By Mary Malloy
In 1973, while working as a science teacher at Long Beach Catholic School - now Long Beach Regional School - she was approached by the principal to help out with the school's 7th and 8th grade play, which just happened to be "The Sound of Music." Thirty five years and 100 shows later, Kelly is again at the helm of the production - this time with Long Beach Theatre Guild's very talented adult and child cast.
Kelly admits that this show is among her "favorite things." The story of the von Trapp family in Austria, just as Hitler was invading, is a story filled with hope and promise. "I prefer family themes and musicals with hope as a message in determining the theater project for the year," she said.
Kelly has been the resident director and board member of Long Beach Theatre Guild for 30 years. In addition to directing 100 productions, she has acted in 50 plays, the first one being "Little Women" in grammar school. She is also one of four owners of Spotlight Theatre Children's Academy, which produces shows three times a year in Long Beach and Oceanside.
Her energy is boundless, and her efforts are supported by her husband of 51 years, Don. "I don't want to say my wife is involved in show business, but every time the refrigerator door opens and the light goes on, she starts singing and dancing," he joked. Many years ago, Don said, he realized that the only way that he and his daughter, Nancy Sullivan, would get to see Ginny was to join her in the theatre - and so they did. With Don coordinating publicity, ticket sales, and the day-to-day handling of the business - and also an acting part here and there - and Nancy often choreographing and producing, they have truly made this a family affair.
Some memorable family theater moments for Ginny include playing the wife of her real-life husband, Don, in "Rumors," and playing the mother of real-life daughter, Nancy, in "Moon Over Buffalo."
Liz Drake, a senior at Northwestern University Theater Department, recalls being cast as Miss Hannigan in the 6th-grade production of "Annie." "I remember feeling initially disappointed that I wasn't cast in the title role," she said. "And to make matters worse, at dress rehearsal, Ginny stuck me in a frumpy dress, teased my hair until it looked like a bird's nest, and tore my stockings until they had huge gaping holes. I was so upset that I had to be ugly! Ginny pulled me aside and explained to my bruised ego that we all must make sacrifices to become a star. I looked back at her wide-eyed and said, 'A star?' It was my "Ah-ha" moment."
Looking back, Kelly said she had the most fun directing a flying Glenda, the Good Witch, in "The Wizard of Oz." She flew before the Munchkins were off the stage and she leveled them like bowling pins!"
Is she ready to thrown in the towel just yet? "I don't think about retiring," Kelly said. "I want to continue to help those who love acting. It might sound corny, but I believe in the ABC's - Acting Builds Character."
The Long Beach Theatre Guild will be performing "The Sound of Music" at the Lindell Auditorium, Lindell Blvd at Bay, Long Beach. Evenings performances: Sat. April 5, Fri. April 11, Sat. April 12, all at 7:30 p.m.; Matinees: Sun. April 6, Sun. April 13, 2.m. All Seats Reserved: $20, Children 10 and under, $ 12. Group price on request. For more information, call (516) 432-2600.
