Tosa Talent Behind Scenes in Acacia Theatre's “The Potting Shed"

Wauwatosa residents Ashley DeVos and Abbey Pitchford bring their talents to Acacia Theatre’s production of “The Potting Shed,” a play by Graham Greene. DeVos is serving for the first time as set designer, and Pitchford will be serving backstage for one performance. The play centers on James Callifer, a man estranged from family, who approaches his father’s deathbed only to be denied access by his mother. Indeed, everyone seems to resent James, for an occurrence in the potting shed when he was 14, of which he has no memory. James’ yearning for “a small drop of faith” will lead him on an investigation for answers, culminating in a thrilling discovery. Greene, known for his novels, wrote eight plays, and now Milwaukee audiences have the opportunity to see this brought to the stage. Directed by Therese Goode, the play unfolds a mystery kept hidden for years.

Goode strives to bring new energy and fresh approaches to classic and contemporary productions. Also, she has an affinity for playwright Graham Greene. “I’ve loved Greene for years but had never read this play. Though he’s best known for his novels, Greene also wrote plays and screenplays, and many of his novels have been adapted as films. Greene’s storytelling translates very well to performance. His characters are exceptionally vivid and compelling, so having the opportunity to bring them to life on stage is very exciting.”

‘“The Potting Shed’ is a thriller about the human soul,” says Goode. “The play explores our deepest questions about faith and doubt, despair and hope, relationship and alienation -- all within the context of an exciting mystery story full of suspense, secrets, and twists.”

Goode, who feels that the characters connect to contemporary audiences says, “Every person’s life is a drama of discovery. It’s easy to forget this as we go about our day-to-day routines, but we are all on a quest to understand ourselves and our place in the world. This story reminds us of the significance of each of our choices, and how important it is to never stop searching for the truth.”

Goode sees herself as part of an exciting theater community. “It’s such an inspiring time for independent theatre in Milwaukee, for both creators and audience. I’ve worked with a variety of small companies in town,doing work that ranges from devised movement theatre to new interpretations of the classics. There’s so much energy, imagination, and collaboration happening, and our cast and creative team for ‘The Potting Shed’ is representative of that. The performing arts are one of the most important ways we can break down the barriers that exist in our community and work together to create something beautiful and life-giving. That’s Acacia’s goal and my own personal goal as well.”

The performances will be given in Concordia University Wisconsin’s Todd Wehr Auditorium, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive in Mequon, Wis.

Performances

Fri., Mar.1 at 7:30 P.M., Sat., Mar. 2 at 7:30 P.M; Sun., Mar. 3 at 3:00 PM; Thurs., Mar. 7 at 7:30 PM; Fri., Mar. 8 at 7:30 PM; Sat., Mar. 9 at 4:00 PM; Sun., Mar. 10 at 3:00.

Single Ticket Information

Single tickets for all productions are on sale now. The single ticket prices for the season are $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

About Acacia Theatre Company

Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God. More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com.