“Mother Alvira Stevens”

     Last night was the dress rehearsal for “Shoalwater Shenanigans” at the Oysterville Church.   It was the first time that all the cast members had been together – musicians, singers, actors, and narrator – and it was reassuring and daunting at the same time.
     For starters, I was relieved to see that the difficulties learning lines is not solely age-related; one of the youngest of the actors is having the same problems as I.  And I was astounded (and somewhat intimidated) by the talent and creativity of friends and neighbors.  Dress rehearsals are always revealing that way.  I loved it!
     We were a colorful group.  For awhile, I (or rather “Mother Alvira Stevens” – no relation)  sat between William Baldt, one of the Bruce Boys of the 1850s, and Robert H. Espy, my own great-grandfather.  Later, as Sarah Crouch, I sat between her husband, the Reverend Crouch, and an Irish washerwoman named Bridget Tanger.  There were thirty-one of us pioneers there, though there were but ten actors.
     The music was upbeat and often familiar.  Director Sandy Nielson encouraged us all to sing along and I did – or rather Alvira did.  Or was that Sarah?  Or Mona Espy?  And, speaking of Mona, it is a bit disconcerting to play the part of one of your own forebears.  Mona was my aunt and I knew her very well.  I’m sure she would be highly entertained at my rendition of her.
      Quite a few Espys show up in this performance.  That’s no surprise.  The “Shenanigans” are based upon Willard Espy’s book, Skulduggery on Shoalwater Bay (Whispered Up from the Graves of the Pioneers) and Willard always wrote freely about his family members.
     But the relationship that tickles me the most is the one between real-life actor Mike Williams and his father, Rees, played by my real-life husband Nyel.  Those who know the story of Mike’s beginnings on this mortal coil – he was what has been called a “menopause baby” – will be amused at the story his ‘father’ has to tell.  The past and the present right there on stage!
     There will only be two performances of “Shoalwater Shenanigans” – both on Saturday, November 19^th, and both asking for a ‘donation only.’  The matineé begins at 3:00 and the evening performance at 7:00.  The Oysterville Church seats 100, or 120 if you sit cozy.
     Also – Willard’s Skulduggery will be for sale at its original price, $16.19 including tax.  Purchasers will be able to take the “Shenanigans” characters home with them – and thirty more, besides.  Get there early and bring your checkbook!