Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The cast of "All Through the Night" is ready to entertain audiences the first two weekend of December at Circle Theatre.
Circle Theatre of Barnwell is bringing back a Christmas classic to its stage.
The theatre opens its season this Friday, Dec. 1 with a production of “All Through the Night”. The play was first performed on the Circle Theatre stage in 2004.
“This is a different type of Christmas play that incorporates concerns that are just as relevant today as they were 19 years ago!” said director Liz Ringus who came out of retirement to direct this play that she first directed nearly two decades ago.
The play follows a group of weary travelers stranded at an old train station during a blizzard. “While there, you learn their troubles - sometimes humorous and sometimes scary or sad. Who would think children could hold the answers to their dilemmas?” according to a synopsis of the play.
The words of stationmaster Charlie O’Reilly sum up the play’s message: “It’s never just about getting there, it’s about the journey. The journey is everything.”
Assisting Ringus as co-director/producer is Virginia Nettles, another veteran of the Circle Theatre stage. Nettles played Violet Dusselman in the play 19 years ago, but is now excited to be on the production side of what she considers to be one of her favorite plays she acted in.
“To be able to actually see everything being played out, from the beginning to opening night this Friday, is amazing. There are a lot of new faces on the stage, it’s a new experience for them as it is for me. I’ve loved working with the entire cast. It’s been an eye-opening experience for me, and I know there’s a lot more to learn. This is one I won’t forget!” said Nettles.
Since casting was finalized in mid-September, the cast of children, teens, and adults has worked hard to learn lines. Ringus and her husband Paul designed and built the set in August, which allowed the actors to learn the blocking – where they need to be on stage.
Despite having to work around the flu and sports events, the cast is ready to perform for the public over the next two weekends.
“We really hope the public will fill the seats every night, because everyone has worked so hard, and the kids are cute!” said Ringus.
About half the cast have had little or no prior community play experience.
“I’m having so much fun being in the play. It’s a really interesting story with a little twist. I think people will love it,” said Isabell Snead, who plays the angel. She’s participated in the theatre’s summer camp, but this is her first regular production.
This play includes quite a bit of sound effects and background music. Paul Ringus is controlling that up in the light booth while Liz Ringus is handling the lights. She thanks Asher Bradshaw for putting together the sounds and music into one easy-to-use program. She also thanks Dawn Snead, who is an understudy and backstage assistant.
“All Through the Night” is the title of a traditional Welsh lullaby, a song that’s attributed to Mary singing to baby Jesus. The song is played towards the end of the play.
“All Through the Night” will be performed December 1-3 and 8-10. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m. while the Sunday shows are at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at https://circle-theatre-of-barnwell.square.site/#xMFbmQ. You can also stop by The People-Sentinel's office at 222 Main Street, Barnwell, to buy tickets. Make checks to Circle Theatre.
Season ticket holders should call (803) 471-8929 and leave a message with your name, number of seats needed, and the date you want to attend. Season tickets are $50 and can be purchased online or at the newspaper office.
