Two from Delphi involved in Lafayette production
By Jennifer Archibald Staff writer

Grand Effect Productions, a not-for-profit theatre group in Lafayette, will present the comedy, "Faith County," this weekend at the Wells Cultural Center.

The cast and crew of the show are from Lafayette, Delphi, Frankfort and surrounding areas.

Marcella VanSickle of Delphi is assistant director and stage manager for the production. Megan McAninch, a native of Delphi, plays the part of Naomi Farkle, a bride-to-be.

"Faith County is billed as a romantic white-trash comedy," said Paul Allen, executive artistic director of Grand Effect Productions. "The show is set at the Faith County Fairgrounds in Mineola - a place somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the South - a place where the beehive hairdo is still the rage and Saturday nights are reserved for the tractor pull. The show comes packed with one liners and situations that are sure to make everyone who attends have a good belly laugh."

The play will be presented at 8 p.m. April 27 and 28, and at 7 p.m. April 29. Wells Cultural Center is located at 638 North Street, Lafayette.

The play is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

"Our group is very different from other theatre groups in many ways," said Allen. "First, we have an open arms policy when it comes to casting shows. We will accept anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, etc. The ONLY requirement to be in our group is to have the drive and discipline to do good theatre. We accept newcomers and veterans of the stage. Grand Effect Productions does lesser known works in an effort to offer the public shows they have not seen. We also strive to offer quality performances at an affordable price."

Grand Effect Productions was founded by Allen in Indianapolis in 2001 and moved to Lafayette in 2006.

VanSickle said she was involved in theatre at Delphi Community Middle School and High School, and is enjoying being involved again through Grand Effect Productions.

"This is the fourth production I've been involved with," she said. "I had roles in the first three, and decided I wanted to try something different in the current production of Faith County."

"The thing that I like most about this production company is their philosophy on life," VanSickle said. "Although this is a business, it is also a venue for people to study theatre, characterizations, and meet others who have similar interests."

"I became involved with Grand Effect Productions two years ago when I was introduced to Paul Allen, the director of Grand Effect," said McAninch. "I was asked to be the lead role in the sister play, Dupont County. I had a blast playing the role and meeting nice people. I like Grand Effect Productions because they do not discriminate. No matter who you are or what you are doing in life, you could have the chance of being in a play."

More information about the production company and Faith County can be found at www.grandeffectproductions. com.

Auditions for the next Grand Effect production, "The Death and Life of Larry Benson," by Reginald Rose will be on Sunday, May 6, from 6-9 p.m. by appointment only.

Reginald Rose also wrote "Twelve Angry Men," originally presented on CBS TV's Studio One.

There are parts for three males and four females, ages 16-25, and two males and four females, ages 25 and up. To schedule an audition, call 765- 418-2041. Production dates are set for June 29-July 1.