Jerry Morse Talks About "Bitsy & Boots"

It's always a challenge to present a community theatre show for the first time, but that's just what the First Church Dinner Theatre is doing this week. Local theatre veteran, actor and director (and my pal) Jerry Morse is the show's director, so we got him to sit down at our imaginary microphone and tell us more about the show Bitsy & Boots.

Q: Tell us about the show and why First United Methodist decided to tackle it.

Jerry: First Church Dinner Theater (FCDT) at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) basically "commissioned" the show from Jonathan Joy. Having seen his work, we were well aware of his skills in the humor department. Our "genre" has typically been comedies or musicals, which we feel best suit a family theater environment. So... it was a natural to ask Jonathan if he's be willing to write something for us. He was kind enough to oblige, and Bitsy & Boots is the result. It's a delightful farce, fast-paced, and full of laughs. Tommy is bringing his girlfriend Kat home to meet the two maiden aunts who raised him, who are "eccentric" to say the least.

Q: Tell us about the actors who are in the show.

Jerry: The actors include Ashleigh Bills (FUMC member, a graduate of the Marshall Theater Program, and player with the Dinner Theater for several seasons), Bert Fulks (FUMC member, a graduate of the Marshall History department, and newcomer to FCDT), Mike Waggoner (FUMC member, and newcomer to FCDT), Loretta Hetzer (not an FUMC member, but a veteran and skilled local actress who has been with our Dinner Theater for several seasons), and Jane Morse (FUMC member, co-Founder of the Dinner Theater, and veteran local actress with the Dinner Theater and other local theater groups).

Q: People who attend will get more than just a show - tell us about the dinner.

Jerry: Since its beginning in 1991, our Dinner Theater has prided itself on the quality of the meal as well as the production. The entree is a choice of custom-cooked prime rib au jus, or glazed Cornish hen, accompanied by a salad, baked potato, green peas with onions, home made Dilly rolls, and assorted homemade desserts. All that, and the production, for a price of $22 for adults, $8 for children under 12.

Q: The voice of experience talking here - the meal is awesome! The idea behind the show is to raise money for the church - how will the money be used?

Jerry: All profit from the Dinner Theater goes to the worldwide Mission work of the United Methodist Church. By way of example, last year's proceeds were divided between Ebenezer Outreach Center in Huntington (financial help for a new playground), Heifer Project International (purchase of a major portion of a complete "ark" of animals), Christmas gifts for seven Salvation Army and Ebenezer Outreach needy children, and FUMC's own Youth Group.

Q: Why did you decide to direct this show?

Jerry: I offered that post to the author, Jonathan Joy. He allowed as how he was a bit too busy for that, so I've been entrusted with this "baby" of his.

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Jerry: I would only recommend this show to your readers if they want to fill up on excellent food, then work off many of the calories with lots of laughter. Jonathan has crafted a farce that's a masterpiece of the unexpected, and the cast has done it full justice! Anyone who hasn't yet seen Jonathan's work should start here and now. Anyone who has seen his work, knows that another opportunity should not be wasted!

Q: When are the shows and how can we get reservations?

Jerry: The shows are Thursday, Feb. 14; Saturday, Feb. 16; Friday, Feb. 22; Saturday, Feb. 23. The dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Advance reservations are required - call 304-522-0357 or 304-867-8576.

It's not often you get to see a great show, enjoy a terrific meal and help a good cause all at the same time. Highly recommended, theatre fans!