The Trouble with Angels
Jane Trahey's "Life with Mother Superior"
Final update 2/2/2000
THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS, a wonderful film by Ida Lupino, became my
favorite movie in 1985, replacing ORDINARY PEOPLE (sorry, Ordinary Bob).
Usurped by LIVING IN OBLIVION 10 years later, it remains a story dear to
my heart. The fundamental point? Women can be just as close to God as
men.
The film is based on the book by Jane Trahey, ground-breaking New York
advertising executive and product of a parochial education. Anna Helen
Reuter co-wrote the stage play, repped by Dramatist Play Service.
"Mary," "Marvel Ann" and "Rachel" back when they were Carrie, Mary and
Laura (don't ask). The actresses are Ashley Munn, Jenny Thompson and
Annie Snider.
Marvel Ann (Jenny Thompson), Mary Clancy (Ashley Munn), Sheila Michaels
(Melissa Sutton), and Valerie (Sara Helgaas). Not pictured is Brandee
DeJong as Charlotte Davis. In the innovative Paulson Downstage Theatre at
Central Square, this staircase will be the chapel where Mary and Rachel
will dangle their legs while puffing away.
Sister Constance is a "flawless beauty. Carrie Stensrud is in training
for a marathon (down with leukemia!). I doubt she'll look this good after
she runs it. Joy Munn is our set designer.
"Sometimes the Trouble with Angels is..." they get a little squirrelly
during rehearsals! Actually, this was taken during Mask and Wig
practice, which is why Brandee Jo is missing once again.
"How are the mumps, Marvel Ann?" From the corner of the dorm room, Mary
hears something going on in the chapel.
"Angels we have heard on high..." The plan is for them to carry tea lights
in clear glasses...
Do not attempt to adjust your monitor. The Paulson Downstage Theatre can
be as dark as St. Francis is cold (hence the focus problem). In fact, it
can be a tad chilly, too!
Still, we hope to make this scene as touching as it is in the
movie...
There's still one more rehearsal before lines have to be memorized, but we
ran "Year One" through one and a half times on Sunday 10/31. Madam
Director was VERY pleased with Annie, Ashley and Brandee. And the nuns,
who (ahem) displayed PERFECT ATTENDANCE!
Brandee DeJong and Barb Jurek practice with the winner's medal. We're
using St. Benedict instead of St. Christopher. St. Benedict is the patron
saint for protection against poisons and demons. Seems appropriate for a
show about women's spiritual development. Kathy Robbins, mighty OVCA
warrior, distributes these medals to cancer patients to mentally fortify
themselves against the poisonous effects of chemotherapy and the demon
fear of recurrence.
"Hey! The Holy Cloister is off-limits!" The nuns break habit.
Publicity picture of the dorm room set built for us by the local Lions
club. Little lesson here... the REASON you're always supposed to build
set pieces INSIDE the theatre is, they might not fit through the
doors. Don't ask.
I'm Rebecca Webb and I can be reached via
e-mail at:
webbrl@morris.umn.edu