playwright: Sally Childs
based on the novel by Jon Hassler
director: Sally Childs
cast: Cheryl Frarck, Robert Gardner, Eric Knutson, Coralee Grebe, Joe Ulwelling
set design: Erica Zaffarano, Paul Skattum
lighting: Benjamin Hain
costume: Barb Portinga
Upright, stallwart citizen of Staggerford, Agatha McGee, carries on a platonic relationship with an Irish priest ... which has the tongues of the town wagging.
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I have to admit that I am not familiar with the novel on which this play is based, despite a strong appreciation for Hassler's books, so I can't write at all to the faithfulness of this adaptation.
The story as presented on stage, was well-planned and well-delivered.
Once again I am impressed with the quality of the talent that I see on stage at the Hassler Theatre. Each actor was strong and believable. Eric Knutson, whom I have enjoyed seeing at the Commonweal, was particularly delightful in his role as McGee's handyman. I have to say, though, that I saw the story surprise coming very early in the play.
Sally Childs did an excellent job making use of a nice-looking, functional set which spanned Italy, Ireland, and Staggerford, Minnesota between its proscenium. Father O'Hannnon's office space seemed a bit prominent for how little it was actually used, but there wasn't much more that could really be done about it.
My only 'complaint' was the character of Agatha McGee. Having read two or three Staggerford novels myself, I'd come to a pretty clear picture of the lady in my mind, and Cheryl Frarck wasn't at all what I'd imagined. She did a marvelous job, but she wasn't the 'type' that I had expected.
Still, all in all, it was a wonderful evening of theatre.
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