The Dayporch comes to Threshold Repertory Theatre
For some, the past evokes mixed emotions. However, the folks of award-winning Actor's Theatre of South Carolina, are convinced the upcoming revival of their comedy/thriller, The Dayporch is the perfect choice to help celebrate twenty years producing in our state."This play has been a delightful hit everywhere it has been done," says producer and co-founder of the company, Chris Weatherhead.
Originally successful in Charleston at Piccolo Spoleto in 2001, The Dayporch by Ceille Baird Welch, reveals three women in a group home and their recently divorced nurse living deep in the countryside of South Carolina. When a new chaplain visits, they are delighted, as he seems to be the answer to their dreams. However, he isn't all he appears to be.
The play has been referred to as "a hilarious Southern comedy with a Hitchcock twist", and once you see it, you'll understand why it has remained an audience favorite. The Dayporch is steeped in Southern imagery and quirky personalities. It's got everything; drama, comedy, mystery, great characters and delightful dialogue about love, friendship, betrayal and surprises.
In their two decades in our state, Actor's Theatre of South Carolina has become known for quality theatre and film. The number of theater productions is impressive; ninety-two, and many of them original works by staff writers, including the poetry and plays of Ceille Baird Welch.
Every great play starts with a fascinating idea. But it needs a gifted writer to make it a success. Ceille Baird Welch used personal experiences to create her poetry, stories and plays. Writing from a young age turned into writing for TV, magazines, literary journals, and more.
Many of Ceille’s works can be seen at the SC Poetry Archives, Duke Library, at Furman University, as well as the Carolina Library at USC. Aside from having an established writing career, Ceille holds degrees in psychology and counseling and worked in the mental health field for over 30 years. While there, she helped the chronically ill and many who were otherwise forgotten. Once her kids left the nest she began to take a more serious approach towards writing. Particularly in The Dayporch, Ceille modeled the female characters after herself and parts of her own life.
When she ventured into the theater world, she met some incredible people. Larry Hembree of Camden, SC, introduced her to an amazing pair of entertainment industry veterans: Chris Weatherhead and Clarence Felder. Thus began her relationship with Actor's Theatre of South Carolina. She recalls, "they needed more good SC poetry for a show. Actor's Theatre performed a number of my poems and an artistic relationship blossomed over seventeen years. A lasting friendship blossomed too. I am excited to see the new production in Charleston."
The Dayporch runs April 21st - May 7th
Thursday - Saturday @ 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:30pm
Adults $22/Seniors $20/Students $15
