River City Players put on six-man show at Port Cape

The River City Players' November play, "First Things First," marks a first for Joe Reed. The play is his directorial debut with the group.

Reed joined the community theater group in late 2003. He's acted and served as assistant director in the eight years of involvement, but was elevated to ring leader with this comedy, on the stage Friday and Saturday and Nov. 10 to 12.

"I'd been interested in doing it," Reed said. "I would've waited, but we needed somebody."

He said he's enjoyed the experience, stressful as it may be to manage six actors, costumes, stage, etc.

The play tells the story of Pete, a man who remarries after his first wife disappears. She shows back up, ready to reunite with him, causing trouble and revealing a few messy lies.

Tickets for the dinner theater are $30. Nov. 10 will be a show-only production and cost $15.

Holly Raines

Holly Raines, River City Players "First Things First" cast (Kristin Eberts)

Character name: Jessica

Role in the play: I play Pete's wife who disappeared and is now back to "consummate their reunion."

Sum up your character in six words: The dead wife with a secret.

Kyle VanPool, River City Players "First Things First" co-director (Kristin Eberts)

How many years have you been with RCP? I've been with the group now for going on six years.

What else have you done with the group? I've been treasurer now for going on three years. I have acted a bunch, and I've directed. I directed "Make Me a Match" in 2009 and "Panic" in 2010. I've also run lights and sound and helped out with props. I've pretty much done everything there is to do!

Doug Howe, River City Players "First Things First" cast (Kristin Eberts)

Doug Howe

Character name: George

Role in the play: Best friend, comedic relief

Sum up your character in six words: A simple man in complex situations.

How many years have you been with RCP? This is my first show with RCP.

Lindsay Randolph

Lindsay Randolph

Character name: Sarah

Role in the play: Pete's young wife. She is unaware that she is actually his second wife.

Sum up your character in six words: Naive, hopeless romantic, dramatic, sensitive, suspicious.

How many years have you been with RCP? Four years and five shows.

What else have you done with the group? I've acted in [plays] I also try to help with each show during the season that I'm not acting in; usually I end up being a greeter. I've won an Abbott award for my role as Colleen in "When the Reaper Calls," and have enjoyed my time with this talented group of people.

A.J. McNamara, River City Players "First Things First" cast (Kristin Eberts)

A.J. McNamara

Character name: Pete.

Role in the play: He was married to Jessica until she supposedly disappeared 18 months prior. He's since moved on and is now married to Sarah. Hilarity ensues when his best friend George informs him that Jessica is in fact alive. Pete and George entangle themselves in a web of lies as they try to keep the wives secret from one another.

Pete in 6 words: Panicked, loyal, confused, desperate, high strung, caring.

How many years have you been with RCP? This is my first year with RCP. My first show was "Academia Nuts."

Andrea Shovan, River City Players "First Things First" cast (Kristin Eberts)

Andrea Shovan

Character name: Margot

Role in the play: Mother of Sarah

Sum up your character in 6 words: Formidable, possessive, smart, nosy, snobby, motherly

How many years have you been with RCP? This is my second year with RCP.

What else have you done with the group? I was Jerry in "The Crazy Time" (won the Abbot award for Best Actor in a Leading Role). I directed "Faith County" in the spring and will be directing the second show of our 2012 season.

Sean Lightfoot, River City Players "First Things First" cast (Kristin Eberts)

Sean Lightfoot

Joe Reed, River City Players "First Things First" director (Kristin Eberts)

Character name: Alan

Role in the play: My main purpose in the show is to be the character that forces all the loose ends in the play to be tied up.

Sum up your character in six words: Alan is the wife stealing playboy.

How many years have you been with RCP? This is my first show with RCP, but I expect to be with them for a long time. Next season I plan to act more with RCP, plus assistant direct in the spring.