COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Creatures of the imagination can be a source of joy, and joy is what theater goers can expect when the curtain goes up for Stagehands’ newest production, “Our Imaginary Friends.”
This delightful cast of mostly child actors will shine on stage in this funny and uplifting play, written and directed by Nicole Helms Lunford and Susan Gibbs.
The play features a cast of mostly first-time child actors, performing alongside Stagehands veterans Mark Tomey, in his 14th production, and David Resch, in his 12th.
“We wanted to give children an experience with the theater at a young age,” Gibbs said. “It gives them confidence and a self-confidence they wouldn’t normally get until later in life.”
The play starts tonight and runs back-to-back weekends. Doors open Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 pm at Stagehands Theater, located at the Colusa County Fairgrounds. Curtain goes up at 7:15 pm. Sunday’s matinee begins at 2:15 pm; doors open at 1:30. Tickets are $15 at the door for adults; $10 for children and students for all productions.
“Our Imaginary Friends” is funny and portrays the innocence of youth and their belief in the imaginary, something Gibbs said most people forget as they grow into adults.
“The two-act play was written in response to the community’s request after the COVID pandemic to do another children’s production that was light and fun,” Gibbs said.
Making their debuts in their first stage roles are 4-year-old Anthony Badaluco, as Manny the cat; Brooklyn Hill, 9, as Penelope; Vida Franco, 9, as Fuzz; Max Ortiz, 7, as Scotty; Virginia Ortiz, 9, as Teddy Bear; Henry Finnen, 8, as Ralph the Dog; Ella Fantl, 9, as Raggedy Anne; Lathan Parnell, 10, as Skunk; Hazel Kingsley, 5, as Ballerina; and Paisley Raider, 6, as Cora “Bruiser” Lee.
Also appearing in their first stage roles are Allison Costa-Barajas, as Grandma Lottie, and Patricia Kessler, as Alma “Mom” Maxwell.
The play also features Hailey Griffin, 12, who returns to the stage for her third performance, as Aubrey, and Brendan Farrell, who will share the role of Bill “Dad” Maxwell with Tomey.
This is Farrell’s third play.
“Our Imaginary Friends,” a production with more than a dozen volunteers working behind the scenes, will return for an encore weekend Oct. 13-14, at 7:15 pm, both nights. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Stagehands is located on the Colusa County Fairgrounds, 1303 10th Street (use the 9th Street entrance).H