BWW Reviews: Fair SABRINA FAIR at Wichita Community Theatre

Easter weekend marked the opening for Sabrina Fair by Samuel A. Taylor at Wichita Community Theatre. Director Kevin Sowers and Director Apprentice Patricia Middleton bring the familiar characters to life in the heart of College Hill.

Wichita Community Theatre is always such a fun theatrical experience. There is a energy and excitement surrounding every show. For those who follow my column, you know I am big fan of WCT, its mission and its values. Every vital artistic community requires a community theatre.

Careth Beard as the titular Sabrina was fair indeed. Delightful, charming and melodic. She has a beautiful, clear voice and command of language. She is the smart, classy dame every bachelor wants to marry. There were several sweet moments peppered thoughout the evening, including Sabrina, Maude (played by WCT regular Crystal Meek) and Larrabee (Gilbert Pearce). The pace of the production was snappy with smooth transitions.

The cast includes Diane Tinker Hurst as Julia, Jason LaCoss as Linus, Leslie Jacobson as Margaret, Clint McCorkle as David, Josie Dolenz as Gretchen, David Weills as Fairchild, DJ Canfield as Paul and Zoe Burke, Jarod Wise, Jessica Fischer and Chris Fischer as party guests.

There were a few disconnects through the evening. The costumes were inconsistent. Without a program clearly stating the year of 1953, I would not have known the time setting. Many of the costume pieces were obviously modern or ill-fitting. Also, there were several incongruous accents used. It felt as though every actor was from a different production. The blocking occasionally felt superfluous and forced.

Sabrina Fair will run until May 4th. Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances are at 8pm with Sunday performances at 7pm. Tickets are $14 for Adults and $12 for students, seniors and military. Wichita Community Theatre is located at 258 N Fountain. For tickets call 316.686.1282. For more information visit www.wichitact.org