Local Thespians Audition
For Cast Selections

by: Bobby McDonald

Competition was keen for the casting parts in the Community Player's upcoming production of Oliver Hailey's, "Who's Happy Now?"  Local hopefuls auditioned on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week, and final casting selections were announced by director Kyle Cosby, at the end of Wednesday night's readings. "I'm excited that we had so many who wanted to read for the parts and it was some very, very tough choices, in making the cast selections," expressed Cosby. "And, I'm extremely excited about this production, as this very play was what got me interested in theater, over 20 years ago!"

Director Kyle Cosby, is to the "nail-biting" stage on Wednesday night, as he strives to make his
final cast selections, from a bevy of talented performers.

"Who's Happy Now?" is a warm hearted and perceptive comedy, that is sure to appeal to local audiences, as the setting is in a small town, East Texas bar. "It would probably be more appropriately called a 'dive' here in East Texas and during the time-frame of the production," advises Cosby, with a smile and an East Texas "twang" to his voice.

Left to right, Angela Walker, Pat Parker, and Doug Connally, read for parts in the Community
Player's upcoming production of "Who's Happy Now?"

The play highlights three distinctive time periods in the life of "Sonny," a small town guy, who is seen at ages six, sixteen, and twenty, from the family owned bar. And, following Wednesday night's announcement, Sonny will be played by Corey Connally, who will bring enthusiasm to the role.

Corey Connally, David Beckham, and Kimberly Gerald audition for parts in the upcoming
Community Player's production involving a small East Texas bar.

"Pops," the bartender, will be played by Vincent Taylor and Pat Parker and Doug Connally were cast as Sonny's parents, "Mary" and "Horse," who own the small town bar. Kimberly Gerald will be portraying the role of  "Faye Precious," who adds a distinctive role to the personalities on the set.

 

 

Above, Pat Parker, Virginia Albers, David Beckham, and Corey Connally wait their turns at
reading the script, before the auditioning committee, while below, Kimberly Gerald, Angela Walker,
and Doug Connally await their "fifteen minutes" on stage.

Crew, lighting, and stage managers include: Cosby, as director; David Beckham, as assistant director; Angela Walker, as lighting and technical director; and Virginia Alberts, staring in a surprise role, that won't be revealed until the production is presented. (Watch for this excitement, when you arrive at the theater!)

"I think it is a production that everyone in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County can identify with and find a connection," laughed Corey Connally, as he rehearsed some of the lines, as "Sonny." "It's funny and sure to leave the audience with a chance to enjoy a very pleasant evening of entertainment. I just haven't figured out how I'm going to be six, sixteen, and twenty, all at the same time!"

Director Kyle Cosby, pauses following auditions, and prior to
his announcement of the cast for the upcoming production.

Performances of "Who's Happy Now?" will be presented on May 25th, 26th, and 27th, and June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, at the Main Street Theater. Reservations can be obtained by calling (903)885-0107, and are recommended to assure seating availability.

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