Tanglewood Gears Up For New Production

SEBRING - Tanglewood actor Howard Johnson expects to hear booing when he steps on stage in the role of "Fleetwood Dashaway" in a local production of "He Done Her Wrong."

But don't expect Johnson to recoil in horror or become dismayed. He plays the villain as one of six actors in the Tanglewood Actors' Guild who will perform in the one act Anita Bell play on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 at the multi-purpose room at the 1,250-home development.

Hand-held signs will urge the audience to react and give Johnson - the mustached villain - feedback.

"I love being a bad guy," said Johnson. "I love the attention of being on stage. I will be very pleased to get the boos and hisses."

Director Ray Fulmer referred to the play as an "old comedy melodrama."

A villain chases the pure and innocent girl with a bold hero coming to her rescue, said Fulmer.

"It's corny and we use every possible cliche, including 'e-gad!'" said Fulmer.

On Tuesday, during a rehearsal, retired radio traffic reporter and Tanglewood actor Ron Tuttle delivered a line of dialogue likely to illicit both laughs and a few groans.

As part of his role, the actor said he worked the night shift in a dairy.

"It was my job to milk the cows without waking them," said Tuttle.

The production includes dinner and is the work of more than 75 residents at Tanglewood. This is the third year the guild will present two plays.

The actors received scripts during the spring and in late October started rehearsing three days a week, two hours per day.

Neil Simpson said that some were skeptical when the productions started, but 2,500 seats have been sold to date.

"We're fulfilling a need of the community and the actors are given the opportunity to learn acting skills," said Simpson, who is charged with promotion, "We're not just citizens counting the hours until our time is over.

"Learning lines is fantastic to fight off old age and it's forcing people to be physically and mentally creative."

Fulmer said the cast and crew take their jobs seriously.

"They're eager and willing to work hard to be better," said Fulmer.

Johnson talked about personal relationships.

"You form a bond with the other cast members and make really good friends," said Johnson. "We're thrown together. It's hard work and we have to work together."

Tickets are going fast, for information on the show and dinner for $10, call 382-3088.