New FM Playhouse show a mix of heavy themes, comedy

Fort Mill Community Playhouse veteran Susan Capotosto said a show like the upcoming “October Daisies” will touch audiences in several different ways.

The play, which begins June 9, tells the story of five women brought together by a mutual friend’s funeral. The women are strangers at first, but after sharing stories, trying to figure out why their late friend brought them together and lending each other support during a difficult time, the women learn they have much in common.

The show is a tribute to breast cancer survivors.

Capotosto is 30-year veteran of community theater who has acted and directed dozens shows for area playhouses, including those in Fort Mill, Lancaster, Rock Hill and Charlotte.

“I like the message (of ‘October Daisies’),” Capotosto said. “I like the camaraderie, and I like women’s shows. They’re just a lot of fun. They’re usually written more for a woman’s heart.”

“October Daisies” deals with serious themes, but is driven by humor.

“I like shows that ring every bell you’ve got,” Capotosto said.

The five main characters are: Valentine Phillips, played by Sheri Marvin; Maggie Lynne Fields (Danielle Rhodes); Claire Masterson (Lauren Duckworth) and Diane Foster (Cathy Shaefer). Stacey Brogden plays Felicity Jackson Reynolds Threadgill Phillips Harrington Motley III. When Felicity is asked in the play how she remembers all her ex-husbands’ names, she quips, “Oh, that’s easy. Alimony, alimony, alimony, alimony.”

When another character responds, “That’s only four,” Felicity says, “One died. I call him Will.”

Brogden last worked with Capotosto on “Don’t Tell Mother” and auditioned for “October Daisies because Capotosto was directing.

“She has a very good reputation in theater,” Brogden said. In describing her character, Brogden said Felicity is very wealthy, and doesn’t realize how different she is from almost everyone else. She seems self-centered, but is bothered deep down by her four failed marriages.

“She uses drink and humor as coping mechanisms,” Brogden said.

“October Daisies” also features husband and wife, Roy and Wendy Weinberger. Roy, acting in his second FMCP production, plays Eddie Baker, an undertaker/preacher. Wendy, a 40-year veteran of community theater who is appearing in her fifth FMCP show since the couple moved to Fort Mill in 2013, plays Bernice.

“We both have funny character roles,” Roy said.

“Those seem to be our cup of tea,” Wendy said

This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 2:53 PM with the headline "New FM Playhouse show a mix of heavy themes, comedy."