ACT’s Sabrina Fair a Collaborative Effort

Angelo Civic Theater (ACT) opened its production of  “Sabrina Fair” Friday, a play written by Samuel A. Taylor revolving around a young girl who returns from Paris flustered by love and riches, who upon arrival finds a rather unexpected love.

The play, directed by Gretchen Smith, left many San Angeloans in awe on opening night, who described the piece as heartwarming. Friday night patrons Ann and Jack Moore raved that it was a “very good story” and enjoyed how the “plot thickened”, but said they were even more impressed by the wonderful job the cast had done. 

The ACT performance illustrates once again that good stage productions are based upon the collaborative effort of director, actors and stage crew, visitor’s comments suggest.

Rehearsals began on Feb. 13, leaving Smith and her actors only five weeks to prepare. That, however, did not faze the cast, as they all worked well together and supported one another.

Lessie Pickard, who portrayed Julia Ward McKinlock, the friend of Maude Larrabee (Jan Mays), underscored that there is “great chemistry” between the actors and that she feels “very fortunate to work alongside such great people.”

The star of the show, Leanne Dixon in the role of Sabrina Fair, left for many a lovely impression. Although only a junior at San Angelo’s Central High School, she was able to portray her role very maturely. Dixon began acting at the San Angelo Broadway Academy when she was in the fifth grade and has continued acting in high school with plans to pursue theater in college. “Sabrina Fair” marks her debut at Angelo Civic Theater.

Lessie Pickard praised the young talent. “I am inspired by her focus and her youthfulness,” she said of Dixon.  Pickard conveyed that she feels deeply about fostering young acting talents and is very happy that acting is often part of the high school curriculum.

Dixon, on the other hand, said she is very grateful that Angelo Civic Theater gave her such a big role, and that she would like to take this opportunity to “reinvent herself and to become a star.”

But it is not only Leanne Dixon’s career plans that are fostered by the other ACT actors.  For young talents to succeed, they need the help of older role models.  Mario Garcia Jr., who played Paul D’Argenson, was able to motivate his father to take on the role Linus Larabee Sr. His mother also graciously agreed to design the costumes.  

With actors spanning a wide range of ages, Angelo Civic Theater’s rendition of “Sabrina Flair” worked realistic, while also drawing a diverse crowd from teenagers to senior citizens, for an all-around funny and family friendly experience.

“Sabrina Fair” will run again March 27-29 at 8 p.m., and have a Sunday matinee on March 30 at 2 p.m.

For more information about Angelo Civic Theater please visit, http://www.angelotheater.com/