Tehachapi News

‘Camille,’ heart-breaking sacrifice

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Tehachapi Community Theatre's lush production of Camille, a passionate love story, will conclude during the coming weekend, March 5 and 6. Final performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., and a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m.

"Despite the luxurious surroundings, the story is really one of rebellion," noted director, David Reed. "Young lovers Camille and Armond rebel to be together, but are relentlessly crushed by his family and by society. Ultimately, it is the commoner Camille who, to protect Armond, sacrifices herself. They are reunited briefly as she dies a horrific death."

"It is rare to see audiences so moved each night. You can hear the sniffles as the lights fade on the final scene. It's a very rewarding ending to a year of work on adapting the novel, and directing the show," concluded Reed.

The production features the most extensive costume collection ever presented on a Tehachapi stage, according to designer David Siler, all set within the confines of Jason Johnston and Mari Reid's elegant drawing rooms. The gowns were produced by Kathryn Burgess, well-known local quilter and theatre school graduate. Much of the men's formal wear was arranged through Tehachapi Florist's Tuxedo Tails and Top Hats franchise.

The french-style furniture is largely from the director's collection, refurbished especially for the production, and dressed with table settings of silver and fine porcelain from Judy McMillen, Susan Kneale and cast member Tina Forde. Spectacular jewelry abounds from the collections of Susan Kneale, Monica Nadon, and others.

Tickets are available online at www.tctonstage.com, and at Apple Shed Restaurant, Johnny's Take 'n Bake, and at Old Towne Nursery. All performances are at the BeeKay Theatre, 110 S. Green St.

Featured are Syndey Carroll, Thaer Irvin, David Siler, Kenneth Chugg, Monica Nadon, Tina Forde, Sarah McMillin, Walter Buck and Karl Schuck.

—Karl Schuck