In
Cinnaminson
October, 2002
By Patricia Solecki
You don’t necessarily have to be a soap opera fan to recognize the name of actress Judith Light; in addition to her former starring role on daytime television, Light was also a co-star on the sitcom “Who’s The Boss?” and continues to have a co-starring role on the acclaimed drama “Law and Order”. Did you also know that Judith Light is a former cast member of Cinnaminson’s own claim to regional theater, the Burlington County Footlighters? Regional theater is alive and well in South Jersey!
Located on the township’s Pomona Road, the Footlighters opened their 2002/2003 season with the very well-received production of “Over the River and Through the Woods”, which ran from September 13th through September 29th. Next on their schedule will be the production of “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?”, scheduled to open on November 8, 2002, and run through November 23, 2002. Having seen this production off-Broadway several years ago, I can’t wait to see the Footlighters’ rendition of the tale of eight youngsters, all students at a Catholic elementary and high school. It’s a funny, poignant look back at parochial school education and adolescence during the 1950’s, a must for those of us who attended parochial or private schools, or just want a glimpse into the lives of adolescents living through it all!
Looking for a little “mystery, murder, magic, madness and hideous revelry” to start off the New Year? The Footlighters will be presenting “The Swan Song” beginning on January 24, 2003 and running through February 8, 2003. Following the funeral of her parents, we follow our heroine through the course of a day in her fiancee’s creepy family mansion. It’s a murder mystery that will literally keep you on the edge of your seat!
An alert to future Judith Lights and Nicholas Cages! The Footlighters will be holding cast audition for “The Swan Song” on Sunday, October 20th and Monday, October 21st at 7:30 P.M. at the playhouse. (Callback dates will be announced at the auditions.) Rehearsals will begin on 10/27 for a cast which will include Emma Thorpe, a quiet, dignified woman in her 60’s; Alethia Dra, a very pretty young lady in her early 20’s; Lolinda Hebdon, an ‘ever tipsy’ handsome lady of about 45, strong of face and character. The role of Olivia Habdon, in her late 20’s, the recently bereaved beautiful and complicated heiress, is presently open. Also open are the roles of Miles Jarvis, a handsome 40 year old man who is seemingly devoted to our Olivia; Gary Kragor, the Hebdon family attorney, and Rhamat Singh, the East Indian mystic around whom the supernatural aspects of the play revolve. Auditioners are encouraged to obtain the script from Samuel French prior to the readings and to bring any resumes, photos, etc. with them. A professional resume or photo is not necessary, nor is prior acting experience. This may be the chance of a lifetime for you! For more information on the casting call, please contact director Nikolette Adams at 856/770-0553 or email at nikki@neverdream.com.
Be sure to mark the dates for the Footlighters’ “Family Production” on your calendar. “Humpty Dumpty is Missing! Or the Case of the Fallen Egg” will be presented on Saturday, March 15 and 22, and Sunday, March 16 and 23rd. The family productions are not only a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy the theater experience together, but make wonderful birthday party events. (I know, from personal experience, that the kids really do enjoy the intimate setting and interactive experience of these productions.) Little Bo Peep, Red Riding Hood, Mother Goose, and Rapunzel are just some of the characters whom you’ll see.
A brief history of the Footlighters: The playhouse came to life in the late 1890’s as the first African-American school in Cinnaminson township. You can still see evidence of its initial use on the basement walls and within the attic. Over the years, the school expanded to meet its growing student needs, spending many years known as the Eleanor Phillips Elementary School. It was then converted to a school for special needs students by the district and a few years housing the district’s Board of Education. In 1983, the then-neglected building was ‘discovered’ by Ruth Iversen and Sam Fogel, who negotiated a lease from the Cinnaminson BOE at the rate of $1.00 per year. On May 9, 2000, Burlington County Footlighters purchased the building as its own, celebrating with a champagne reception whose attendees included many former and current actors, directors and associates of the Footlighters. The current Facilities Director for Burlington County Footlighters is the charming, knowledgeable Pamela Grimme.
Now that you know where Judith Light spent time honing her art, did you also know that multi-function rooms at the Burlington County Footlighters playhouse are available for rent? Air conditioned and heated, and centrally located, Footlighters facilities could be the answer to your need for an off-site meeting, birthday party, graduation party, workshop, club meeting, or fundraiser location. For details and availability, please call 856/829-7144 and leave a message for Pam Grimme.
A theatrical experience is a mini-vacation for the mind, body and soul. Burlington County Footlighters can make your theatrical experience a truly rewarding one. For more information, you may log onto the Footlighters website at www.bcfootlighters.com, where you may check show times, dates and actually order tickets on line or request additional information. You may also call the Footlighters at 856/829-7144. Go! I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!