By Betty Lou Roselle
I was thrilled to hear that Colonial Playhouse was doing a play based on the popular show The Walton’s. Kudos to those who realized this is the perfect time for a sentimental look at the Christmas season that the whole family can enjoy.
The Homecoming is a play by Christopher Sergel based on the book by Earl Hamner Jr.
As the Spencers prepare for the holiday on Christmas Eve 1933, they become increasingly worried because the father, Clay Spencer, who was forced to take work in another part of the state, has not yet returned home.
Olivia Spencer (Annaliese Gove) helps Clay-Boy (Jacob Ryan) with the tree.
JP Timlin plays Clay Spencer, who isn’t seen (except in memories) throughout the play. When we do, Jacob Ryan’s (Clay-Boy) description of him is perfect.
Jacob Ryan is a very talented young man. As Clay-Boy, he is tasked with narration of the story as well as performance and excels at both. He has a wonderful vulnerability with this character, and as the play progresses, he has us all falling in love with this family.
Annaliese Gove is lovely as Olivia Spencer, keeping her children busy, while at the same time, not letting them see how concerned about Clay’s absence she is. She enlists Clay-Boy’s help and together they work to distract the others.
Miss Etta (Susan Wefel) regales Clay-Boy (Jacob Ryan) with stories as Miss Emma looks pained.
This is an enormous cast (I think I counted 30) and director Micki Sharpe has done an excellent job. The children, the townspeople, the characters are all first rate, not a false note from anyone. I really enjoyed Susan Wefel as a very funny Miss Etta Staples and Sam Barrett as Emma, her beleaguered sister tasked with bringing Etta back down to earth. Sharon Kolankiewicz and Nick Squeri as stage managers have their hands full but because there is a core group of production people who work many of the shows, it is a smooth production from beginning to end.
CAST
Spencer Family
Clay-Boy – Jacob Ryan
Olivia Spencer- Annaliese Gove
Clay Spencer -JP Timlin
Matt – Giana Gliko
Becky- Lilabeth Muller
Mark -Molly LaFountain
Shirley- Jane Gliko
Luke -Toby Schmidt
John -James Timlin
Pattie Cake- Grace Gliko
_________________________
Grandpa Homer – Jim Hulme
Grandma Ida -Sue McDonnell
Birdshot- Nancy Reeves
City Lady – Kathryn Leech
Charlie Sneed – Nick Squeri
Sheriff – George Webster
Ike Godsey – John Lockyer
Rev. Dooley – TBA (soloist)
Young “Joseph” – Toby Schmidt(soloist)
Young “Mary” – Ella Newton(soloist)
Miss Emma Staples -Sam Barrett
Miss Etta Staples – Susan Wefel
Townspeople:
Kids/Adults: Abbie Billela, Madison Frock, Alyssa McCallum, Ella Newton, Sharon Kolankiewicz,
Liz McCallum, Patty Sharpe, Peggy Oleynick, Nick Squeri, George Webster, John Lockyer
You must come out and see this outstanding production of ensemble work at its finest. There are four shows left Dec. 12, 13, 14 & 15. Bring the whole family out to see it, the perfect Christmas present. I wish this show had a longer run (hopefully, it could come back next year?).
Colonial Playhouse is at 522 West Magnolia Ave., Aldan, PA. Call 610-622-5773 or visit www.colonialplayhouse.net.