is a major leap for her, Olson said.

“She’s doing extremely well,” he said. “I was having a hard time casting that part, because I had a certain type of person in mind. She has just come on strong.”

What also comes on strong is Olson’s passion for producing such a uniquely recognizable drama.

“The whole play progresses from afternoon to evening,” he said. “In that time-span, people’s lives change dramatically.”

IF YOU GO

What: VPA’s “Night of the Iguana”

When: Weekends March 6-22; 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Machetanz Theatre on Swanson Street, Wasilla

Cost: $16, $14 for youth and seniors

Tickets: 373-0195 or www.valleyperformingarts.org