Photo by chad p. hall
CHARMING PRODUCTION. The cast of “Dear Edwina” reherses for their upcoming production that will be showing at PLU’s University Gallery July 23 and 24. (From left) Mike Engh, Leischen Moore, Adam Shelton, Sue Ann Jacobs-Shelton, Stephanie Nace, Jerod Nace, Laura Turnley, Jay Paranada.
Director Katie Skovholt summed up “Dear Edwina” in three words.
“Fun, clever and appealing.”
This debut musical production is the brainchild of Skovholt, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Pacific Lutheran University (PLU).
The story centers around 13-year-old Edwina Spoonapple, who strives to achieve her dream of performing in the Kalamazoo Advice-a-Palooza Festival.
When a talent scout from the festival visits her hometown, she hopes to soon realize her dreams of spotlight and stardom. Together, Edwina and her quirky friends and neighbors tackle an abundance of problems, from birthday party etiquette to the proper way to set a table.
This charming production promises witty lyrics, toe-tapping tunes and smart advice on issues children could relate to, including what to do when offered icky food and how to deal with an annoying brother.
Financial woes at Prince of Peace pushed Skovholt to take action and create the family-friendly production as a fundraiser for the Lutheran church.
“I wanted to use my skills and connections to put together something that appeals to a wide audience,” said Skovholt, who is also director of music ministries at the church.
The accomplished stage actress will make her official directorial debut with “Dear Edwina.” Skovholt was recently seen onstage at the Lakewood Playhouse’s productions of “HMS Pinafore” and “Into the Woods.” She was also cast in the regional premiere of “Rent” as Alexi Darling/Ensemble at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse.
Directing is a venture Skovholt always wanted to pursue.
“I like to be in change of things,” she joked. “It just seemed like a natural fit combining all the things I love to support a cause at Prince of Peace.”
When asked whether she preferred acting or directing, Skovholt said she loves both and would not turn down future directing offers.
“You get to stand back and see the whole picture,” she said. “This has been a really rewarding pursuit.”
The director has been able to attract an impressive array of actors from around the South Sound for “Dear Edwina.”
Stephanie C. Nace (most recently seen as Belinda Blair in Tacoma Little Theatre’s “Noises Off”) will play the title role of little Edwina.
Skovholt says she specifically sought out the actress for the lead role.
“For this character, the actress has to have chops to carry the show,” Skovholt said. “It’s a light show mainly for kids, but there are a couple moments when she’s (Nace) in charge of how the audience feels.”
On-stage nerves are not a problem for Nace. They actually only reared their head during initial auditions.
The actress will star alongside her husband, who she described as her main motivator for auditioning.
“I thought, there’s no way I have way too much to do,” Nace said. “But, my husband wanted to do a project with Katie and that was impossible to resist.”
Nace had nothing but praise for the production’s cast and director.
“She (Katie) knows what she wants to accomplish for each rehearsal,” Nace said. “It’s been really nice to work with her. She’s got keen knowledge of music, too. That helps.”
The ensemble cast includes Adam Shelton (Lakewood Playhouse’s “HMS Pinafore”) as both Cordell and Lars Vanderploonk. First-timer Laura Turnley will play Annie Smith, a Girl Scout cookie-selling champion.
Leischen Moore will play Becky Del Vecchio. Moore received The News Tribune’s Honorable Mention for Best Actress in A Musical for her work as Sonia Walsk in Tacoma Musical Playhouse’s “They’re Playing Our Song.”
Additional cast members include recent PLU graduate Mike Engh, Jay Paranada and Jerod Nace, who will play Scott Kunkle.
Puyallup High School’s Sue Ann Jacobs-Shelton will also perform after an extended hiatus.
Skovholt received assistance for “Dear Edwina” from PLU’s School of Arts and Communication, as well as the university’s Departments of Art and Design, Congregation Relations and Campus Ministry.
In the future, Skovholt hopes to plan similar productions and possibly turn them into annual fundraising events for the church and for the community to enjoy.
“The message of this play is great,” she said. “It’s funny without crossing lines and there are little tiny vignettes that are moralistic. The overall message is about being true to self as an individual. The underlying message is learning how to support your friends.”
Commenting rules
Tacoma Weekly is happy to provide a forum for commenting and discussion. Please respect and abide by the house rules:
Keep it clean, keep it civil, keep it truthful, stay on topic, be responsible, share your knowledge, and please suggest removal of comments that violate these standards.
Read full commenting rules