In the oppressive heat of the Texas Dust Bowl of 1936, the townspeople see no hope in sight – not for rain to save their herds, nor for romance to help them escape the miseries of the ever-present drought.
Within this fictional backdrop, several Gainesville and Haymarket actors and their Northern Virginia castmates present the story of love, endurance and self-discovery that opens the 40th season of Prince William Little Theatre on July 12.
Like the community theater company, the story of “110 in the Shade” has been around for a while. Based on the play and 1956 movie “The Rainmaker,” the musical tells the story of the Curry family – a widower and his three grown children living in the drought-stricken small town of Three Points, Texas – and of their desire for love despite their challenging situation.
“The story of ‘110’ takes place in a simpler time and place and serves as a reminder that the basic needs of home and family and love, still remain what provides many of us with true happiness,” said co-director Don Petersen.
Petersen has been part of Prince William Little Theatre since 1995. He has prioritized casting actors who not only are extremely talented but also come to rehearsal ready to have fun and support one another. This is a staple of the group’s experience.
Dominion Valley resident Cliff Rieger knows all about the family atmosphere of the theater company. He first joined the group playing the title role in its 2022 production of “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” and was impressed by the support he received.
“The experience with this company, my first, was a treasure,” Rieger said. “The cast and crew became family, and after the show we stayed in contact and supported each other in other shows that we did individually.”
That family atmosphere brought him back to Prince William Little Theatre when “110” choreographer and “Scrooge” director Terri Ritchey asked him to audition for the show.
Newcomer Heather Taylor, who lives in Gainesville’s Stepney Plantation Estates, also joined the ensemble because of the camaraderie she witnessed.
“After meeting the production team, I knew it was a perfect and comfy fit for me,” Taylor said. “Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging. I’m very excited to perform in my first musical since high school.”
Prince William Little Theatre founder Susy Moorstein is the show’s co-director and co-producer. She is proud that the company she built has become a second family for so many. In that way, her legacy is not only one of art and creation but also of joy.
While some community theaters age with actors, Moorstein has been consistent in her efforts to continue to attract new talent.
“It’s great to have old friends to work with, but what keeps PWLT alive and growing is when new people join and are good at what they do,” Moorstein said.
And she is willing to be flexible with young families. “I remember in our early days when my kids were crawling around the stage during rehearsals,” she said.
“110 in the Shade” has many families sharing the stage together, but my family, the Fulda family, of Morris Farms in Gainesville, is doing it from both sides of the stage.
My husband, George Fulda, is the show’s musical director, following a passion of his since he was a kid. I serve as both the show’s co-producer (with Moorstein) and stage manager. Our children, Alex and Lili, are both in the cast.
Lili plays featured ensemble member Sammie-Sue Miller, while Alex takes on the major role of Jimmy Curry, Lizzie’s loving younger brother, who finds love in the heat of Three Points.
“The brilliant thing about this show,” Alex said, “is getting to explore a family dynamic through the Currys that’s different than my own. It’s great to stretch my range and give me more experience which can be both practice and incredibly memorable.”
Doing a show with the entire family was a long-time dream for us, and Prince William Little Theatre made it a reality in last summer’s “Oliver!” when all four Fuldas took their bows onstage. This time the kids have learned that their parents have technical skills, too.
“I love seeing my children on stage and working with my wife,” George said, “but perhaps the most fun is having shared stories and experiences to talk about at home and for the rest of our lives."
Lili agreed. “Being with my family in a PWLT show for a second time is a joy. I love being able to work with my family, doing something that we all love.”
For 40 years PWLT has made it possible for talented area actors to do what they love. The cast and crew love making “110 in the Shade” and believe audiences will love it, too.
ABOUT PRINCE WILLIAM LITTLE THEATRE
Prince William Little Theatre (PWLT) is a community theater organization based in Manassas. The theater was founded in 1984 and is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization partly funded by grants from Prince William County and the city of Manassas as well as private contributions.
The group has performed at the Gregory Family Theater in the Hylton Performing Arts Center at the George Mason University Campus in Manassas since 2010.
Samantha Fulda is a former English professor who works now as an administrator, wellness coach and freelance writer. She also volunteers as a stage manager, director and actor in local community theater.
Stacy Shaw, Publisher of Bristow Beat, is the new contributing editor for Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine.
This article was originally published in the July issue of the Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine and is being shared per a content-sharing agreement between Rappahannock Media and Bristow Beat. To read more of Lifestyle Magazine visit insidenov.com/whglifestyle.
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