Entering the 'Twilight Zone'

Auditions on horizon for Christmas parody production

By Leslie Wilber, Colorado Hometown Newspapers
September 22 , 2004

There's no doubt that in some groups Rod Serling has achieved the status of pop-culture icon. The creator and host of the Twilight Zone, the popular 1950's and 60's TV show, can be seen on a quilt at Niagara Falls High School, countless posters and knick-knacks, and some loyal fans are even lobbying to get his face on a stamp.

So, it's little wonder that actors from the Lafayette Community Players say their yearly "Twilight Zone" parody productions are their most popular programs of the year. And there might not be a better way for Serling fans to get to know his work a bit more intimately.

"It's almost like an English lit class," said Dan Orner, who will direct one of this year's episodes in the "Season's TZ Greetings" production. "We pay homage as much as we can to Rod Serling." "Season's TZ Greetings" will incorporate three episodes of the "Twilight Zone," two of which will have Christmas themes.

The show will open in December, and auditions are Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10. Aside from learning their parts and building sets, Orner said the cast and crew will learn a lot of "Twilight Zone" trivia.

"Rod Serling was really a very socially conscious writer," said Artistic Director Madge Montgomery, who will direct "Night of the Meek." Serling used science fiction and fantasy to push controversial topics beneath censors' radar, she added. "I enjoyed watching (the episodes) as a kid," she said. "But when I look at them as an adult I began to see how deep they were."

Besides being the most popular play of the year, the "Twilight Zone" is expected to the biggest for the local theater troupe. About 20 people round out the cast, Orner said, and because multiple sets are required, staging a show can involve a lot of technical work as well.

The Lafayette Community Players try to keep the play as true to the TV show as possible. That means black and white sets, costumes and props. It can be hard to find some of the things you need in the muted tones, Orner said.

This year, the only spot of color might be Santa's red suit in "Night of the Meek." The other holiday-theme show, "Five Characters In Search Of An Exit," features-as the name implies-five characters, who are trapped in a small metal room. The unusual crew eventually finds a temporary means of escape, at which point the Christmas twist is revealed. "It might be a little tricky to build a set for that on a small budget," Orner said of the episode. "That might be the trickiest one."

A third episode, "Number Twelve Looks Just Like You," directed by Orner, has no Christmas connection. "That one will just be a fun one to do," he said.

Serling's family receives no royalties from "Twilight Zone" productions, because the copyright is owned by CBS, Montgomery said. Last year, Lafayette Community Players donated about $500 to the Rod Serling Foundation, which is run by his family. This year, Montgomery said, the group plans to donate again, although they haven't worked out the logistics yet. "Last year we just set aside one show and made that the fundraiser," she said.

The Lafayette Community Players are auditioning 10 roles for women 16-70 years old and 10 roles for men 20-70 years old. Interested actors can sign up to audition at www.lcptheater.org or by calling 303.926.0472.