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Lizzie and her father (Bonnie Feeback and Greg Hancock) discuss her marital prospects in ¿The Rainmaker.¿ (Jennifer Brummett / March 7, 2013) |
HARRODSBURG - A romantic comedy - and then some - is the late-winter offering at Ragged Edge Community Theatre. Written by N. Richard Nash, “The Rainmaker” opens Friday.
Director Steve Sleeper says “The Rainmaker” is much more than a romantic comedy.
“It is a romance with many funny parts, but it deals with how our experiences and the words others use can shape us and our image of us,” he explains. “It exposes how words can build up or tear down.
“It is a romantic comedy with a great deal of charm and wit, but it also has a meaningful message in regard to human relationships. It reveals how our words to one another and our expectations of one another affect how we see ourselves.
The play takes place in the western United States circa late 1920s early 1930s during a severe drought, Sleeper adds.
“It revolves around a ranch family and their encounter with a ‘rainmaker’ who promises to make it rain for $100,” he says. “The family is made up of H.C. Curry, the father (Greg Hancock); his two sons, Noah and Jim (Eric Forman and Than Cutler); and his daughter, Lizzie (Bonnie Feeback).
“Along with the devastating effects of the drought, H.C. and the boys are desperately trying to get Lizzie married off before she becomes an old maid. The men are well-meaning, but their attempts do not produce the results they had hoped. H.C. is hopeful but fears he has let his daughter down.”
Younger brother Jim is smitten with his own object of romance, Sleeper adds, while the older Noah, feeling the pressure of managing the ranch and his siblings, is trying to protect both.
“In the midst of this family dynamic comes an astounding and alluring Rainmaker by the name of Starbuck (Dr. Tom Johnson), with his amazing promise to make it rain,” he explains. “Add to this mix, the sheriff (Chuck Taylor) and his deputy, File (Walter Eng), who are on the trail of Starbuck. File is himself a target of the Currys’ attempts at matchmaking.”
Sleeper said “The Rainmaker” is likable because “it is a lot of fun.”
“There are great comedic lines and comical situations,” he explained. “The audience will be riveted by the charming, lovable rogue Starbuck as he maneuvers and manipulates the other characters, especially Lizzie. There is hilarity and tenderness. I think everyone who comes to it will enjoy seeing their self in it.”
IF YOU GO
“The Rainmaker” March 8-10 and 15-17
Ragged Edge Community Theatre, Harrodsburg
Showtimes: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $10/adults, $9/seniors, $8/12 and under
Information: (859) 734-2389
‘The Rainmaker’ opens Friday at Ragged Edge
