“Sometimes in the mornin’ when shadows are deep
I lie here beside you just watching you sleep
And sometimes I whisper what I’m thinking of
My cup runneth over with love
Sometimes in the evening when you do not see
I study the small things you do constantly
I memorize moments that I’m fondest of
My cup runneth over with love”
What a beautiful portrayal of married life! These are some of the lyrics from one of the most well-known songs from “I do! I do!” a play that covers events from a couple’s 50 year-long marriage. The play opens on their wedding day in 1895 and ends in 1945.
Stage West Community Playhouse is taking on the challenge of putting on this 2 person musical. Director Kathy Capelle is especially excited because this is the first musical she has directed. She’s got an amazing cast and says that the most challenging part of directing this play is that the cast and crew are all volunteers. Getting people to commit to the play and stick with it all the way to the end is one of the hardest parts. Just like any marriage, this production has had its fair share of bumps in the road.
Dorothy’s an amazing actress with a beautiful voice. She even won the coveted HAMI award to prove it. Dorothy’s life hasn’t been much like the character she portrays. She was married once, but was abused and finally escaped the marriage. She’s a single mom of 4 children and refuses to be a victim anymore. Dorothy is excited to use her God given talents to reach others. She’s very passionate about domestic violence survivors using their artistic side to recover and flourish. She feels it’s essential to “nourish your soul” with theatre, art or music.
Both actors believe in true love and soulmates. They agree “I do! I do!” is a very accurate representation of what relationships are like. Unlike the song “My cup runneth over” which only highlights the happy moments of love, director Capelle says “it’s not all roses and valentines. The best relationships have their ups and downs and sometimes the best relationships can’t come to an end. It’s the slogging through the horrible times to get to the good times and just holding on.”
Keith says that his character Michael Snow is nothing like him. “I hate my character. He’s the typical male who was taught ‘You’re the man, you’re in charge, you’re always right.’ I’m more of a romantic”. He also adds that it may just be the time period, but Michael is not very conscious of his wife’s feelings and is not compassionate. Surplus says that this play taught him to try to understand his partner’s feelings- to be more considerate and really be there for them as well as to think about what you’re doing and how it affects them. I wonder if all the compassion Keith has learned is partially from the last musical he was in- He played the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar last season.
I got to see a sneak peak of the rehearsal and it was great! Even though they were only rehearsing, both Dorothy and Keith sang their hearts out as if there was a packed house. I can’t wait to see the full play on opening night!
The Details: I do! I do! runs October 13 – 23 at Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd Spring Hill, FL. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Contact the box office at 352-683-5113 for more information.