The Faery’s Kiss – A Hit! Lots of “Firsts” for Bullitt County!
By Marjorie Cook
The Faery’s Kiss – a romantic comedy with a strong Celtic theme, was one of a number of World Premieres slated for the Bullitt County Arts Council’s Theatre Company. It was the first full-length play for the company and the first time the Bullitt Central H.S. Auditorium was used by an outside theatre group. The show ran for two weeks. For anyone who missed it, you’ll have to travel to Canada to see it this summer.
There show started off with the arrival of a new owner of a rural, coastal cottage. After receiving the papers from a sleazy attorney, and finding out he has a delightful mature Irish Housekeeper, he is told by two very comedic “busybodies” that the place is haunted - but instead he discovers the place is inhabited by Fay Sprite an attractive adult woman who claims to be a fairy (played on alternate nights by Lea Davis and Erin Mann) - who doesn't want him there!
Thomas Trent (played by Timothy Brown) is continually taunted by Fay as she keeps his head in a spin with embarrassing delightful antics while he tries to fit in with the townspeople. We quickly learn she is also trying to protect a secret that others are trying to steal. Notable performances are the very Irish Mrs. Corrigan (played by Alyssa Harley), a very sinister lawyer (Wayne Muscar), a temptress (played on alternate nights by Jill Flaherty and Hannah Corbett) and a fun-loving mysterious character named Robin Goodfellow (John Heffley)
The play had many actors and crew from the area. The part of Mrs. Flannigan was played on alternate nights by Jennifer Ballard and Cheryl Huddleston; and Mrs. Gimbal by Amy Lee and Renee Caldwell.
There were numerous well-done stage magic effects, a statue that moved, things flying off shelves, disappearing milk in a drinking glass and a glow of reddish light that flashed from Fay’s fingers.
The plot contained numerous twists and turns of identity – which kept the audience guessing. Because Fay can only be seen and heard by the people she wants - her presence at inconvenient times created some wonderful comedic scenes. From a party that goes completely wrong to a scene where the elderly housekeeper is thought to be the youthful Fay the energy of the show keeps the audiences well-entertained. Tinker Bell was never like this!
For the final bows, the audience gave a generous standing ovation, cheered and some still had joyful tears in their eyes. Definitely a hit!
The Bullitt County Theatre Company’s Artistic Director and the director for the production, Bill Breuer said, 'The word got out and people have come from as far as 200 miles away to see it. Some came back to see it twice. The facility is large and has over 500 seats –so it is a perfect venue for future productions.'
Breuer took the occasion to announce that future productions included plans for “Frankenstein” in October, “A Christmas Carol” in December and next year “The Night Santa Cried” Based on the famous tragic 1917 Train Wreck in Shepherdsville. The Company also has a Comedy Improv Troup and a Dinner Murder Mystery group. There are also plans for musicals and larger casts of all ages.
