GUILFORD — Guilford Center Stage opens its fourth year with Spoon River May 4-6 at the Broad Brook Community Center on Guilford Center Road.
The modern American classic will be performed in a new adaptation for the stage by Guilford playwright Michael Nethercott, who directs the play. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
The original book of epitaph-monologues, Spoon River Anthology by Chicago lawyer Edgar Lee Masters, created a sensation when first published in 1915, both for its direct, free-verse style, and for what was regarded as its scandalous exposure of the dark underside of a typical American small town.
From the original collection of more than 200 town characters, Nethercott has selected about 70 for this adaptation.
Nethercott's award-winning plays have included premieres of two one-acts and a full-length play in past Guilford Center Stage seasons. He also has published two mystery novels.
A company of 16 community actors, including many familiar from the past five Guilford productions, will perform the play, which also includes music and dancing. Scenic design is by Jason Clark, with painting by Maria Pugnetti; lighting and sound is provided by Katia Morosan, and wardrobe is managed by the director and assisting cast members. Stage manager is Susan Shedd.
Cast members are Beverly Miller, Maggie McGlone-Jennings, Julie Holland, Cris Parker-Jennings, Jenny Holan, Maryann Kelley Parrott, Carolyn Taylor-Olson, Evelyn McLean, Sheala Holland, Robert Tucker, Joel Kaemmerlen, Marvin Shedd, Richard Epstein, Joshua Cunningham, Jan van Oene, and Michael Nethercott.