Dreams of fame and stardom in sixties Hollywood are the backdrop for Stanstead College Theatre Arts’ production of A Handful of Rainbows by Jonathan Troy.
First performed in 1965, the play is now a vintage look at a time when the glamour of Hollywood drew countless would-be actors – many with more ambition than talent.
The play is set in a Hollywood boarding house run by sisters Marion and Meg Bradford, two former actresses who open their home to aspiring performers. The two sisters offer their guests a sincerity of interest and compassion rare in the movie capital. Marion writes plays and Meg watches TV, but they both share the ups and downs of their boarders, a varied and intriguing group, to say the least.
Into this lively setting comes Laura Williams, a lovely young actress glowing with talent and determination. A romantic triangle forms, Marion sells a play to a movie producer, and then tragedy strikes. But in the end all is set right, and everyone finds his or her “rainbow” and the “pot of gold” that awaits.
Directed by Barbara Elliot and featuring a truly international cast, A Handful of Rainbows promises to be touching, comic and entertaining.
A performance for the public will take place Saturday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Pierce Hall at Stanstead College. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
The Friday evening performance for the student body will be webcast. Click on this link at showtime, 7:30 p.m.
The cast includes the following:
Natasha Podd (Grade 10, Rousses Point, NY)
Emilie Gamache (Grade 10, Blainville, Que.)
Madina Martineau (Grade 9, Stanstead, Que.)
Jon Trembley (Grade 8, Derby, Vt)
Alex Clermont (Grade 8, Matane, Que.)
Mbali Gwamanda (Grade 10, Sandton, South Africa)
Elvis Doyari Yarisson (Grade 11, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire)
Chris Hodge (Grade 10, Grand Case, St-Martin)
Enrique Gonzalez (Grade 8, Mexico City, Mexico)
Amanda Eberhardt (Grade 8, Glover, Vt.)
Karla Barrutieta (Grade 9, Quajimalpa, Mexico)
