Forecast for ‘110 in the Shade’ at St. Luke UMC

Leap of Faith Productions is presenting “110 in the Shade” at St. Luke United Methodist Church beginning July 15 at 7:30 p.m. and running July 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and July 18 and 25 at 2:30 p.m. Shows are free to the public, but a freewill offering will be collected.

“In ‘110 in the Shade’ there is a rainmaker that promises to bring rain to the town,” said Hixson’s Blake Harris, director of Leap of Faith Productions. “Every time we practiced the rain song it would rain, sometimes even with flash floods and tornado warnings.”

Harris said “110 in the Shade” is based on N. Richard Nash’s play “The Rainmaker” with music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones. The play takes place in the Wild West during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

“It has a very strong and empowering sense for women,” said Harris. “To see the main character’s plot line, she has to find her own place instead of what people expect. The character is young Lizzy Curry played by Rebecca Clark. She told me it is the most challenging role she has ever played, but she handles it with amazing talent anyway.”

Harris said the hot, dry weather parallels with Lizzy’s quest to find herself while faced with pressure from her family members to get married. Harris said he expects that “110 in the Shade” will challenge the audience to think about women’s roles.

“I love playing Lizzy,” said Clark. “It’s a tough character to play. One of my favorite things about the play is the relationship between Lizzy and her father, HC, because he lets Lizzy be her authentic self.”

Clark said she also likes the part where Nathaniel Garth as Sheriff File and Terrance Wright as Starbuck fight over her.

“Starbuck comes into town and everyone likes him,” said Garth. “We end up in a tug of war over Lizzy.”

Harris said cast members wear earthy tones such as orange, brown and red, but Lizzy stands out in blue and white.

“We have so many supporters that literally call ahead and plan their vacations around our productions,” said Harris. “We could not put on the productions without the support of St. Luke United Methodist Church and donors.”

St. Luke United Methodist Church, at 3210 Social Circle, can be reached at 877-6447.