“The Enchanged Bookshop” is filled with action, like in this scene where Eddie (Brad Kenyon) tries to get his hands on a special book possessed by bookshop owner Margie (Tabitha Deeren), while his partner in crime, Fingers (Roseann Kenyon), is kept in line by Bombalurina the bookshop’s cat (Madison Jones).
By Kristy Smith
Book lovers of all ages will enjoy seeing many of their favorite literary characters brought to life on the Quonset Hut Theater stage when Athens Community Theater presents the play “The Enchanted Bookshop” August 2-4.
Samantha Fick and Kati Woodward are sharing director duties for the cast of 22 for the Todd Wallinger play, produced through special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service. The plot of the comedy revolves around “A Likely Story” used bookstore, where the characters inside the books come alive and interact. There’s intrigue and action as the bookstore’s owner receives assistance from her literary friends, which leads to interesting results.
“I’m very excited to bring something whimsical to the stage for book lovers,” said Fick. “I love that the story is set in a bookstore and has so many characters a lot of us have read about. The show is very family-oriented and features so much local talent.”
Rehearsals for the production began in early June. According to co-director Woodward, nearly a third of the cast is new to the Quonset Hut Stage. “It’s been a delight to get to know them,” she said, adding, “They fit right in and they’re very good, too.” The co-directors praised the production’s script for being fun and witty and catering to the young and the young-at-heart.
Included in “The Enchanted Bookshop” cast are Tabitha Deeren (bookshop owner Margie), Madison Jones (Bombalurina the cat), Laura Martinez (Mom), David Allen (Timmy), Braydon Haan (Robin Hood), Thaddeus Lussier (Tom Sawyer), Sheby Allen (Toto), Kairi Smith-Ohlund (Dorothy), Cara O’Connor (Heidi), Nevaeh Enlow (Pollyanna), Arianna Johnson (Book Fairy), Kaitlyn Converse (Lady in Red), Noble Vater-Lebron (Fagin and Hopalong Cassidy), William Vater-Lebron (Long John Silver), David Vater (Officer Ketchum), Roseann Kenyon (Fingers), Brad Kenyon (Eddie), Shailesh Dubey (Dr. Doolittle), Sarah Fick (Queen of Hearts), Seth Fick (Frankenstein) and Linda Kenyon (Wicked Witch of the West).
The backstage crew consists of Keira Taylor and Katrina Haan. Nick Enlow and Mark Doubleday are handling sound booth duties, with Bree Kenyon on camera detail.
Show dates are Friday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3, at 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 4, at 4 p.m. at the Quonset Hut Theater, 132 N. Capital Avenue in Athens. Concessions are by The Popcorn Lady, Sarah Jordan-Grubb, of J’s Food Cart. General admission is $10 at the door. For additional information, call 269-729-5278.
