Isla Jackle, 13, who plays the role of Piddles the cat, and Ellie Wells, 8, dressed as the dog named Muffin in the production of ‘Stuck at Home,’ are seen checking their makeup backstage at the Brookville Community Theatre during rehearsals on Oct. 29.
Marilyn McConahay | The Register-Herald
BROOKVILLE — Anyone who remembers the mind-numbing days of the 2020 pandemic lockdown may remember the sometimes desperate need to find something to do in those endless hours after so many walks down the street and back.
Now that lockdown is in the rear-view mirror, there is something to do at the Brookville Community Theater that will bring back those memories — only this time it’s strictly for fun.
Perry Township resident Bonnie Bertelson has produced a play, ‘Stuck at Home,’ written by Bryan Starchman, and featuring local area cast members.
“This hilarious show is about a family being stuck at home during the 2020 pandemic lockdown and is sure to leave audiences laughing all the way home!” Bertelson said last weekend during rehearsals.
The ‘Stuck At Home’ cast features Alain Alejandro as Frank, the dad; Ashley Leifheit as Karen, as the mom; Derek Combs, 18, as their son Spencer and Lorelai Wells, 15, as Jenny, their daughter.
Other cast members are Lisa Marling as Grandma (the toilet paper hoarder), Kai West, 19, as Paul, a friend of the son’s and Ted, the daughter’s Zoom date. Scott Marling provides the voice of the TV news reporter.
Adding to the fun are an adorable, happy dog named Muffin, played by Ellie Wells, 8, and the very cute, but unhappy cat called Piddles, performed by Isla Jackle, 13.
“My older sister, Susan, would take me to see the local Kenley Players productions when I was young. Experiencing live theater with my sister gave me a passion for the performing arts,” Bertelson said.
She said she is especially fond of community theatre productions.
“Making human connections by experiencing community theatre — whether an audience member, sponsor, backstage crew, actor or director — enriches life,” she said. “So, I’ve taken a script that is written to be presented online, using online conferencing apps such as Zoom, and I’ve been able to bring it to real life on the Brookville stage.”
It has been more work than for just one person, so Bertelson enlisted some reliable help to put it all together by enlisting Mark Madigan as her assistant director.
“Directing a community theatre production requires numerous hours of work that can take away from family time, so I am blessed to have a family that supports me in my theatrical endeavors and not only that, two of my five grandchildren are in the show,” Bertelson said.
Brookville Community Theater is located at 770 Arlington Road.
Performances are Nov. 11, 16, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 12 and 19 at 3 p.m.
Tickets price is $17. Purchase tickets online at https://brookvillecomtheatre.na.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/14018.
Age limit for BCT audiences is 6 years and up. For more information or if there is a need for assistance, call BCT at (937) 833-6790.
