BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Community Theater is going back to World War II for its latest production to tell a story about family and courage.
The Cover of Life is a play by R.T. Robinson set in 1943. It tells the story of three wartime brides who moved in with their mother-in-law while their husbands served. Then one day, a photographer from Life magazine comes to take their photo and tell their story.
Director Evelyn Halvorson told Area Voices on the KAXE Morning Show that she’s known about the show for 20 years. It finally felt like the right time to tackle it.
Halvorson said, “In light of the fact that the United States is 250 years old this year, I was like, it would be kind of fun to do — obviously not a political piece — but a wartime piece and take a look at the history of our country.”
What also drew her to the show are the three main characters Toods, Weetsie and Sybill. She believes there’s a little bit of everyone in these characters.
Assistant Director LaDon Howes added, “I know with the main character Toods, I see myself in her in so many different ways. Her insecurities, how she just feels like she's not really important, but yet she is so important and a major part of the show.”
Howes wasn’t familiar with the show when he volunteered to help Halvorson out. It was quite the moment when he read the script.
“When I got done with it, I didn't know whether to laugh, to cry, or throw the script across the room. There were so many different emotions. And I went, ‘OK, yes, this is going to be an interesting story to tell, and I want to be a part of it,’” Howes said.
Halvorson said this show is a mix of emotions. It is humorous, but it can be serious at times. She says it’s a lot like life — it’s not drama all the time. There are funny moments in life, too.
Playwright R.T. Robinson wanted the set for this show to be conceptual. It’s sparse on stage, but it’s an opportunity for audiences to really focus on what the actors are doing and saying.
“The actors are really bringing you the story. The set isn't bringing you the story,” Halvorson said.
The Cover of Life performances are Aug. 7-9 and Aug. 14-16. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, Ken K. Thompson Jewelry, McKenzie Place and at the Bemidji Community Theater website.
Audiences are also invited to come early to see a WWII mini-museum at the theater made by one of the actors. It features uniforms from different branches of the military, plus toys, clothing and kitchen items from that era, as well as a large collection of Life magazines.
The show is recommended for ages 14 and older due to themes of war, grief and self-harm.
Listen to the full conversation with Halvorson and Howes by clicking above.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
