It’s easy to think, as we see so many local high school productions, that theatre is a school activity that ends when you graduate. That is, unless you choose to pursue it as a career. The cast of The Oldest Profession is proof that you’d be wrong to think that.
Director Cricket Hall has assembled an exceptionally talented group of women in this cast. Most have been doing theatre non-stop for decades. All of them are over 60. Two are octogenarians.
We’ll be revealing more about each of these ladies as we get closer to show dates. So stay tuned!
Geraldine Vilar who plays Mae, the group’s madame, has performed in many shows with Fairmont State University Masquers and Town and Gown Player where her roles included Fräulein Schneider in Cabaret, Madame von Liebedich in Little Mary Sunshine, and Hannigan in Annie. And some Clarksburg folks may remember her stunning rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch” in the Art Center’s 1981 production of Company.
Phyl Charnes is a familiar face to theatre patrons in Clarksburg as well as to students at Fairmont State University and swimmers at the YMCA. She’s the oldest member of the cast, and her activity level puts most younger folks to shame. She’s done too may shows to mention them all, but some of her favorite stage credits include Thelma in ‘Night, Mother, Ethel in On Golden Pond, Lil in Kindertransport, Amanda in The Glass Menagerie, and Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. She has twice won the best actress award in the Pittsburgh New Works Festival, one for a role in which she never spoke a line! She portrays Ursula, the no-nonsense one, in The Oldest Profession.
Linda O’Connor also brings a wealth of talent and experience to the show. She’s playing the role of Vera, the youngest of Mae’s girls. She has a slew of credits on stage with Fairmont State University Masquers and Town and Gown productions. You may have seen her as Widow Corney in Oliver!, The Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Abigail Adams in 1776, Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress, Domina in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!. Her previous work with ACT 2 Theatre was as Woman I in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. She has also directed shows, costumed many shows, and is the part-time costume shop manager for FSU Theatre.
Cyndy Simons-Straight came to Clarksburg 41 years ago from Brooklyn, NY, got involved with the theatre scene and never stopped. She’ll portray Edna, the brassy one, in this show. Her work with the ACT 2 Theatre Company includes acting roles in Sylvia and Stone ‘Touchin’ and she was assistant director for Sin, Sex and the CIA earlier this year. Some of her other notable stage credits include M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, Jenny in Chapter Two, Mother Superior in Nunsense, Yenta the Matchmaker in Fiddler on The Roof, Gittel Mosca in Two for the Seesaw, and Kate in Brighton Beach Memoirs.
The role of Lillian is being shared by two newcomers to the ACT 2 Theatre Company. The first week Beverly Donitzen will play this character who is described as the stylish one. This will be Donitzen’s first stage appearance, and she’s proving to be a natural. Beverly Oliver is returning to the stage after a long hiatus to play Lillian during the second week of the run.
It’s a well-blended ensemble that will undoubtedly deliver a memorable theatre experience for all who come to see.