South Side Residents Show Talent in Acacia's "An Inspector Calls"

Janet Peterson, Hales Corners actor and Artistic Director of Acacia Theatre Company, plays Sybil Birling in “An Inspector Calls,” J.B. Priestley’s masterpiece, which holds the same powerful relevance as when it premiered in 1945. Matt Norby, Stage Manager, coordinates this production, Jacob Petrowsky, Assistant Stage Manager, organizes the details, and Katlyn Rogers Kelly, Costume Designer, dresses the cast. All three are West Allis residents. On the eve of an engagement and potential merger, a wealthy industrial family is reveling in the success of the past and looking forward to a future of dazzling possibilities. But the unexpected arrival of a police inspector changes everything. A young woman has died, and the Inspector’s unsparing interrogation leads him to observe that “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body.” Glenna Gustin directs this production, filled with suspense in the style of Agatha Christie.

Peterson approaches Sybil’s character as a woman who might be perceived as unlikeable. According to Peterson, “In truth, I need to like her, appreciate her love of family and desire for things to be ‘just so.’ She wants to live without conflicts or problems. She strives to ensure that her family is happy and doing well, which is the most difficult to attain.”

As Artistic Director, Peterson built Acacia’s current season, One Body, on the themes of this show. She said, “The Inspector says at one point ‘We don’t live alone. We are members of one body.’ There are so many ways that we can live out this truth in our lives and admit to the consequences when we don’t. We need to embrace the ‘other’".

“This to me is why this play is so essential for this time and any time. How can we stop ‘othering’ people? Hopefully audience members will walk away asking themselves what they can do to live this more fully than they do? They may ask these questions: Am I living alone? Am I helping the ‘other’? How can I be a part of making ‘the body’ whole?” said Janet.

Matt Norby, Stage Manager, adds, “I love how as we delve more into the show, we see how it is our choice, to accept responsibility for each other or to believe that we have to look out for ourselves. I also love how the playwright makes it evident, that while we may see an action as trivial or inconsequential. To someone else, it could be the final push they need to succeed or fail.”

Director Glenna Gustin agrees. “I have always been drawn to what critics call ‘time plays.’ These are plays that invite us to step back and take a longer view of life’s road at who we know and meet on that road...What unforeseen circumstances can result from deciding that someone is not ‘like us’? If people are called to recognize their common humanity more clearly, how important is it that we start today? And finally, is taking a hard look at one’s personal responsibility for harm just too difficult to do? ‘An Inspector Calls’ will leave you wondering.”

The play will entertain and provoke conversation. Peterson said, “I think we have strong performances in a wonderful mystery. I believe people will be thoroughly entertained and yet also have things to ‘chew’ on when they leave.”

“An Inspector Calls” will be performed at the Norvell Commons at St. Christopher’s Church, 7845 North River Road, Milwaukee, Wis. 53217. As a content warning, the play includes mentions of suicide.

Performances
Fri., Mar. 13 at 7:30 PM; Sat., Mar. 14 at 7:30 PM; Sun., Mar.,15 at 3:00 PM; Fri., Mar., 20 at 7:30 PM; Sat., Mar., 21 at 4:00 PM; Sun., Mar., 22 at 3:00 PM; Thurs., Mar., 26 at 7:30 PM.; Fri., Mar., 27 at 7:30 PM; Sat., Mar. 28 at 4:00 PM; Sun., Mar. 29 at 3:00 PM.

Ticket Information
Single tickets for all productions are currently on sale: $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors, full- time students, and full-time clergy, and $10 for children 12 and under. More information is available by calling (414) 744-5995 or visiting www.acaciatheatre.com