Margaret Baker
Contributing Writer
When Brynn Kusic, director of the Pocahontas County Opera House, told James Spangler that the Drama Workshop was one character short in casting it’s Fall production of “Catch Me If You Can,” he strolled over to the Marlinton Post Office to talk to customer service supervisor and play director Jeff Marcum, hoping to get a bit more information. After a reading in Jeff’s office, he left with his mail and a part.
James began his acting experience as a child performing in Episcopal nativity pageants in his native Texas where he often portrayed shepherds, wise men and multiple Josephs. In high school he learned that the Drama Club traveled out of town for competitions and got out of class to rehearse, so he figured, “I’m in!” He landed a role in Neal Simon’s “Plaza Suite” and still remembers every word of his dialogue. Well, both words, “cool it.” There must have been something in the perfection of his delivery because he then landed the part of the narrator in John Steinbeck’s “The Pearl,” a role that also showcased his talents at playing “fake Spanish guitar.” Once bitten by the theater bug, James continued performing as the narrator for a traveling circus production called “The Dream Machine.” Currently, you can hear James on alternate Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. hosting “All the Stops” on Allegheny Mountain Radio.
In “Catch Me If You Can” James will play two characters, Sidney, who he describes as “a comedic foil, bumbly and cartoony” and the smarmy and smug head of an ad agency, Everett Parker. James says he has about 15 seconds to switch from one character to the next requiring a quick change of both costume and personality. In any case, James says he will be “turning up the clown.”
Growing up in Marlinton, Ashley Ritter also got her theatrical launch in church plays at Central Union Methodist Church. She has attended many Drama Workshop productions, often serving refreshments as part of the Brushy Flats Bushwackers 4-H club. She can see similarities between acting and her current job selling cars at Mitchell Chevrolet.
“I could be in my office when a customer pulls in and boom, it’s showtime! The world really does become my stage at that point. I get one chance to captivate my audience when I introduce myself.”
Ashley saw the audition notice for “Catch Me If You Can” on Facebook, decided to ignore the butterflies in her stomach and “go and have a good time.” Her positive attitude landed her the part of Mrs. Parker, a character with more beauty than brains, the classic trophy wife.
“Catch Me If You Can” is a period piece occurring in 1965 when the frequency of dumb blond roles in TV and movies made the type iconic if a bit under-celebrated by actual smart blonds. Ashley looks forward to delving into the character’s comic potential, “bringing Mrs. Parker to life.”
Catch James and Ashley in “Catch Me If You Can” at the Pocahontas County Opera House Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 13, at 2.
