Thursday, October 28, 2010

Director's Note & Press Release: Dragnet

Director's Note: As a kid I regularly watched Dragnet re-runs on Nick-at-Nite.  I’ve always appreciated its quirky, off-beat storytelling.  Looking back on it I realize just how ahead of its time it really was.   Dragnet was the first of several scripts I read this year and something about the characters, mystery and nostalgia factor just kept reeling me in.  I think one of the challenges of doing something with such a rich history is finding the right balance of staying true to the original and still bringing new things to it.  The cast, and Michael as “Friday” in particular, has done a wonderful job in that sense.  It’s been a real pleasure to work with them and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.  I also want to send out a quick thanks to my techies Kara & Hilary and my costume gals Sally & Caroline.  They’ve been a great crew… and those are just the facts, ma’am.  (Someone had to say it.)  Enjoy the show.  –Nic
Press Release: Houghton College Presents Dragnet
            This fall Houghton College travels back to the 1950s with their stage production of the classic Jack Webb TV and Radio show, Dragnet.  When shots ring out in the Hamlin home, Nora Hamlin (Carly Trask) quickly phones the police.  Lucky for her, Sgt. Joe Friday (MichaelBlankenship) answers the call.  When Friday and his partner Frank Smith (Eric Mikols) arrive on the scene they discover the apparent suicide of Nora’s husband.  As Friday and Frank investigate they realize that even though things seem cut and dry they will need more than just the facts to get to the bottom of this mystery.  The officers begin to question the rest of the Hamlin family including Nora’s mother (Liz Raucher) and daughter (Amy Coon) and quickly see that there is a darker side to this seemingly average family.  As the plot thickens and new suspects emerge Joe Friday can’t help but wonder if Mr. Hamlin’s death was in fact a suicide… or was it MURDER?!
            Find out Thursday, Friday or Saturday October 28-30 at 7:00pm (with a 2:00pm matinee on Saturday) in the Tysinger Auditorium, Houghton Academy (9790 Thayer Street, Houghton, NY).  With questions or ticket requests please contact director Nic Gunning at Nicolas.Gunning05@houghton.edu.  Tickets cost $5.00.