SISTERS … (L to R) Loni Smith (Catherine), Crystal Bowers (Mary) and Kimberly Ann Semer (Teresa) play siblings reunited for their mother’s funeral. (PHOTO BY AMY WENDT, STAFF)
By: Amy Wendt
On Friday, May 5 the Williams County Community Theater (WCCT) presented its first of six performances of The Memory of Water (MOW) written by Shelagh Stephenson. The local adaptation of MOW was directed by Denver Henderson.
WCCT is the longest continually active community theater in the State of Ohio and will be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
The Memory of Water is the second of four productions for WCCT’s 2023 season.
Due to the WCCT venue on W. Butler Street in Bryan currently being renovated, the MOW production was held at the First Lutheran Church.
“We are extremely grateful for the First Lutheran Church to allow us to use this space until our renovations are complete,” noted Henderson.
The Memory of Water storyline, which is filled with both humor and tears, is a tale about the complexity of family relationships and the bond that remains despite their differences.
Teresa, played by Kim Semer, Mary, portrayed by Crystal Bowers, and Catherine, played by Loni Smith reunite after years of separation to plan their mother’s funeral.
As the story progresses, the sisters find that each has different memories of the same past events, causing constant disagreements among the siblings.
Rounding out the cast, Nathan Butler, played Teresa’s husband, Frank; Dan Nieves, portrayed Mary’s lover, Mike, and Libby Daniel played the ghost of Vi, the siblings’ mother.
Remaining performance dates are May 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 pm. All shows will be hosted at the First Lutheran Church, 210 North Cherry Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506. Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office at (419) 636-6400.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com
