Community theater wows audience, cast members
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When I interviewed Rita Tingey in September, she had a dream of Ronan’s very own community theater — where local people with some creative talent could band together and create something magical.
She was banking on all the closet thespians to come out of the closet.
She laughed and gave an example of some trumpet player who hadn’t touched his instrument in years, stepping up to bat for a production with his peers.
Despite her enthusiasm and my blind approval of the idea, I had my doubts. What could a community as small as Ronan bring to community theater? Of course there is Polson Port Players, but is there room for another?
I’m a skeptic by nature and trade and as much personal hope that I entertained for such an idea, I was a little bit hesitant.
To me, a Midwesterner (and a doubting Thomas), Montana is still the Wild West. When I envisioned community theater in Ronan, I saw a slightly tamer version of that scene from the movie “Tombstone.” You know, the one involving too much whiskey, a drunk cowboy and a pistol? Theater was something cosmopolitan, established with a certain amount of sophistication. But in Ronan?
And where were these closet thespians hiding out anyway?
I had so much to learn.
After asking every human being I knew in Lake County to audition with me, I drove to the tryouts for “Fiddler on the Roof” alone and incredibly nervous. But I was driven by an innate desire to partake in something outside of our fine local establishments and of course to perform.
I’m not going to lie. The audition scared me, as did the first few practices. With the exception of a token few high school boys and someone’s husband and of course the legendary Bob Ricketts, there were no men. How could the portrayal of a Jewish community within a Russian village survive without men?
As everyone, I was blown away by Ricketts (Tevye) and his incredible voice. With such an amazing opera voice and such vivid emotions on and off the stage, the man could make a field of cows break down in tears and roar with laughter.
But still, where were the rest of the men?
Everyone else seemed to have faith that it would all work out, and there was a calm regarding the details because it was understood that Ms. Rita’s theatrical tentacles stretched far and wide. If Ms. Rita was directing, they would come.
Slowly but surely, more and more men filled up the cast. Coming from all over the valley and as far away as Plains, those closet thespians of the male persuasion crawled out of the woodwork and joined the production — adding so much energy and laughter to the stage.
And then came the musicians, the conductor, the sound and lights people, the costume designers and of course all those volunteers who helped out with odds and ends.
As nervous as I was about the production, my faith in Ms. Rita’s ability to unite and direct should never have faltered. She worked tirelessly day and night on “Fiddler,” while teaching at school and directing “Alice in Wonderland.”
The woman never quit. Arranging, managing every single detail and instructing who was in charge of what, while directing the 70-some actors where to stand, what to say and how to say it where just a few of her duties.
(And don’t forget to smile during “Matchmaker.”)
But it wasn’t just Ms. Rita that impressed me. From the get-go, I was immediately amazed by the kindness of everyone involved in the production. I was astonished at the dedication of the cast members and those working behind the scenes. I realized that I was working with a group of people, who all wore many hats and still managed to come to practice and rehearse with enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn. They were committed to excellence.
I understood that all of us were now working towards a common goal, and we would do so in love, understanding and patience. We would build a community theater on these virtues, a little talent and hard work.
And build Ronan’s first community theater we did.
With our fearless leader in the driver’s seat and Ricketts sitting shotgun, we forged our path and made our mark in Ronan. So much for metropolitan sophistication.
And much to my surprise and relief, not one drunk cowboy was shooting at me from the front row on opening night, or any night for that matter.
Over and over I heard expressions of surprise from our spectators. No one seemed to have any idea it would be so exceptional. With the exception of a few former professionals, weren’t we all amateurs? Closet thespians who wear a plethora of other hats weren’t supposed to produce something so incredible.
But with the guidance of Ms. Rita and the dedication of everyone involved, we, some of Lake County’s proudest thespians, did.
And I learned that’s what community theater is all about.
What a joy it was to be able to participate in something so vibrant and healthy. So entertaining, sweet and incredibly charming — the relatable production moved audiences of all creeds and colors.
And to whom do we owe all this? A blessing, a gift from heaven to Ronan — Ms. Rita — the woman who brought a world-class production to the tiny town of Ronan.
Bravo, Rita.
And encore, Mission Valley Community Theater. I can’t wait.
