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Friday, August 10, 2007

Varied backgrounds assembled in cast

Priscilla Richardson

Back in the good/bad old days, society expected a young person to do adult work. And John Lawson, director and co-author with his late mother, D. Geraldine Lawson, of "From Sea to Shining Sea," the musical and dramatic celebration of Virginia's 400th birthday now running at Attic Productions, has followed that tradition. One big part of the continuity of the production rests on the shoulders of a 19-year-old actor, Catawba's Luke Dillon.

Dillon plays so many roles he has to really think to name them all. Among others, he does an American Indian, a Revolutionary War soldier, Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and William Clark.

You have to understand, this play calls for a cast of about 100 or more, but Lawson has at his disposal far fewer volunteers. So this general approach for many roles emerged: If you play a role, you play more than one.

Dillon, a recent graduate of Lord Botetourt High School, acted in school plays all four years. He also appeared two years running in the school's one-act play competition. Right now he's working full time and spending many hours a week on his roles. As soon as the production ends, he'll return to Dabney Lancaster Community College, with the goal of a degree in landscaping and horticulture. In the meantime, he's been starring in his friend Anthony Georgetti's film.

Buchanan's Georgetti, 22, a graduate of Roanoke College as well as James River High School, plays George Washington as one of his roles. His acting career started at age 7 and hasn't stopped. But writing and directing a film "is something I wanted to do since age 12," he said. With his savings, an investment from a friend, and by using borrowed equipment, he can finish his work and submit it to competitions.

The working title of the film is "The Scholarship," a mock documentary. It follows a young man trying to obtain a generous scholarship that requires him to maintain a full neck beard. Yes, a beard that "begins at your collar and ends at your face," Georgetti said. One of his money-making projects on the side is an improv comedy troupe.

The role of William Clark's slave took some time to fill. Then someone suggested Roanoke's Ryan Austin, and Lawson knew he had another star. Just married and graduated from college, Austin works as a youth pastor at the Church Alive International. "I've always been an actor," Austin said. "I started in high school and have been hooked ever since as a hobby. I love musical theater."

Austin had a role in an Opera Roanoke production of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" a few years ago, his only professional credit to date. But his singing voice makes him a shoo-in for more musical roles. He'd like to use his theater experience in his day job, to help youngsters create their own plays.

When you talk about versatility, Carl Bridgman leaps to mind. This man, the part-time minister of music at Fincastle Baptist Church, composed the tunes used in the show. He coached the singers and instrumentalists. And he plays Thomas Jefferson, a senator and an American Indian on the stage. Not to be outdone, his wife appears in the play also.

As Bridgman explained, this is community theater. No one gets paid. So participants have to maintain their day jobs as well as devote long hours to rehearsal and performance. While the final rehearsals seem to reflect nothing but chaos, "it always seems to work out in the end."

So remember, when you are clapping for a performance, you're also clapping for a whole lot of dedication. So give them a big hand.

"From Sea to Shining Sea" runs every remaining Thursday, Friday and Saturday night in August at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday matinees are at 2:30. Reservations recommended. Go to www.atticproductions.info for more information. Call (540) 473-1001 for tickets, $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students.

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