Playmakers Seek Info on Missing Family

"The missing family in The Playmakers' upcoming production include Meghan Stowe as Constance, Ashley Davidson as Ann, Brooke Herbst as Felicity, and seated, Jimmy Gwin as the father, Mr. English. Mrs English, played by Leah McLain, is not in the picture. The play opens, Friday, Jan. 21."

From a peaceful house near the Welch border, (Wales, not Oklahoma) a family of four has suddenly vanished without a trace. Supper is still on the table. It doesn't appear any violence has occurred. There is only one clue: the word Widdershins is written on a piece of paper found on the father’s desk. It is an ancient word. According to legend, if you walk counter-clockwise around a church three times, you are said to be going widdershins, which can cause all kinds of terrible things to happen.

The odd, troubled, but usually effective Inspector Ruffing has been brought in to solve the mystery. You will want to be part of the investigation. Beautiful women, dark secrets, the Impressionists, and the Druids combine to baffle all.

“Widdershins” by Don Nigro, one of the most frequently published and widely produced playwrights in the world, opens Friday, January 21, at The Playmakers, 121 W. 3^rd St, in Grove, OK. Nigro has won several awards including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a playwriting fellowship grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The film, “The Manor,” with Peter O'Toole, is based on Nigro's play, "Ravenscroft."

Performances are Jan 21,22,23,25,28,29,30, Feb 1,4,5. Friday, Saturday and Tuesday performances begin at 7:30 pm; Sundays matinees at 2:00. The production is produced with assistance from The Oklahoma Arts Council and in cooperation with Samuel French, Inc.

The cast of this unusual and thought-provoking play includes Ron Riley as Detective Ruffing and Dennis Brown as Inspector McGonigle. The missing family is played by Jimmie Gwin (James English), Leah McLain (Eleanor English), and their daughters Felicity and Constance (Brooke Herbst and Meghan Stowe).  A ward, Ann, is played by Ashley Davidson. Amber Riley performs the role of Jenny, the housemaid, and Marge Chowning takes on the part of Old Betty, a strange hermit. The production is directed by Sandy McCabe.

As a guide for parents, the suggested maturity level for this production is middle school and above so that all audience members can enjoy and understand the play without disruption.

Necessary reservations may be made online at www.gcplaymakers.com. They may also be made by calling 918-786-8950 or emailing:

1groveplaymakers@sbcglobal.net. Adult tickets are $15.00 including tax; students (through 12^th grade) are $8.00 including tax. Pay What You Can Afford tickets may be purchased for any performance, in advance, by calling the box office number above.