By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
Producer Nancy Sullivan says of the Guild, It's a warm and friendly atmosphere, and treasurer Ginny Kelly echoes that statement saying, Less people are looking to go on to Broadway. Most people are in it for camaraderie, community and fun. In the past, Kelly said, We've had a couple of romances and a wedding among members. Romance aside, there's no shortage of talent or accomplishments among this eclectic group of thespians.
Sal Canepa, currently in nursing school, can boast a part in the hit movie You've Got Mail on his resume.
And John Jones might be remembered from singing at Vito's on Friday nights.
There's a mix of long time members as well as newcomers in the Guild. As far as the distribution of roles goes, Sullivan says, We welcome newcomers. Everyone who comes has a shot at it.
Kelly, who also has a children's theater group, has been active in the Guild for 25 years. Kelly started in the chorus and has played lead roles as well as director. Once, not by her choosing, she had to play both, when the lead of the play she was directing suddenly quit. That was scary, Kelly said. I had two weeks to learn everything. Luckily I learned the blocking, because I gave the blocking. Blocking is the term used for movement, as opposed to dialogue, on stage.
Sullivan has been the company's choreographer or producer or actress, depending on the show. I look at a show and decide how the theater and I would be best served. What would be better for the theater and me. She says, It's a big responsibility to raise money for the show, but she has accepted that responsibility for the last five or six years producing about ten shows, and taking only small parts if any.
Eric Colberg has been active in the Guild for 18 years, starting when he was only 13. Kelly was his teacher at Long Beach Catholic School and asked him to come on board. On State Fair, Colberg is the assistant director, but says he has spent most of his time in the Guild on stage. Colberg's full-time job is working for an ambulance service. When asked about any theatrical ambitions, he says, This is my main hobby. I can't do the struggling actor thing. I have to know where my paycheck is coming from.
Ellen Meltzer is associate producer for the first time. I'm in the shows, usually, on and off since the 80s. Meltzer says, It's nice to be behind the scenes and I'm learning a lot from Nancy.
State Fair is Debbie Wilson's second production. She is, however, the only cast member that can say she's been at the real state fair, the musical, based in Iowa. Originally from Iowa, Wilson believes that, This is one of those things that are meant to be. In more ways than one, Wilson saw a cast call for a music director for Spotlight Children's Theater, Kelly's group, and gave serious thought to call, but waited. Kelly called the school where Wilson worked as music director hoping to speak with her and ask if she'd like to be part of the group. Wilson was shocked. I really was thinking of calling her.
State Fair is the first experience with the Guild for Meredith Berk, who originally went to school for theater. Berk, who grew up upstate before moving to Long Beach, changed majors because she says, I can't be a starving artist. Berk found out about the Guild from member Jessica Weinman who is in her second year with the company. A second grade teacher by day, Weinman has been in many productions around Long Island. Her most recent shows are The Sondheim Revue, with the Oceanside Theater Guild and How to Succeed in Business with a theater group in Rockville Centre.
Most members are residents of either Long Beach or Point Lookout, but some, like costumer Joanne Mailloux, make the short drive over the bridge to be part of the fun. Mailloux describes how she's been outfitting the troupe: I've been collecting them, asking for donations from people, and going to the Salvation Army. She's put a call out at her job for anyone willing to donate bowties, and a friend was able to donate some square dancing costumes.
The Guild puts on one musical as well as other non-musical shows and readings throughout the year.
