Jugglers are not the only ones keeping balls in the air
As Barefoot in the Park goes into production

The Actor's Equity Association is a venerable labor union representing more than 45,000 professional actors and stage managers in the United States. When Edie Kleinpeter invited a visiting colleague to a performance at the Peacock Playhouse several years ago, her guest expressed total amazement "that such a quality community theatre was available in a small mountain town like Hayesville, North Carolina."

Her remark pleased, but did not surprise, Kleinpeter, coproducer of Barefoot in the Park, which opens November 2 at the Playhouse. A member of AEA, she has been active with the theatre's Licklog Players for more than 20 years as an actress, producer, director and stage manager.

And therein lies the secret behind the steady growth and success of this popular community theatre- the flexibility of the Licklog Players, a talented group of professionals, semiprofessionals and amateurs, who easily change roles as the need arises. Interchangeably, they are actors, directors, producers, stage managers, painters, artists, construction workers, sound and lighting engineers, publicists, costume designers and seamstresses all- bonded together by their love for the performing arts.

In live theatre, it's not unusual for a leading actress in one show to be a stage manager or producer in another. It's a long-held tradition that goes back to the beginning of the American theatre. In 1916 Eugene O'Neill, the great American playwright, wrote Bound East for Cardiff for the Providence Players, appearing himself in the cast. In the recent past, the mischievous Alfred Hitchcock made cameo appearances in most of his films.

Kleinpeter, an accomplished actress, is as comfortable chasing props as the stage manager as she is in a starring role. In Barefoot in the Park, she is co-producer with Diana Smith, both of whom serve on the Playhouse Board of Directors, and co-produced the popular Sound of Music.

"We've come a long way during my time with the Licklog Players," said theatre-devotee Kleinpeter. "It's grown from three productions in the early years to its current schedule of seven, including one drama and a popular Christmas special. I hope it keeps getting better and better and we can continue to offer the kind of entertainment that the community enjoys."

As co-producer of Barefoot, Diana Smith brings ten years' experience with the Players, including that of performer (Gas Light, Dress for Dinner, Our Town and Blithe Spirit) and stage manager. She also doesn't hesitate to pick up a brush when help is needed painting a set.

When she's not remembering lines, managing things backstage, searching for props or painting sets, Smith can be found at her home in Young Harris caring for 30 canine friends which she adopted and loves as much as she loves the theatre.

As co-stage managers, Kay Thomas and B.J. Falls lend their support to the cast of six, which includes Too Too Cirlot and Jason Swint as the "newly-weds," Bev Larson as "Mrs. Banks," John Simonelli as the "Delivery Man," Tom Payne as "Mr. Velasco," and David Spivey as the "Telephone Repair Man."

Thomas has been with the Players for fiveyears, during which she worked in various capacities in Sound of Music, Run for your Wife, Sylvia, Christmas Carol and Something's Afoot. A physical therapist at the Rhodes Physical Therapy Clinic in Blairsville, like the others, she loves the theatre and joins the group every chance she gets.

Her co-stage manager, B. J. McFalls, has been has been a Player regular for eight years. Her background is that of self-employed seamstress, so she's often found at the sewing machine making costumes for the cast. Her creations were seen in more than a dozen productions. In addition, she had the leading role in Opal is a Diamond and also appeared in Lil' Abner, Our Town, Wizard of Oz and Harvey. She enjoys working with the director because it gives her an opportunity to learn all aspects of putting on a play.

The director of Barefoot is Laurel Adams, who came to Warne following retirement from a successful acting career in Hollywood. More recently she retired again- this time from Murphy High School where she was the head of the Performing Arts Department, a position created especially for her by the then-superintendent of the Cherokee County School System.

Show dates for Barefoot in the Park are Nov. 2, 3, 4 and Nov. 9, 10 and 11. Tickets go on sale Oct. 22. Adults $13, Students and Children $8. Peacock Playhouse box officehours are Mon-Fri, 10AM to 4 PM. Rated PG. For further information, telephone 828-389-8632 or toll free 1-877-691-9906.