When the curtain went up on “The Crucible” June 18, it marked the 22nd Chattanooga Theatre Centre play in which Shirley Alderman has performed, and her 47th year in local stage productions.
Officials at the CTC believe that with this production, Mrs. Alderman has become its longest-performing actor who is still “walking the boards.”
“I did my first play in 1963 at what was then the Chattanooga Little Theater,” Mrs. Alderman said. “It was the last show in the old firehall at Eighth and Park streets. I played Roy Morris Sr.’s aged aunt in ‘The Happiest Millionaire.’ “
Since then she has brought characters to life from “Arsenic and Old Lace’s” eccentric Aunt Martha to her current role as Rebecca Nurse in “The Crucible.”
And with a wry sense of humor, she relishes telling acquaintances she was “married to Bernie Sellman three or four times.” (The late Mr. Sellman was a favorite CTC actor for several decades as well, who frequently played opposite Mrs. Alderman.)
Chuck Tuttle, who is directing “The Crucible,” said Mrs. Alderman’s experience and work are “extremely respected” by her fellow cast members.
“You can’t watch Shirley work and not respect her ability and professionalism. She really knows what she’s doing and it shows,” he said.
“This is the first time I’ve had the chance to work with her. She shows me a great deal of respect and graciousness. Professionalism is one of those words that’s bounced around a lot, but graciousness has a lot to do with it; how confident and poised you are and how you do your work. She is always prepared, caring and a joy to have around.”
Mrs. Alderman said her last performance was five years ago when she played Martha in “Arsenic and Old Lace” for the second time. She said her favorite role was opposite Mac Smotherman in “A Delicate Balance.”
If You Go* What: “The Crucible.”* Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.* When: 8 tonight, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and July 11; 7 p.m. July 8, 8 p.m. July 9-10.* Tickets: $10 to $20. n Phone: 267-8534.* Website: www.TheatreCentre.com.
“It’s about a very dysfunctional family, but where the mother is always smiling and everything is always ‘fine.’ But underneath the surface, everything is terribly wrong,” she said.
In addition to the CTC, Mrs. Alderman has been cast in shows at the former Backstage Playhouse and at Chattanooga State. She managed time to pursue this interest while raising four children as well. It wasn’t uncommon for her husband, the late Bob Alderman, or one of her daughters to join her in a show.
She calls her role in “The Crucible” a “lovely little cameo.”
“At this age (which she declined to divulge), there aren’t many opportunities for aging actresses, so when I saw (this play) was coming along, I thought I’d try my hand at it again.”
Mr. Tuttle jokes that the actress had fans in the audience opening night, excited about her return to the stage.
“Her friends plied her with many flowers and praises. There were a lot of people who had been to our shows for many years in that audience, and when she came onstage, there was a little electricity around her.
“She was a little like a rock star,” the director said.