After two days of auditions, the Community Light Opera and Theater Association’s production of Noël Coward’s screwball comedy “Private Lives” has a cast for the play that will inaugurate CLOTA’s 2012 season. The hilarious romantic romp requires several actors with excellent comic timing, and according to the play’s director, Elena Vitale, “We found a great group of talented actors to bring this comedy to life on stage.”
The role of Elyot Chase, newlywed groom on his honeymoon, will be played by talented actor Joey Martin who was so memorable in the role of the professor in CLOTA’s “Bus Stop” and witty Charles Condomine in last fall’s “Blithe Spirit.” Victor Prynne, the new husband of Amanda, is portrayed by multi-talented actor and singer Ben Bockhahn who has entertained valley audiences in such roles as Mr. Mushnik in “The Little Shop of Horrors,” Benny Southstreet in “Guys & Dolls” and Vladimir in “Waiting for Godot.” Due to the abundance of talent exhibited at auditions, director Elena Vitale chose to give several actresses the opportunity to shine in the play. Stated Vitale, “We’ve double cast the two female leads, which means we’re having two teams of actresses. Kathleen and Amber are a team and Pearl and Heather are a team. Each team will have performances.” starring as Amanda Prynne, Elyot’s ex-wife and Victor’s new bride, are accomplished actresses Kathleen Nicole and K. Pearl Woolam. Ever-engaging Kathleen Nicole most recently turned in a winning performance of Stella Kowalski in this last spring’s “A Streetcar named Desire” and really shined in last summer’s “Guys & Dolls.” veteran actress Pearl Woolam has graced the CLOTA stage in several memorable outings most recently as Fraulein Schneider in “Cabaret”, Claire in “Proof,” and the eccentric Madame Arcati in “Blithe Spirit.” the role of Sybil Chase, Elyot’s newest wife, will be tackled by Amber Stull and Heather Blanchard.
Amber Stull is a spirited
newcomer to CLOTA who wowed everyone with her spot-on audition performance.
Fresh-faced actress Heather Blanchard has received plaudits for her inspired
performances in “Rhinoceros,” “An Inspector Calls, “Arsenic
and Old Lace” and “Guys & Dolls.”
Rounding out the cast is Annie Blanc who will bring her Cosmopolitan joie de vivre to the role of Louis the
French maid.
“Private Lives” opens Friday, April 20th, with follow-on performances April 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and May 3, 4 and 5. Persons interested in backstage or other support involvement may leave a request for a return call on the CLOTA hotline 760-446-2411.