Priscilla Castañeda (left) of Marble Falls,is one two actresses who portray Glorie oppositie of Sally Stemac of Kingsland as Grace.

“Call it a ‘dramedy’ (drama + comedy) or call it simply a touching, funny play,” says Artistic Guest Director Jane Kelley Martin, “but audiences who see Grace and Glorie are in for a deeply inspiring and uplifting experience.”

Playwright Tom Ziegler’s crowd-pleasing story begins Thursday, June 3, and runs through Sunday, June 13. Only two strong actresses will grace the stage, but Martin, no stranger to laughter and poignancy, double cast the roles.

Martin, a Burnet resident who also serves on the HCCT Board of Governors as V.P.-Production, directed the dramatic play The Miracle Worker in 2003 and made her first on-stage appearance at HCCT in February in the musical comedy I Love, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

Herself a former professional juggler with extensive acting and technical theatre experience, Martin has starred in The Merry Wives of Windsor, As You Like It and The Skinny Dinny and Juggling Jane Show. She holds a Master’s in Theatre from Texas A&M-Commerce, specializing in directing, acting, theory and criticism.

In this show, two very different women create a powerful friendship at a critical time in both of their lives. Grace Stiles, a fiesty 90-year-old woman, has checked herself out of the hospital and returned to her beloved farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gloria Whitmore, newly transplanted New Yorker and hospice volunteer, arrives to deliver medication Grace has refused. The bond forged between the two enables one to deal with her past and the other her future.

Grace, who is spunky, rustic and no-nonsense is a sharp contrast to Gloria, who has fought her way to the top of a world of prestige and privilege. One has lived a long life marked by simplicity and faith; the other has spent much of her life chasing personal glory. As they come to know and understand one another, each gains a new perspective on life’s highest values.

Great Roles?Strong Actresses
“An ‘Odd Couple’ relationship develops between two these women, who are light-years apart

Taylor Smith of Meadowlakes shares the role of "Glorie" in this enduring tale of courage.

in age and experience, yet both confronted by the difficulties of life,” explains Martin. “There’s a great deal of humor in the city mouse-country mouse conflicts that arise, providing lots of lighthearted fun.”

As for the actresses involved, Martin states, “HCCT has acquired a reputation for attracting strong performers for our productions, and Grace and Glorie is no exception. We’ve got highly talented actresses for both these powerful roles.”

Grace is portrayed by Sally Stemac of Kingsland, who has been seen in a broad range of demanding roles at HCCT -- Nuncrackers, Annie, Miss Julie, You Can’t Take It with You, Wizard of Oz and Honk. The former IBM employee of 30 years is active in the Bluebonnet Chorale and has volunteered in many capacities at HCCT.

Beverly Brinkley of Horseshoe Bay is serving as Grace’s understudy. The veteran stage performer and devoted HCCT volunteer made her Hill Country debut last year at HCCT’s production of The Miracle Worker. She was originally doublecast in the role, but has recently started a new job, and so is available only as an understudy.

The role of Gloria, or “Glorie” as Grace calls her, will be played by the versatile Priscilla Castañeda of Marble Falls and HCCT newcomer Taylor Smith of Meadowlakes. Castañeda, last seen in Love, Sex & the I.R.S., also was a stand-out in Last of the Red Hot Lovers and Laura. The Minnesota native and Catholic Lector was “the tree” in Butterfingers Angel?.

Smith, a Denver native, studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and is a graduate of the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Clown College. She recently did voiceover work on the TV show “Tropical Lifestyles” and has written several plays for Teyate Toutafe Theatre in St. Lucia. This winter, she stage-managed HCCT’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

Popular HCCT actor Kirk Tatum is taking on the role of Stage Manager, assisted by John Mengden, both last seen onstage in Love, Sex & the I.R.S. Both live in Horseshoe Bay.

Grace’s “granny cottage” is under construction now, with HCCT Governor Al Richardson of Blue Lake at the helm and Dennis Martin of Burnet assisting. Lee Middlebrooks of Meadowlakes heads the props crew which includes Mary Rose Ortel of Horseshoe Bay and Audrey Chase of Burnet.

Volunteers are still needed for painting and decorating the rural cabin set, and for the lighting and sound crews. All interested community members are invited and encouraged to participate. “I have always been extremely impressed with the way the people of the Highland Lakes come out to support our community’s theatre with their time and talents,” director Martin states, “And I hope this show will be no exception.” Contact Martin or HCCT Office Manager Jennifer Jones for more information on these and other volunteer opportunities.

Box office for this charming, funny and poignant production will open weekdays and Saturdays beginning May 24 from noon until 4 p.m. for patron members and May 26 for the general public. Information and reservations can be obtained by calling 830-798-8944 or using the www.hcct.org web site.

Curtain is at 8 p.m. nightly with two Sunday matinees at 2:15 p.m. HCCT is located at 4003 West FM 2147 in Cottonwood Shores, between Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay.
Grace and Glorie offers easy laughter and engaging dialogue on marriage and children, religious faith and the courage to carry on. It’s a story of conflict and acceptance. It’s a story of humor and hope. It’s a story about life.

For more information on the current performances or tickets, membership, volunteer opportunities (box office, costumes, make-up, props, lighting, set building and painting), auditions or script checkout, please contact the HCCT Box Office at 830-798-8944, or the Executive Office at 830-693-2474.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS:
Preston F. Kirk, APR, Publicity, HCCT Governor, Spicewood, TX, 830-693-4447; F 693-9898, kirk@281.com