“There is only one Marlon Brando and that is Tab Hunter.” Director Robinne Booth agrees that in addition to great lines, Bells Are Ringing is a show full of “great music, great characters, and lots of surprises!” Anyone who sees the show will agree.
Bells Are Ringing is a high-energy show about Ella Peterson, a lovable hometown girl who gets herself into a pickle by meddling with the lives of her customers on Susanswerphone, a call-in answering service. Interspersed into the plot is an undercover bet booking operation, a suspicious detective, a musical dentist, lots of giggly girls, and, of course, love. Eric Johnson, who plays the seedy Sandor, sums it up by saying, “Really, the story is of Ella discovering herself and playing roles that are really her, but she doesn’t realize that until Jeff helps her.” The chemistry between Ella and Jeff is real, the songs are toe-tappin’, and the cast does a phenomenal job from start to finish.
The cast has really enjoyed their time together. As director Robinne Booth, who also plays Sue in the show, says, “The best part of theater is the new people you meet and the new friends you make!” The cast had to overcome obstacles like technical issues and learning to handle rapid scene changes throughout the rehearsal process, but they have come out on top. Robinne also notes that the magic of a show comes from “a lot of talented people coming together with one goal in mind and that is to perform.” It is clear that the helpful, supportive cast cares for each other. Cast members noted that David Smith, who plays Jeff Moss, has directed the musical efforts of many of his fellow cast members elsewhere, and much of this mutual affinity comes from cast members having done multiple shows together. Michelle Rotar, who plays Ella’s best friend Gwynne, agrees that the best part of the show is the people. She’s been directed by Robinne Booth before and says, “Robinne is such an amazing director. I would do any show she directed.”
Bells Are Ringing runs June 4 through 26 (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) below the Springville Library. Tickets (purchased at the door) are $8 for general admission, $7 for seniors. Discount tickets can be found on our web site, springvilleplayhouse.org.