Last Updated on 12/1/2008

Published on 9/4/2008

By Clayton Stairs

cstairs@gtowntimes.com

The curtain opens, the lights come up and the cast performs on the intricately designed set according to a script, taking pointers from the director and producer. It takes everyone working cooperatively and a lot of practice to bring the plot of the story to life for the audience. Yet when it is done skillfully, the seamless effect may give those watching the impression that only the actors are responsible for the magic of theater.

Murrells Inlet Community Theatre (MICT) soon will give the public an opportunity to learn first-hand of the innerworkings of community theater. On Sunday, Sept. 14, MICT will hold its 2008-2009 Season Kickoff starting at 2 p.m. at its home, the Murrells Inlet Community Center.

This special free event, which celebrates the beginning of the theater troupe's 11th season, will include the performance of a one-act play, "The Last Stand," by local playwright Joyce Armor. There will also be refreshments and booths set up pertaining to different aspects of theater.

"There will be somebody in each booth to discuss the different positions in the theater," said MICT President Nancy Coleman. "Those include acting, stage management, lighting and sound operations, set design and construction, ushering and more."

In addition, those attending will be given a brief overview of MICT's 2008-2009 season, with productions of Nagle Jackson's "A Hotel on Marvin Gardens," A.R. Gurney's "Later Life" and the award-winning drama "Visiting Mr. Green" by Jeff Baron. Anyone who is interested in signing up to audition for these plays, or to become a part of the theater group, is welcome to do so during the event.

"I think this is going to be an exciting season," Coleman said. "These three plays are all different and they are all new to the area."

Bonus performance

The weekend following the season kickoff, there will be two more chances to experience what this

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troupe has to offer. On Saturday, Sept. 20, MICT will offer a second performance of the comedy "The Last Stand" followed by a performance on Sunday of another one-act Armor comedy titled "Bank Job," about three childhood girlfriends in their 30s who come up with an idea to rob a sperm bank because they are "now hearing the loud ticking of their biological clocks," according to Armor.

"I think most women will identify with this subject," she said. "Between the three characters, one desperately wants another child, one doesn't want any more children and one has a relationship with a man who is much younger which precludes it."

Admission for these two performances is free, but seating is limited to 100 people, so reservations are a must.

Armor is co-owner and editor of Coastal Business Life magazine. In addition to writing plays, Armor has done television writing for "The Tony Randall Show," "The Love Boat" and "WKRP in Cincinnati." She is the author of several books and numerous newspaper and magazine articles.

'The Last Stand'

Directed by Carl Schiller, a founding member of MICT, "The Last Stand" is a comedy about an elderly widow named Lilly (Pat Doherty) who chains herself to a tree because it is a special location for her and her late husband. A forester named Woody (John Hook) tries to talk her into giving up, but she persists.

"There ensues a nice interaction between Woody and Lilly as far as what is important in their lives," Schiller said.

The situation is complicated when Candice, a television news reporter (Karen Porter), her camera man Ralph (Bob Deitz) and a deputy sheriff (Bea Boyle) arrive.

"This is a wonderful play by a terrific playwright," said Boyle, who is a veteran actor with MICT. "Come for a good time and an afternoon out because life is too serious."

Porter says the timing of this play that tackles this type of subject matter with intelligent humor is perfect.

"Today, with everybody being so attuned to the environment and 'going green,' this is a good time to see something like this," Porter said. "It makes you think about things."

Doherty, who is acting in her third play with MICT, agrees.

"If you want to laugh and have a good time, come to this show," Doherty said. "Plus, there is an environmental message."

About MICT

According to its official Web site, MICT is a nonprofit organization founded in April of 1998. It produces a minimum of three plays each season, beginning with a fall production. A General Membership Meeting is held each May.

The 11-member board of directors meets monthly. Board members serve two-year, staggered terms. Elections for these board positions are held each May. All paid members are eligible to vote. Annual dues are $10.

A Play Reading Committee reads scripts and makes proposals to the board, which selects plays for the upcoming season(s). In addition to presenting three plays each year, MICT often hosts or participates in other creative endeavors including meetings and social gatherings throughout the area.

"The most important thing is for people who have never seen us do anything to come and watch, have a good time and get involved," Schiller said. "It is a lot of fun and we are always looking for more people to come visit."

The Murrells Inlet Community Center is at 4450 Murrells Inlet Road, accessible from U.S. 17 Bypass by turning beside the Murrells Inlet Post Office, then right on Murrells Inlet Road, or from U.S. 17 Business, by turning beside Lee's Inlet Kitchen and driving one block to the theater.

For more information, visit www.mictheatre.com. To reserve tickets for the Sept. 20 and 21 performances, call (843) 651-4152.