Marianne Clark in Towne Centre Theatre's 2009 production of 'Steel Magnolias.'

Director picks up the pace with classic farce

By AMY STUMPFL
For Brentwood Home Page
Towne Centre Theatre continues its season with the recent opening of Philip King’s classic comedy See How They Run. But more than just another opening, this production has marked the much-anticipated return of TCT favorite Marianne Clark.

Audiences may recall that Clark was forced to drop out of February’s production of The Trip to Bountiful due to health issues. Fortunately, Linda Speir was able to take over the lead role of Carrie, and the season opener was a great success.

“I was so disappointed that I couldn’t do The Trip to Bountiful,” Clark says. “I just love that play. But I’m back on my feet now, and it feels great to be back doing theatre.”

This time, Clark steps behind the scenes to direct See How They Run, a well-known farce and a perennial favorite among community theaters. Set in an English vicarage in the 1940s, the play centers on Rev. Lionel Toop and his new wife Penelope – a former actress who seems to lack the level of propriety expected by local residents.

While Lionel is out one evening, Penelope runs into an old actor friend named Clive – now a soldier stationed in England. They embark on a perfectly innocent night on the town, with Clive dressed in one of Lionel’s clergy suits to avoid being recognized as a soldier.

Naturally, mayhem ensues when another vicar shows up. Throw in an oh-so-proper spinster, a nosy cockney maid, an escaped prisoner and plenty of slamming doors, and you have the makings of a fine farce.

“It’s a fast-paced show – very funny and very entertaining,” Clark says. “This is a show for all ages to enjoy.”

And Clark has assembled a winning ensemble of actors, including Joe Shepherd, Jennifer Bennett, Chad Gurley, Julie Murphy, Judy Tamble, W. Preston Crook, Wesley Fox, David McGinnis and Tanner Hancock.

“I had the pleasure of directing Judy and Wesley about 10 years ago in this show, and I’m happy to be working with them again and to have them recreating their roles,” she says. “But we also have some wonderful newcomers, including our lead Jennifer Bennett, as well as Chad Gurley and David McGinnis. And Tanner Hancock, who is going to be a senior at Franklin Road Academy this year, is just terrific.”

Clark readily admits that comedy can be more difficult to master than drama.

“The key is in the timing. We run scenes over and over to get the timing just right. You want to get that immediate response from the audience, without crossing over into slapstick.”

And while she has directed the show before, she insists that each production brings its own challenges and rewards.

“This is a totally different cast and venue, so that makes it fresh,” she says. “I will be 72 in September, and I’ve realized that I can’t do everything that I used to do. I’m having to slow down a bit and pace myself. But I’m glad to be back in the theater, and happy to directing this wonderful show,”  Clark said.

See How They Run continues tonight and Saturday, and Aug. 18-20 and 25-27 at 8 p.m. with 2:30p.m. Sunday matinees this weekend and Aug. 21. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 60 and up, and $16 for students. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call 615-221-1174 or visit www.townecentretheatre.com to order.

Towne Centre Theatre is located at 135 Frierson Street in Brentwood.