FeedsTheater takes on ‘Elephant Man’
During her visits to Fairywood Medical Clinic, Plymouth resident Delores Cruz would spend time talking to office manager Craig A. Hane about how live theatre would be perfect for downtown Plymouth. Now Hane is working to turn their conversations into reality.
Hane, along with his partner Pete Podolski, founded Barefoot Productions, a Plymouth-based community theater company on a mission to bring professional style theater to Plymouth with an atmosphere so comfortable patrons can take off their shoes during the performances.
“We want to keep local, community theater alive here in Plymouth,” said Hane, who believes his efforts will also enhance downtown.
“We envision people from all over Plymouth and surrounding communities eating a meal downtown and then walking over to see quality theater,” Hane added.
The inaugural show, Talking With… drew more than 50 people to the Plymouth Historical Society Museum during the Oct. 27-29 run despite competing with a World Series. The next production, The Elephant Man, is scheduled from Dec. 8-17 and is expected to draw even larger crowds.
Amateur actors of all experience levels are welcome to audition for the company, but Hane demands a professional level of performance from all the actors.
“No matter your experience level, I will get an off-Broadway quality performance from you,” he said.
According to Cruz, the Plymouth community seems responsive to the theater. After fulfilling her career obligations as a Realtor, Cruz passes out flyers and other advertisements for the shows. She also talks to many of the business owners in the downtown district encouraging support. The Book Cellar and Café sells advance tickets for Barefoot Productions shows.
“The response from the community has been phenomenal. All of the businesses are eager to post a sign. The theater is bringing the community together,” said Cruz who said she joined the Barefoot Productions team because of her love for the arts and Plymouth.
“Everybody involved is doing this for the community. People come from all over the area to support us,” Cruz said.
Barefoot Productions is in the process of applying for non-profit tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service and has several shows planned for 2007. The immediate goals are to have a successful run with The Elephant Man and become more familiar to the community.
“We don’t want to fade away. We will work as hard as we can to offer what we have for Plymouth,” added Hane.
For more information about Barefoot Productions, phone Hane at 734-582-9688.
