Local actors offer several comic takes on love

Sisters Community Theatre is preparing for “He Said, She Said,” an evening of one-act plays that explore human relationships from a comic perspective.

“Amicable Parting,” written by George S. Kaufman and directed by Diana Kelleher, presents a wry look at the different ways a man and woman perceive the events of their life together as they split up their possessions in preparation for divorce. The two roles are played by Michael and Leslie Valoppi.

“Sure Thing,” by David Ives, presents a variety of ways that a chance meeting of two single people could progress — a rainy night in New York City, a crowded café with one unoccupied chair and the author’s imagined possibility of second (and third and fourth…) chances to make first impressions. Featured actors are Laura Lee Callan and John Barry, with Diana Kelleher directing.

In David Orloff’s “The Whole Shebang,” a dean and two professors oversee the final thesis examination of a student seeking an advanced degree at an unusual university. The cast includes Lois Worcester, John Barry, Hannah Lewis, Drew Fegette and Lisa Fetrow. Jim Hammond directs and plays one of the characters.

Kelleher started acting in elementary school, continued through high school and kept in practice through her 20s in the Portland area. She directed the Mad Hatter Sisters children’s theater for five years, then turned her attention to adult theater. This is her fourth year directing Sisters Community Theatre.

Hammond moved to Sisters and joined the theatrical group last August. He lends another level of expertise to the local group, having been deeply involved in community theater in Boston, both at the acting and production levels. Since then he has worked off and on in church productions. Then, when he retired, he decided he would like to get involved again.

Observing the local talent, Hammond said, “There are some very, very devoted individuals. In this production we have folks that range from no experience or who performed in high school, maybe 30 to 40 years ago to those who have performed regularly.”

One of those high school performers (a few years ago) was Lois Worcester who, because she believes in community theater, tried out for the production, fit the role of the dean in “The Whole Shebang,” and now says, “It is fun. I admire what they are doing.”

According to Hammond, “The largest variability among people, besidesexperience, is their level of commitment and reliability — to be able to count on them being there. We’ve had some scheduling problems because of vacations and other ‘intrusions.’ But one of the actors reminded us of a line from ‘Shakespeare in Love,’ where one of the actors says, ‘How is this ever going to come together?’ The reply: ‘It’s a mystery!’”

Performances will be in the Community Hall of Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. On April 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $9.