Too Good to Say Goodbye
by Jim Gustafson
Directed by: Melissa Mills
Performances: March 22, 23, 29, 30, 31(m), April 4, 5, 6
Redmon Hunter, a best-selling author of pulp fiction, has created an unusual world for himself. His talent lies in his ability to make his characters come to life for his readers; they’re so real, in fact, that they literally take up residence in his home while he’s working on a novel. Once the book is published, they pack up and leave him to “live in the minds” of the readers. Recently, writer’s block has set in, so all the characters from his works in progress have set up semi-permanent residence in literary limbo. Redmon’s chance meeting with Amanda Hawkins, a beautiful, young pop literature professor, sets the wheels in motion for a madcap comedy where wild imaginary characters clash with real world snobs.
Director
Melissa Mills has spent the last 8 years with ACT. Acting in several shows including Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Chemotherapy, Oliver, Crimes of the Heart and as Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire. She has assistant directed on shows such as Tom Sawyer the Musical, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm and Murder on the Nile. Her Directing includes Paradise Lost and Found, Peter Pan and Fox on the Fairway. When she isn’t busy with those things her passion is set dressing for numerous other shows. She lives here in Albany with her husband and three teenagers, who also love theater. Her other hobbies include reading, writing, baking and going to OSU games.
Director’s email: MissyMills@aol.com
Cast of Characters
Redmon Hunter: Jeff McMahon
Amanda Hawkins: Susan Hobbs
Dutch Van Dyke: Josh Mitchell
Pomeroy Smith: Tom Martin
Valerie Lesure/Chancelor Cedric Chandler: Sam Sapington
Sheriff Barlow: John Slater
Deputy James: Vincent Bottaro
Gino Rotelli: David Milner
Millie Monroe: Lucy Elgin
Alexander LaBrae: J.J. Halchishick
Prof. Edith Kittle: Colleen Franzoia
Howard Garrett: Scott Harvey
Percival Johnson: John Sams
Thaddius Stewart/Don: Adam Vester
Sylvia LeBrae: Mckenzie Lockhart
Portia Garrett: Cynthia Harvey
Eugenia Johnson: Dawn Draper
Cassandra Stewart: Angeliki de Morgan
Louise Chandler: Becky McMahon
Betty the Bartender: Michaela Bauer