(HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- In today’s world of social distancing, presenting live entertainment has become an almost insurmountable challenge. The Somerset Valley Players, Hillsborough’s nonprofit community theatre, is hoping to leverage the popularity of Zoom to allow them to continue providing audiences with ‘nearly live’ theatre.
“When the COVID-19 closings began, theatres everywhere had to rethink what we do,” explains Emily Windus, President of the Somerset Valley Players. “Our little theatre was no different. We had to reimagine how we reached out to our audiences. Like others, we’re turning to a virtual platform. Our production of Blithe Spirit will be our first big test.”
Blithe Spirit will have a live reading on Friday, August 7, followed by recorded versions available on YouTube Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 23. First produced on the London stage in 1941, Blithe Spirit tells of the complications married Charles Condomine faces after an eccentric medium conjures the spirit of his deceased first wife during a séance.
The cast of actors will be dialing in from home via Zoom to perform the comedy by Noel Coward under the direction of Richard Butler. “Several other theatres have gone the virtual play reading route. We hope to refine the technique and make it as entertaining as possible. We have some surprises in store for the audience,” says Butler.
SVP had to cancel its 2020 season of shows once the severity of the pandemic became apparent. “It was the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do,” recalls Vice-President of Production Todd Bennington. “But we’re excited to have found a new way to let the show go on, as they say. We’re already in discussions about producing more virtual content.”
Co-produced by Windus and Wasif Sami, and stage managed by Shannen Rivers, Blithe Spirit will be broadcast live on August 7, with the recorded performance available on August 15 and August 23. All performances are at 8 p.m.
The Somerset Valley Players theater is located on 689 Amwell Road (Route 514) in Hillsborough. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the theatre building is currently closed.
