During the weekend of January 18 the Tyrone Community Players participated in a state-wide theater competition sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Theaters. The local theater group’s performance of Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song” garnished the two actors one of only four Merit Awards for Excellence presented as part of the weekend festival.
Under the direction of Cindy Bennett, the play followed the lives and changes experienced by a mother and daughter over a forty year period, all within a half hour. Mrs.. Bennett, who has directed two previous competition entries both of which were selected for first runner -up awards, commented on the play and the actors.
“What attracted me to this play was the complex relationship between these two women, and the fact that the actors needed to project physical and emotional changes that spanned forty years. Many theater troupes will perform a selection from a show they have produced as part of the regular season. I love to select new material as a challenge for our best actors. We prepared this piece specifically for the competition over a four week period.”
Catherine Anastasi portrayed the mother who goes from being a young mother in her twenties to an ailing women in her late sixties. “The subtle changes in her voice and mannerism were amazing to watch,” Bennet commented. The daughter was portrayed by Tyrone native Christine Lusardi-Stoner.
“Chris beautifully performed the difficult task of starting as a five year old child and aging to a women in her forties who must now care for her mother. There were no costume or scenery changes to help with these transformations; it was all done by the actors use of the body and voice.”
The judges for the competition were theater professionals from colleges in New York and California and Penn State University.
According to Bennett, Merit Awards are not always presented. “It is up to the judges to determine if any awards are warranted. In previous competitions 11 to 12 awards were presented. The judges in this competition only identified four areas worthy of recognition. One of those awards went to
Catherine and Christine for Excellence in Ensemble Acting, the only adult female actors recognized. The fact that it was an award for ensemble acting reflected the caliber of performance both women offered; you truly believed that they were mother and daughter and a family that could easily be our neighbors. We are so very proud of everyone associated with this production.”
Working with Cindy Bennett were Ed Kuhstos as stage manager and Nancy Sloss as assistant stage manager. For additional information on the Tyrone Community Players please contact the Arts-Line Office at 684-ART2.
