"The Rainmaker" at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre -- June 4 through 14
Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 14
Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 Robinson Drive, Geneseo IL
Hailed by the New York Daily Mirror as “a hit you must see” and by the Los Angeles Times as “a handsomely staged case for miracles,” playwright N. Richard Nash's 1953 classic The Rainmaker enjoys a June 4 through 14 run at Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, this optimistic charmer famed for its beloved 1956 movie adaptation starring Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn.
At a time of paralyzing drought in a small Texas town, Lizzie Curry’s father and two brothers worry as much about her potential future as an old maid as they do about their dying cattle. As the dry heat rages, they try unsuccessfully to find her a husband. Suddenly, a handsome, sweet-talking man named Bill Starbuck appears in town. Claiming to be a “rainmaker,” Starbuck promises – for $100 – to bring rain to the desiccated town. Though some remain skeptical, the Currys finally consent, banging on big brass drums to rattle the sky. Meanwhile, Starbuck turns his magic on Lizzie, convincing her that she possesses a beauty of her own. Despite herself, Lizzie believes it, just as her father believes that The Rainmaker's mysterious stranger might actually bring rain.
Directing Richmond Hill's latest is Barn Theatre veteran Joe DePauw, whose previous productions for the venue have included The Money in Uncle George's Suitcase, Penny for Your Thoughts, and last November's A Sherlock Carol. Heroine Lizzie Curry is portrayed by Sally Hamer, with Jacob Lund portraying the mysterious Bill Starbuck, and The Rainmaker ensemble is completed by Alec Claus, Gregory O'Neill, Perin Royalty, Ethan Sundeen, and Gary Talsky. Sarah Carrington, meanwhile, serves as DePauw's stage manager, with additional members of the creative team including sound/light designer and operator Jennifer Kingry and set builders Jim and Mike Skiles.
The Rainmaker runs at Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre June 4 through 14, with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Admission is $12, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)944-2244 and visiting RHPlayers.com.
