'Shadowlands' plays to packed houses "Shack>wlancis” director, Dr. Ron Taylor, instructs students and faculty auditioning for the play: (I to r) Johnnie Best, Bill Woodall, John Lapoint, Michael CorbifI, Ray Brannon, and Carl Brow. PHOTOS:AMY RINEHART By AMY RINEHART The WCC Foundation sponsored the play Shadowlands on Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1, 1997, in the Lecture Hall at Wayne Community College. JoAnn Bruce, Executive Director of the WCC Foundation, estimated that 750 people saw the performance. The play is a love story about C.S. Lewis, British author, and Joy Gresham, an American poet. Lewis, portrayed by Dr. Ed Hogan, and Gresham, performed by Mary Rowland, meet after corresponding for a period of time. Gresham visits Lewis in England, and they become close friends. Halfway through the play, Lewis finds himself in love with Joy when he is faced with losing her to cancer. Directing the play was Dr. Ron Taylor with his assistant, Cheyenne Corbitt . Student and faculty acting as Lewis' close friends and family included Michael Corbitt as Christopher Riley, Carl Brow as the Rev. "Harry" Hamilton, Ricky Dills as Dr. Oakley, Johnnie Best as Alan Gregg, and Ray Brannon as Major W.H. Lewis,Lewis's older brother. Other parts were Woman/Waitress, Erika Pittman; Douglas (Joy's son), Patrick Finan,* Waitress, Lynda Carges; Registrar, Ricky Dills; Clerk, John Lapoint; Priest/Waiter, Johnnie Best; Nurse, Margaret Bradley; and Doctor, Julie Heath. Staging help included Stage Manager, Sherry Cranberry; Assistant Stage Manager, PJay Knight; Sets, Ricky Dills, Ray Brannon, Margaret Bradley, and PJay Knight. In charge of lights were Anthony Bova and Scott Childress; Sound, Gary Smith; and Props, PJay Knight, cast, and friends. Cast members provided their own costumes, and Margaret Bradley, Lynda Carges, and Julie Heath helped with makeup. Hogan and Rowland as Lewis and Gresham dicuss taking a trip after their wedding. RICHARD BEST CITY SERVICE Full & Self Service Gas Mecharilcs On Duty Major Credit Cards Accepted 133 N. John St. Goldsboro, NO 27530 735-0088 Richard W. Best CoOwner Richard C. Best Co*Owner Julie Heath was responsible for the publicity and programs, and the artwork on the programs was provided by Chris Collins. Auditions for the play were held December 9 and 10, and rehearsals started January 6. "The cast and crew worked hard every night to be ready for opening night," Taylor said. Both nights audiences gave the performers a standing ovation. Several English 152 students responded to the play. Kelly Anderson said, "The play was serious and emotional, but it contained enough humor to make it great in all aspects." Chris Gray commented, "Dr. Hogan did an excellent job portraying C.S. Lewis, and I could easily put myself in his shoes." Kelli Hooker wrote "The play changed my whole attitude toward drama, and I look forward to more plays in the future!" The play was dedicated to the memory of cast member DJ Reynolds who died in a car accident shortly before Christmas. Jimmy Speight Masonry 248 Airport Road Pikevilie, NO 27863 Oliver’s Diesel Repair, Inc. and Oliver's Truci( Sales, Inc. 1407 Hwy. 117 Bypass Goldsboro* NC 27530 ( (919) 735-7676 ) Federal Inspection o—c Tnid( Wish Available

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