Lake County Repertory Theater kicks off its 2006-2007 season with “Legerdemain,” winner of its recent playwriting contest.
The curtain rose Friday, Oct. 13, on the world premiere performance of Michael E. Wolfson”s latest play. The playwright was LCRT”s guest for the show”s opening.
“Legerdemain” emerged from among 105 entries in LCRT”s national playwriting contest, which received submissions from all over the United States. A readers” theater performance was staged this summer, at which a panel of judges scored “Legerdemain” the highest among three other finalists. Performances of each of the finalists have been broadcast on PEG Channel TV8.
“Legerdemain” is the story of a stage magician who becomes obsessed with a card trick that requires only “concentration” to create genuine magic. Fleming uses its deceptive simplicity to catapult to the pinaccle of success even though he does not truly understand how the card trick works.
Rod Rehe reprises the role of Fleming from the readers” theater production. Rehe is joined onstage for the production”s two-weekend run by Rochelle Thompson as Lucy, a member of the audience; Bert Hutt as Max, Fleming”s personal assistant; Diana Manges as Hannah, a reporter; and Tim Barnes in a trio of roles as mayor, theater owner and chief of police.
“Legerdemain” concludes its run with three performances: at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct. 21, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 23. Performances take place in Weaver Auditorium, which is located upstairs at the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum.
Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for students, seniors and LCRT members. Tickets are available at the door or can also be purchased in advance from the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum or from the Lake County Arts Council”s Main Street Gallery or Catfish Books in Lakeport.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
