THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 18, 1995 TAG: 9505180710
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Whether he's racing up the steps and yelling ``chhhaaarge'' or preaching the word of God, the Rev. Dr. Stan Smith says he always tries to put on a good show.
Smith's pulpit is the Edenton United Methodist Church.
His stage is the Edenton Little Theatre.
This week, Smith will be at Swain Auditorium stage, portraying Teddy Brewster in ``Arsenic and Old Lace.'' The durable madcap play has been a theater favorite since the 1930s.
Friday and Saturday, local theatergoers will get a chance to see the show. If you missed it when it was first offered in Edenton about 30 years ago, opportunity is knocking.
Those who did see it ``will have a refreshing reprise and some good laughs,'' said Joe Conger, senior producer.
One of the laugh-getters will be Smith, who has been pastor at the Methodist church for the past year, arriving in town from Troy, N.C., where he was active with the Montgomery County Little Theatre.
Smith played Scrooge in ``A Christmas Carol'' and Fagin in ``Oliver,'' meaty parts far removed from the real Smith.
He and his wife, Ann, a teacher of 10th-grade English at Camden County High School, worked together in ``Cinderella.''
``I got her into it,'' said Smith, who also trod the boards while attending Emory University in Atlanta.
Preaching and plays seem to fill Smith's life. While attending seminary in Boston, he was a member of the Danvers Little Theatre, part of the cast of ``Mr. Roberts.''
Smith's interest in performing came from his parents, both of whom were active little-theater participants. Family interest continues with daughter Kristi, who is busy theatrically at Salem College.
``She's a voice major,'' Smith said. ``So she's also doing musicals.''
Smith is doing a juicy part in ``Arsenic and Old Lace,'' portraying Teddy Brewster, who thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt, yells his ``chhhaaarge'' and blows the bugle, Rough Riders style.
``It's a good character. He's relaxed and certifiably crazy. He thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt - and acts the part,'' Smith said.
The minister said he sees a parallel between acting and preaching.
``To have a good worship service - it's a performance you and the congregation do before God,'' he said.
``You want to do the best possible job - likewise, on stage.
``In both cases, it ought to be well-done,'' Smith said. ``When church services are sloppy, (parishioners) have a legitimate gripe.''
Six of the cast members are part of his congregation, including Kyra Hicks and Thelma J. Weagly, who portray, respectively, Abby and Martha Brewster, the sweet old ladies who, Conger said, show ``how hilarious murder can be.''
The murder weapon is elderberry wine. It has a lasting effect. by CNB