THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 6, 1996 TAG: 9603060638
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Take ``Oklahoma,'' ``Cinderella,'' ``The Music Man'' - mix them together and you get ``The Rainmaker.''
The Theatre of Dare production takes place in the Midwest, during the drought of the 1930s. Economically, there is a lot to worry about but, for the most part, spirits are high.
The focus of the story is Lizzie. She is of marrying age, but there is no beau in sight to tie a knot. The family worries about the youngster.
Enter a con man, promising rain and lots of it. He melts at the sight of Lizzie, and vice-versa.
Playwright N. Richard Nash packs a lot into a period of one day. His script is funny and tender, always fascinating, never dull.
As usual, The Theatre of Dare takes an excellent play and makes it, if I may - excellenter.
The performers are wonderfully suited to their parts. They understand the people they are playing, a sincerity of characterization that is fascinating to watch.
Christine O'Donnell, a recent East Carolina University graduate, has had some stage experience, but this is her first time with The Theatre of Dare.
She properly portrays Lizzie Curry as a young lady who is unsure of herself. Why not? The family is always talking about her inability to find a man.
The man who transforms her, the con artist, introduces us to a self-assured, let-her-hair-down lovely Lizzie. O'Donnell makes the transformation very believable.
Speaking of believable, those two performers offer a convincing love scene. Many amateur theater groups seem uncomfortable with huggin' and kissin' - not the Manteo group.
Starbuck, the con guy, is portrayed by John Gillikin. The first thing that comes to mind is Professor Howard Hill - ``The Music Man.'' The characters are quite similar. If Gillikin, who is colorful and energetic, can sing, that part would be ideal for him.
``The Rainmaker'' is certainly ideal for his talents. With a Kenny Rogers-type voice, he takes charge of every situation, convincing the family that he can do just about anything - in this case, make it rain, ease the drought.
Lizzie's dad is easily convinced. Tom Charity is a toned-down H.C. Curry. His character is not as colorful as some of the others, but he nails it and makes us believe.
Another square, strait-laced character is H.C.'s oldest son, Noah. He is as exciting as oatmeal. Michael Davenport's portrayal keeps him interesting.
You want colorful? Wait till you see the play's token scenery chewer. Michael Allen is Jim, the youngest son - one of those happy-go-lucky, ``how-can-you-help-but-love-the-guy?'' characters.
This high school teacher, who looks like a high school kid, is outstanding. He takes a fun role and makes it more fun.
``The Rainmaker'' is a lot of fun, but there are some well-played, tender moments. The most beautiful is the touching scene between Starbuck and Lizzie, when he convinces her - and it's the truth - that she is pretty.
The set is excellent, the bridge music - Aaron Copeland - is appropriate. The evening is gem-like.
``The Rainmaker,'' as presented by The Theatre of Dare, is a must-see. by CNB