evergreenplayers.org

The Foreigner

A comedy by Larry Shue

Directed by Lynne Elton Smith.

The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by "Froggy" LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base. This time "Froggy" has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. So "Froggy," before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should--the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; the fact that the minister's pretty fianceé is pregnant; and many other damaging revelations made with the thought that Charlie doesn't understand a word of what is being said. That he does fuels the non-stop hilarity of the play, and sets up the wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry for the "bad guys" and the "good guys" emerge triumphant.

Director's Notes

Every once in awhile, we are presented with a situation that is so unique it almost takes our breath away. I have been presented with this situation. The cast of "The Foreigner" has been an inspiration and a joy to work with. Their courageous attitudes and willingness to work hard during this difficult time in our country's history has taken each of us on a journey to a new level in creating our art.

There we were in the midst of our rehearsal process when the horrific events of September 11th occurred. How difficult those rehearsals were in the aftermath. But, as hard as it was, it was also a healing lime for all of us. We look at this play in perhaps a new light after the attack. Here is an example of innocence and love and warmth being preyed upon by ignorance and hale, yet refusing to surrender. The quirky dignity of ordinary folks gives us cause to hope. How truly relevant this play is today.

My cast and I invite you to enjoy yourselves and truly feel the spirit of this show. Thanks to the Evergreen Players for presenting me with this incredible show to direct.

- Lynne Elton Smith

Cast

Richard Arnold Froggy LeSueur

Performance has always been a Walter Miffy thrill for Rich. Beginning with his role as the frazzled radio producer Clifton Feddington in the Evergreen Players' 1996 production of 1940's Radio Hour, Rich has enjoyed being on stage with many multi-talented actors. Rich took a turn defying evil as Professor Van Helsing in the Players' 1998 production of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Although he would rather act full time, Rich spends his days as a web developer far a local federal agency. Rich and his wife Pam have lived in Evergreen far five years and enjoy the mountain lifestyle.

Judd Belstock Ellard Simms

Judd is making his debut with the Evergreen Players. He recently graduated from the University of Chicago and is happy to be back in Colorado, where he can actually ski when it gets cold. As Ellard, Judd is inspired by such diverse influences as Dostoyevsky and Shakespeare, not to mention Forrest Gump and Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel.

Davis Bennett Owen Musser

Davis is appearing in his second Evergreen Players production, having portrayed Frances, the stage manager, in last spring's production of La Cage aux folles. He has also appeared in several Evergreen Chorale productions at Center/Stage, as well as several productions in metro Denver. He would like to thank Lynne and all of the cast and crew of The foreigner far making this such a great experience. He would also like the audience to know that he has very little in common with the character he is portraying in this performance.

Leslie Randle Chapman Catherine Simms

Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Leslie just earned her Master's in Musical Theatre of the Boston Conservatory. She received a B.A. in music from Mississippi University for Women. favorite roles include Victoria in Notorious Victoria and Anybodies in West Side Story. She is currently in the children's show Alexander... of the Arvada Center. She thanks her family, friends, and her husband, Chris.

Kathleen Davis Betty Meeks

Kathleen Davis, (widely known as Queen Kathleen) joined the Evergreen Players in 1966, along with her husband, John. Kathleen recently retired from a 35-year career as a musician and piano teacher, including accompanying for a Carnegie Hall debut. She has directed and acted in numerous shows for The Players. Other favorite "old lady" roles include Mrs. Wolfs in The Trip to Bountiful and Sister Mary in Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it all for You. Kathleen is grateful for the company of this marvelous director, cast and crew.

Shane Delavan Charlie Baker

Shane was last seen on stage with The Players in La Cage aux folles as Albin/Zaza. His other recent credits include Into the Woods (Steward), A Chorus Line (Bobby), and Godspell. You may have also seen Shane perform in The Evergreen Players' production of All in the Timing, which recently appeared of the American Association of Community Theater's national festival in Harrisburg, Pa.

Eric Dellinger Rev David Marshall

Eric is excited to be working with the Evergreen players and to have a chance to work with a character such as this. He says, 'Theatre has afforded me the opportunities to step out of myself and see the world from different eyes. Some good, some chilling.' He is a graduate of Northeastern Oklahoma State University, Eastern Oklahoma State College and John Casablanca's School of Acting (TV & film). He has numerous stage credits as an actor and behind the scenes, ranging from Bus flop to Damn Yankees. He feels it is a gift to be able to perform and grow. He thanks Becca for all her support and for keeping him centered.

Lynne Elton Smith Director

Lynne graduated with a double major in English Literature and Theatre Arts from Eastern Michigan University. Since then she has fought school in two states and performed and directed in five states. She co-directed Bye, Bye, Birdie and directed The Odd Couple (female version) far The Evergreen Players. You last saw her in La Cage aux folles as Marie Dindon and as M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias. She is currently working as the administrator for the Evergreen Players.

Production Crew

Images from The Foreigner

Photography by Ellen Nelson and other volunteers.

Owen (Davis Benett), Charlie Baker (Shane Delavan) and Rev. Marshall (Eric Dellinger)

Froggy (Richard Arnold) and Betty (Kathleen Davis)

Charlie (Shane Delavan) and Rev. Marshall (Eric Dellinger)

Catherine (Leslie Randle Chapman) and Charlie (Shane Delavan)