by Lorie Lewis Ham
The comedy play The Foreigner just opened in Hanford. KRL took a moment to chat with the show’s director, Corey Ralston.
KRL: What is this show about?
Corey: The show is about a shy science fiction magazine editor who needed to get some time away from his wife. His Military Demolition Specialist friend Froggy invites him for a relaxing three days at a fishing lodge in Georgia. Froggy tells everyone that Charlie is a foreigner and cannot speak English, to spare Charlie from having to talk, one of his greatest fears. As the guests of the Lodge come out, Charlie overhears more than he should and finds himself in the middle of some sticky situations. While at the lodge, he manages to come out of his shell while playing the part of the foreigner and saves the day from some very evil doers.
Charlie (Henry Gonzales) tells a story from his native land while Froggy (Sandy Brown) watches
KRL: That sounds fun. Can you share a little background about the show?
Corey: The play is written by Larry Shue, who also wrote the comedy The Nerd. It takes place in the early 1980s in the deep south. It has become one of the staples of community theater because it is silly funny and audiences always have a good time.
KRL: Why did you want to direct this show?
Corey: I played the part of the Reverend David Lee in High School and had such fond memories for the play. It is truly one of the most hilarious shows I have read or seen. It was a natural fit for the Temple Theater stage and so far audiences are hurting from laughing so hard.
KRL: Are there any special challenges to directing this show?
Corey: There are some fun technical challenges to the show, especially on a small stage. We managed to come up with some pretty amazing ideas to address these issues and it is so much fun to see the creativity the set designers took in making the set and making the technical issues shine.
Ellard (C. Sandoval) and Charlie (Henry Gonzales) make a new breakfast tradition.
KRL: How many characters in the show?
Corey: There are seven characters in the show. It is really an ensemble piece where each character is very vital to the plot.
KRL: What has been the best part about directing the show?
Corey: I co-directed this show with Lindsey Surratt and we have had a blast bringing out the comedy. We have a seasoned cast of actors and they all fit their parts perfectly. We were very lucky
KRL: What is your favorite thing about this show?
Corey: Without giving too much away, I love how the character Charlie warms up to all of the Lodge guests. It is so nice to see chemistry like this on stage. You just have to come see the hilarious things that Charlie makes happen while he is staying at the Lodge.
Betty (Wyleen Luoma), Catherine (Stephanie Teixeira) and Ellard (C. Sandoval) console Charlie (Henry Gonzales).
KRL: What are the dates, times and where do people buy tickets?
Corey: Four weekends of September, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Call 584-7241 for reservations. The show is at The Temple Theater, 514 E. Visalia Street, Hanford, CA 93230.
Check out more local arts and entertainment articles in KRL’s A & E section.
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