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BY JAMES LUFT FOR THE GREATER NANTICOKE LEADER
Tuesday, February 08, 2000 Page: 4
Say hello to Paul and Kelly Clisham; two local Nanticoke residents who
dedicate the majority of their time doing something they love – theater.
In 1993 a friend had asked Paul Clisham of Nanticoke to audition for a
production of “Alice in Wonderland” to be performed at the Showcase Theater in
Exeter. Little did he know that when he accepted the suggestion he would be
meeting his future wife on the set. Over the course of the play Paul met Kelly
Weller of Shavertown who was asked to do some production work on the set of
the play. By the time “Alice in Wonderland” was over, Paul and Kelly were well
on their way to a shared future with each other.
Married on August 17, 1996, the Clishams eventually moved to Nanticoke and
settled into their new life together. At the center of this new life, they
still found the time to audition for and act in a great number of plays that
were performed in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Another dedication to theater was becoming members of the board for the
Bracken Theater Company. Not only require more involvement, but it was an
endeavor that needed a considerable amount of time and energy.
Since then, Paul and Kelly have participated in dozens of plays together
with the Bracken Theater Company as well as The Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre
and the Showcase Theater.
Beginning in January of the new year, production started on the play “Tony
and Tina’s Wedding” to be presented by the Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre.
“Tony and Tina’s Wedding” is an off-Broadway live-action wedding that
happens in the midst of the audience. Written by a group known as “Artificial
Intelligence” located in New York, the play still sells out daily in New York
and does really well for theater companies in the area. For the first time,
Paul will be directing not only the play but also his wife while acting at the
same time. While Paul is playing Sal the photographer, Kelly will be playing
Sister Albert Maria. Made up of 24 characters who are all larger than life,
the audience is in for an unsuspecting treat. Paul Clisham says, “the audience
shouldn’t expect the cast to break character. For all intents and purposes
it’s an actual wedding.”
One might think that directing and acting would be a lot to do at once but
according to Paul it does have its rewards, “it’s a great opportunity to let
me get into the play and watch the actors. In other plays the director does
his job throughout rehearsals but this play allows me to move about and
interact with actors and have more influence while the play is going on.”
Although “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” is currently on the slate for the
Clishams, there is much to look forward to in the months ahead. The Bracken
Theater Company will be performing an evening of one-act dinner plays at the
Alden Manor in Alden and will be looking for actors and directors for an
upcoming drama that is performed annually at the county courthouse.
If you’re interested in going to see “Tony and Tina’s Wedding”, tickets are
on sale now at the Little Theater in Wilkes-Barre for $32 dollars. Price of
ticket includes dinner and music which is all part of the wedding. To call for
information or to pay for tickets by phone call 823-1875.
“Tony and Tina’s Wedding” sold out for the February 13 show. A new show was
added for February 27 at 4 p.m. Location will be announced. Call the theater
for information. IF YOU GO Tony and Tina’s Wedding February 27 Location to be
announced $32 For tickets and information call 823-1875