Local thespians hope to bring a much-needed dose of sunshine to Vashon this weekend, when Drama Dock opens “Enchanted April” at Vashon High School.
The Tony-nominated play by Michael Barber, set in the 1920s, tells the story of four British women who team up to take a month-long holiday in Italy. The women — played on Vashon by Gaye Detzer, Earthsong, March Twisdale and Zoey Rice — at first seem to have little in common, other than their desire to escape lamentable relationships and a dreary English climate. But soon enough, they fall under an Italian spell of enchantment that brings them not only romance, but more importantly, a renewed lust for life.
“The ‘escaping the rain’ theme appealed to all of us,” said Detzer, who is not only in the play but also serves as the president of Drama Dock’s board of directors.
Detzer added that Drama Dock also selected the play because it seemed like something that would cheer Island audiences.
“It’s a play that makes you feel really good and optimisitic, and yet it is not a silly comedy,” she said. “There’s this emotional complexity to the play, but it also has moments of humor. It’s just a well-written play, and it touched us in a lot of different ways.”
Detzer said she had enjoyed working with the 10-member cast of the show — a multigenerational ensemble that includes several newcomers, including March Twisdale in her first leading role with the community theater group.
Harbor School teacher Steven Smith and Islander Michael Shook are also making their Drama Dock debuts in the show.
The play’s director, Adam Brock, starred in Drama Dock’s recent production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” but this is the first show he has directed on Vashon.
Other members of the cast and crew are well-known to Island audiences. Most notably, Elizabeth Anthony, an Island performer and director, will return to the boards with a role in “Enchanted April,” after taking an almost year-long hiatus while she battled various health issues.
“She is hysterical as an Italian maid, and it’s great to have her back on stage,” Detzer said.
Other cast members include Phil Dunn, Jordi and Roman Marquez-Twisdale, Frank Petree and Sue DeNies.
The show’s set, designed by Mike Figueroa, will be accomplished through the magic of digital projections, a technique Detzer hopes will bring Italy’s lush gardens and blue skies to life on Vashon High School’s stage.
“We all dream of going to the sunshine and the flowers,” she said.
“Enchanted April” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, April 15, 16, 22 and 23, and 4 p.m. Sundays, April 17 and 24, at Vashon High School. Tickets, $15 and $10, are on sale at Vashon Bookshop, Books by the Way and at the door prior to performances.
