Want to go?
WHAT: "Gramercy Ghost"
WHEN: 8 p.m. July 20-21, 2 p.m. July 22
WHERE: Port Clinton Playmakers, 604 W. Sixth St., Port Clinton
COST: $12/ticket
INFO: 419-734-5044 or e-mail reservations@pcplaymakers.org
What’s it like to inherit a ghost? Nancy Willard finds out it can be troublesome, funny and unusually interfering.
Her late landlady and Revolutionary War ghost soldier Nathaniel Coombes have been discussing Nancy ever since she moved to the neighborhood. Naturally, the ghost is enamored by Nancy and begins wreaking havoc by making unwanted appearances.
Of course, only Nancy can see Nathaniel, making it all the more frustrating.
"I try not to look at them," said Cassandra Warren, who plays Nancy. "I don't even pay attention to them."
Playmakers is reprising "Gramercy Ghost," an audience favorite from March. One of the reasons is due to an untimely and unfortunate event, as the last March production was cancelled due to the leading lady needing emergency surgery. But Warren is back and healthier than ever.
Warren has been in a few Playmakers productions before, but this was her first time playing the lead role.
She was on board right away for the reprisal, but not everyone could return.
“Joe Morsher [who originally played Nathaniel the ghost] went in to the service in early June,” Director Matt Parker said.
During talks about whether or not to bring "Gramercy Ghost" for another run, Parker wanted to make sure he could find someone good enough to replace such a major character before committing. Another character — Irv the ghost, originally played by Kyle Kunard — was also recast due to Kunard’s leaving the country for a time.
Luckily, they found the talent they were looking for.
“Lenny Kromer is such a talented guy,” Parker said. “I felt much better about the reprisal once he agreed to play Nathaniel.”
Parker had also hoped Rich Riedmeier would be at auditions for the March show, but other commitments prevented it at that time. Now, however, Riedmeier is able to be a part of the show, and gladly took Kunard’s role of Irv the ghost.
“Riedmeier is a good, funny guy,” Parker said. “[And] Kromer has brought a totally different dynamic, a different feel altogether, but it’s a good different. I've got a great cast."
