An Act of the Imagination
Photo: Arthur (Ken Swanson) and Julia (Elizabeth Lankford) in “An Act of the Imagination.”
As I sit down on one of the wood-slatted benches in the Appomattox Courthouse Theatre, I hear a voice ring out against the building’s high ceiling. It’s a natural echo that adds richness to the player’s voice. A rehearsal is in progress. Director Valerie Daugherty occasionally interrupts the proceedings, tidying up loose ends and complimenting a well-delivered line. Everything seems to be coming together for the Friday May 9th opening of “An Act of the Imagination.”
There’s a cozy atmosphere to the rehearsal, the camaraderie of players who have grown comfortable with one another. It’s around 7:30 on a Thursday evening, a time when most folks are settling in for a late dinner, kid’s homework, and television. The players, however, seem quite happy to be going over their lines one more time, as though they have found a home away from home.
“I have been blessed to work with so many wonderful individuals in this and past productions,” Daugherty told me. “As far as our current production, I am amazed at the depth of character development from our actors and am so proud of each of them.”
While Daugherty will not give the plot away, she promises that An Act of the Imagination will keep the audience guessing.
“Arthur Putnam is a successful mystery writer who has presented his second wife with his latest manuscript, a vivid love story,” Daugherty said. “The manuscript is so real that Julia begins to doubt her husband’s fidelity and so the plot begins. Almost every line foreshadows what is to come and just when you think you know what’s going on, you don’t. I don’t think I could ever tire of this play.”
The Appomattox Courthouse Theatre is part of a growing arts and music scene in the community. When my wife and I first arrived in town, late evening activities were limited to the McDonald’s or Dairy Queen drive-thru. After nine, you couldn’t even find a stray dog downtown. If you didn’t have cable or satellite TV, it was already past your bedtime.
Now restless couples, bored teens, and aging party animals can step out on the town several nights a week for wholesome entertainment. Rumor has it that some of Appomattox’s more daring souls have “attended the theater” and then gone for coffee at Baine’s Books in the same evening.
“The theatre has added another layer to the arts in our community and with it a sense of pride,” Daugherty told me. “The community response has been overwhelming. So many people stop us to say how much they enjoy the productions, how they like having a community theater, how much they appreciate that the building is being used, and have even stopped by to show ‘their community theatre’ to out-of-town guests.”
Part of the success of the Appomattox Courthouse Theatre can be attributed to local talent willing to volunteer their time. Over the last year and a half, the theater has gathered a strong group of actors including Ken Swanson, Elizabeth Lankford, Virginia Scott, David Mitchel, Dee Evans, Miranda Lewis, and Tif Rice, and individuals like Robin Wolfskill and Elsie Morris who have directed, worked on sets, and helped with stage management.
“No matter how many times I see them rehearse I still laugh, cry, sit on the edge of my seat and get goose bumps,” Daugherty said. “Who could ask for more!”
Another nice touch can be attributed to the historic decor of the courthouse. “I love the historic atmosphere of the theater,” Daugherty told me. “It definitely adds an ambiance that you won’t find in most community theaters. I also love that we use the existing architecture for our sets and yes, we have been conscious to choose plays that fit the setting.”
So where does the Appomattox Courthouse Theatre go from here? There has been some talk of naming the resident ghost that reportedly haunts the building (when asked if the building was haunted, Daugherty told me, “Without a shadow of doubt, YES!”). The theater board is considering a summer acting workshop for children, and will continue to offer three productions a year.
“Our main goal is to be here for years to come,” Daugherty said. “Several elements have to be in place for our theater to thrive and grow; continued support from the community; individuals willing to donate their time and talents, and the funds to meet our budget.”
For now, however, the Appomattox Courthouse Theatre has to turn to the important business of putting on a show.
“An Act of the Imagination” opens on Friday May 9 at 8:00 p.m. Other dates include: Saturday May 10, 8:00 p.m.; Sunday May 11, 2:00 p.m.; Friday May 16, 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday May 17, 8:00 p.m. For more information call 434-352-7611 or go to www.appomattoxcourthousetheatre.com.
The Appomattox Courthouse Theatre Board is comprised of the following members: Valerie Daugherty, President; Robin Wolfskill, Vice President; Elizabeth Lankford, Secretary; Rick Hurst, Treasurer; Tif Rice, Member.
