Entertainment : Many ACT 1 veterans reunite on stage for ‘Rex’s Exes’

Many ACT 1 veterans returned to the Palace stage for 'Rex's Exes.'

A stressed-out politician's wife and an crazy bounty hunter encounter each other in 'Rex's Exes.'

While the title role belongs to an ACT 1 newcomer, Cory Pierce, most of the cast of “Rex’s Exes” are ACT 1 veterans, and several of them returned to play the same role from the previous play in the “Red Velvet Cake War.”

The play opened Thursday, and continues this weekend with 7 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. Sunday Matinee.

“Opening night was fantastic,” says Director Doug Martens. “We had a responsive crowd. The play was great and our timing on jokes was all working like I expected.”

Some of the actors shared their thoughts about what community theater has meant to them, and what they like about the roles they play in the current comedy.

“I love Act 1 because of the great sense of community it provides and fun cast members,” says Mandy Barker, who has performed in several plays. “It's been fun to play the role of Peaches because who wouldn't want to be sassy with a southern accent?”

Another “Cake War” veteran who returns in the same role is Caroline Dick. During an interview with Vinton Today for the previous show, she had said that acting in Community Theater had taken her “way, way outside her comfort zone.”

“Being involved with Act 1 productions has been one of the best stress relievers I have found,” she says. “Everyone involved in these productions is like family and we have an absolutely wonderful time laughing and enjoying each other’s company while we work hard to put on an entertaining show for everyone.  If you are looking to laugh and have a good time, attend the show and then get involved with Act I and have some fun.”

Melody Spence also returns as Cee Cee Windham, the television host.

“The great thing about being involved in ACT 1 is the ability to share your creativity with the community and work with a wonderful group of talented people,” says Spence. “Vinton is a small community, but ACT 1 provides its citizens with the ability to see quality entertainment right in their own neighborhood in a beautifully restored theatre.”

Spence encourages area residents to join the cast to enjoy the humor of this show. 

“It's been such a pleasure being part of ‘Rex's Exes.’  This is fun, slapstick comedy at its best.  I encourage anyone who is looking for something fun to do this Friday, Saturday or Sunday to come see the show. I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face,” she says.

Mary Jo Hainstock plays the role of a Texas politician’s wife who visits Sweetgum to evaluate a new business for an important award.

“I was involved with theater in high school but then didn’t get involved as an adult until my husband, Rich, caught the bug. I enjoy the people and becoming a character with attributes I don’t have in real life,” says Hainstock.

Rich Hainstock was on stage for “Red Velvet Cake War,” and is part of the stage crew for “Rex’s Exes.”

Bonnie Beyer plays Gaynelle in “Rex’s Exes,” as she did in “Red Velvet Cake War.”

“I never acted in high school or college,” she says. “Acting in shows with ACT 1 has made me aware of a whole different side of me, and I'm having a blast. I love playing comic roles, and this one is a doozy.”

Gaynelle presents a character that Beyer has found both fun and challenging to express.

“Playing Gaynelle in this show while she is turning 50 years old has been really challenging, especially having to internalize and deliver all my lines about wrinkles and regrets at every rehearsal and show. I guess it's preparing me for when I do turn 50.  Many years (or months) from now,” Beyer adds.  

Rachel Bonar plays the role of Gentle Harmony, a mystic  who comes to try to help Peaches deal with Rex’s ghost.

“I love working with the fun, creative, talented people in ACT I,” says Bonar, who has been a regular performer for many years. “I saw "Red Velvet Cake Wars" performed, and knew I wanted to be a part of the sequel.”

Allison Watkins, who came to Vinton to work at the AmeriCorps campus, plays the role of a Verdeen woman named Jimmie who opens a unique wedding shop.

“Community Theater, to me, is a great equalizer,” Watkins says. “Job titles and economic status are left at the door and for several hours a night we are all just fans of theater working together to craft a great performance. You have first-time performers and seasoned veterans all relying on each other as a team and supporting each other. Everyone involved plays an essential role, and there isn’t one role or position that is more important because without them all the show is brought to a standstill.  I have always appreciated that about theater. It is a great example of the importance and impact of teamwork.”

Concerning the current show, Watkins says,“I was motivated to be a part of Rex’s Exes after having such a fun time with the cast of ‘Red Velvet Cake War.’  This second time around has been even better because most of the cast and crew were a part of the first show so we just picked up where we left off two years ago.  Trust me when I say it is a true sign of effort when the cast can make it through a whole scene without cracking each other up.  We have had a great time bringing this show to the stage.”

Click HERE for ticket information on the ACT 1 web site.

Click HERE for a previous story with cast list.