“Rainmaker”
and “Will Rogers Follies” teach life lessons
by Joan Gross
Do you believe in miracles? Then take your special valentine to see the
romantic comedy “The Rainmaker” presented by Hillbarn Theatre
January 29- February 22
Set in a tiny depression era Midwestern town, parched by a long drought,
the play centers around the Curry family, who are very worried about their
dying cattle. Enter Starbuck, a smooth-talking, romantic stranger who
claims that for only $100 he can make it rain in 24 hours. He also turns
his magic on the skeptical, spirited and lonely Lizzie Curry.
Actor John Byrd of Redwood City doesn’t think it is too difficult
ot take on the role of Starbuck. “I find it most comfortable to
play characters that aren’t too different form myself. In real life,
I am basically a braggarts, a dreamer, a huckster and a romantic. So putting
on the Starbuck character is like putting on a pair of boots I’ve
already worn a thousand times,” Byrd said.
Last year Byrd play Frank Pulver in “Mr. Roberts” and previously
was Dracula in the Hillbarn production.
“My goal in ‘The Rainmaker’ is to have couples love
each other a little more after experiencing the play,” Byrd said.
Bay area actress Alex Alexander fell in love with the play upon reading
it. “What a sweet story with all the characters so endearing in
their own way. This resonates with my belief in love, honesty and faith.
It makes me think of how you have to take risks, be vulnerable, courageous
and open in order to get what you want,” Alexander said.
Alexander sees her character as honest, with a sense of humor, loving
and capable. “I can relate to her challenge of wanting something
badly, but not feeling capable of getting it,” Alexander said.
This is the first appearance at Hillbarn Theatre for Taylor Smith of Redwood
City. He takes on the Role of Noah, the oldest son, who runs the ranch.
“Noah is the conflict in the play. He says some pretty hurtful things
to his family. I want the audience to see that Noah feels these things
out of love, not hate,” Smith said.
After seeing “The Rainmaker” for the first time last year,
Ann Kuchins leaped at the opportunity to direct this drama. A San Mateo
Native, she has been involved in Peninsula theatre since 1980. “I
feel that Hillbarn is my ‘home’ theatre, as I have been involved
with it on and ongoing basis, not only as an actor and director, but also
a member of the tech crew. Toni Tomei has assembled a great production
staff in cluding Fred Eiras, set designer; Danny Broome, set builder;
Darren Hochstedler, lighting designer and properties; Kathleen Barcos,
costumes; and Debbie Heiman, stage manager,” Kuchins said.
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