Third-grade teacher Mrs. Griggs (Nancy Chambers) (left) asks Ramona Quimby (Kristin Beezley, 12), Susan (Sarah Sapp, 11) and Howie (Junior Mason, 11) a question in Spotlight Children's Theater's production of “Ramona Quimby.”
SHERRY BROWN / Tulsa World

Scouts Lucas Harlien, 7 (left), Alex White, 6, Preslie Watkins, 11, Megan White, 9, Rebekah White, 9, and Seth Maytubbie, 7, learn how to use flashlights in Spotlight Children’s Theater’s production of “Ramona Quimby.”
SHERRY BROWN / Tulsa World

Spotlight Theater production features childhood favorite

Someone tried to sell first-time director Randy Lee Chronister on that old stage adage of never working with children, but he's not buying.

Instead, when auditions for a Spotlight Children's Theater production of "Ramona Quimby" brought in a gaggle of talented youths, the veteran performer didn't turn them away, instead creating new roles for the show.

"I had ideas about keeping the show simple, but then when the kids came, and there were so many who had so much energy and presence on stage, I found myself just wanting to use as many of them as I could," Chronister said.

"I thought, you know what, if the kids go out there and stink, the audience will laugh and love it anyway. The kids have certainly brought more joy to my life, and I will certainly leave this experience enjoying myself as a performer much more."

The cast consists of about half youths and half adults -- with an age range of 5 to 50-something -- to tell the story of the world's most animated elementary student, Ramona Quimby, the creation of award-winning children's author Beverly Cleary.

In the play, Ramona's latest adventure finds the unpredictable, independent 9-year-old in the middle of a tumultuous third-grade year full of challenges at both school and home.

The problems facing the Quimbys -- classmate clashes, sibling bickering, a father trying to quit smoking -- shape a funny, loving family portrait that will be familiar to audiences. Cleary's storytelling strength is translating to the page her ability to see the world through the wide-eyed wonder of a child.

"The important thing that I found with the show was that for each character involved, through the course of the play, they realize that they all can do things they never dreamed they could, overcoming an obstacle and making that dream a reality," Chronister said.

"I like that it happens for the adults in the story as well as the children. The play is appealing to children on a certain level, but also very entertaining for adults. It's very much like the way that I can take my niece to see 'Shrek 2' and be just as entertained as her."

In addition to Kristin Beezley as Ramona and Morgan McLaughlin as her older sister, Beezus, the cast includes Tabatha Eads, Mark Albert, Anne Sherman, Gary Record, Junior Mason, Miriam Mills, Nancy Chambers, Sarah Sapp, Kelsey Dudley, Khalilah Nichelson, Chris White, Donald Gilmore, Chantelle Nicole Fitzpatrick, Rebekah White, Alex White, Lucas Harlien, Seth Maytubbie, Preslie Watkins, Megan White and Molly King.

The Spotlight Children's Theater production of "Ramona Quimby" has performances 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, followed by shows at 7:30 p.m. June 25 and 2 p.m. June 26-27. Tickets are $5-$7 and may be reserved by calling 587-5030. The Spotlight Theater is located at 1381 Riverside Drive.

Open auditions

Heller Theater has scheduled Tuesday auditions for a production called "Mere Mortals," a collection of six short comedies to be staged in August.

The auditions are 7 p.m. Tuesday at Heller Theater, 5328 S. Wheeling Ave., and the three directors of this event are seeking performers in an age range from 20s-50s.

The cast size can vary from as few as nine to as many as 25, depending on whether some are double cast in roles. An equal number of males and females is needed.

"Mere Mortals" is a collection of six short comedies by playwright David Ives, including "Time Flies," about two mayflies who decide that "carpe diem" is the best philosophy when your life expectancy is only 24 hours.

The play contains some adult language and situations. More information is available by calling 746-5065.

Spotlight Children's Theater has set June 21-22 auditions for a production of "Treasure Island."

Auditions both nights are 7 p.m., and there are several parts available for men, women and children in the play.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, and those trying out are asked to wear comfortable clothing. More information is available by calling 587-5030.

Now on stage

·  "Playhouse Creatures," Theater Club presents drama/comedy about the first actresses of the English theater in the late 17th century, when women were first allowed on stage, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. Fourth St. Tickets are available by calling 557-8012.

·  "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds," Sapulpa Community Theater presents tale of a dysfunctional family that includes a vindictive mother and her two daughters, one of whom has an unusual interest in science, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available by calling 227-2169.

·  "Oklahoma!" Discoveryland, the national home of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical favorite, returns with 8 p.m. performances Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," performances are 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday each week through Aug. 21, located on West 41st Street about 2 miles west of Oklahoma 97. Tickets are available by calling 245-6552.

·  "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, Do You Really Want to Kill Me Now," travel back to the '80s with the Ultimate Murder Mystery as it presents the new wave band the OxyMorons, which is in danger of ending up a solo act by the end of the night in this interactive murder mystery featuring Lt. Columbo, 7 p.m. Saturday, Hotel Ambassador. Tickets may be reserved by calling 857-8092.

·  "The Drunkard," Spotlight Theater presents the nation's longest currently running play, old-time melodrama comically exposing the evils of drink since 1953, 7:45 p.m. Saturday, 1381 Riverside Drive. Tickets may be reserved by calling 587-5030.