Behind the Curtain
Sewing "The Sound of Music"
Opening night is getting closer and closer and sometimes it seems as if things will never be ready on time. It's a common feeling among everyone involved, with not only the current production of "The Sound of Music", but with every production the Licklog Players performs.

Harrison Keely/ Sentinel Photo Costumer Tina Blackwell and actor Tom Payne share a light moment as costumes are hand-picked for "The Sound of Music."

Everyone scurries about perfecting the set, rehearsing the musical score, memorizing lines, trying to make sure that every detail is attended to, including the costumes.

And what an array of costumes there are for "The Sound of Music." Each child involved with the play has at least seven costume changes, not to mention the multitude of nuns' costumes that have had to be created.

There are a total of nine ladies involved with putting these costumes together.

They have to measure, and re-measure, and conduct fittings, and make alterations for every cast member, and there is a huge cast for this particular production - 35 people. Throw in the numerous costume changes and you have on your hands a heavy load to accomplish.

Harrison Keely/ Sentinel Photo Michael Lindsey, who will be filling the role of Captain von Schreiber in the Licklog Players' summer musical "The Sound of Music," is fitted for his costume.

Some of the costumers, like Tina Blackwell, Rhetta Grey and Lois Ann Wentzel, are seasoned veterans of the Licklog Players and over the years they have devoted more hours than can be counted, tirelessly creating the costumes needed for dozens of performances. They come from the various surrounding counties in North Carolina and Georgia.

"I have been sewing for lots of years," said Grey, "but costume sewing is the most creative and innovative."

Lois Ann Wentzel, who also will be starring as the Mother Abbess in the play, has worked on all of Director Nancy Davis' productions. She has been involved with sewing since she was nine years old and made all of her family's clothes including her husband's suit jackets and tux's.

There are others who are brand new to the machinations of the sewing department, such as Judy Kirk, who has been a volunteer at the Playhouse over the past several years, but has now found herself upstairs in the costume room. "I always thought I needed special skills to sew costumes," she said, "but with seasoned veterans like Tina and Lois Ann by my side, they have shown me a few of their tricks of the trade in bringing scraps of material to life on the stage. They are always willing and able to do it alone, but welcome anyone with scissors in hand."

To round out this group of talented women, there is Nancy Byxbee, who is new to costuming this year, Eileen Adams, Roberta Swint, Joan Walters, and Janet Bently. Janet is new to Licklog, but comes from a background of sewing historical costumes for school productions before moving to this area.

As you can see, costuming has no boundaries or level of expertise. So pick up a pair of scissors, needle and thread, and come on over to the Peacock Playhouse for some real fun. The Playhouse is always in need of committed volunteers in all departments. It's the time and dedication of people like these that keep the Licklog Players coming back year after year with great productions to entertain our communities.

"The Sound of Music" opens Thursday, July 19 and runs the 20, 21, 22, 27 - 29, and August 3 - 5. Curtain times are 8pm Thursday - Saturdays, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays. The Box Office will open July 9 at 10 a.m. and stay open until 4pm for your ordering convenience. There is only one phone line. If busy, please call back, or leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also come by the theatre, as well, to make reservations during the times listed above. We are located at 301 Church Street in downtown Hayesville, and can be reached at (828) 389 8632, or toll free at (877) 691 9906.

See you at the theatre!

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