Limelight Theatre will bring small-town chaos, Martian panic and plenty of laughs to the Mainstage this June with The Battle of Shallowford, running June 5 through June 21.
This production also carries a special connection to the play’s history. Director Richard Nowell appeared in the original production of The Battle of Shallowford decades ago and now returns to the story from behind the scenes, leading a new cast through the same laugh-filled chaos that has entertained audiences for generations.
Set in 1938, the comedy takes audiences to the fictional town of Shallowford, North Carolina, where everyday life is suddenly thrown into complete confusion. When residents tune in to Orson Welles’ now-famous War of the Worlds radio broadcast, they become convinced that Martians are invading. What follows is a fast-moving mix of rumors, misunderstandings, fear and wild imagination as the townspeople try to make sense of what they believe is an otherworldly emergency.
While the play is filled with eccentric characters and high-energy comedy, The Battle of Shallowford also carries a heartfelt coming-of-age thread. Beneath the panic and laughter, several young characters are wrestling with a familiar question: whether to stay in the comfort of the hometown they know or chase a bigger, more exciting life beyond it.
Adding to the significance of the production, playwright and original director Ed Simpson will attend the Saturday, June 6 performance and participate in a post-show question-and-answer session with the audience. The special event gives theatergoers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the creator of the play and learn more about the inspiration, history and humor behind The Battle of Shallowford.
The cast features Jeff Schaeffer as Burton Mock, Ashlynn Amburgey as Ruthie Mock, Bryce Esposito as Lonny Hutchins, Chip Prestera as Clunette Campbell, Jim Warren as Roy Sprinkle, Oliver Aguayo as Dewey Somers, Banyan McGowen as Newsome Jarvis, Thomas Lemrow III as Doodad Jarvis and Alberto Carlos Peart as Fred Martin.
Performances run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are available now and are expected to sell quickly. For reservations and more information, visit www.Limelight-Theatre.org or call the box office at 904-825-1164.
