The Wolves (Limelight by SVCT)

Sept 8-17 (Gilroy)

As always, it’s hard to write up the shows we’re deeply involved with, and this one is certainly no exception. The Wolves was an ambitious experiment, a show very different than what we usually produce at Limelight, and while challenging along the way, I am delighted with the response it has received. There’s one more weekend of the show (it’s a limited, 2 week-run), so don’t miss your chance to come see it! (Tickets available here)

Director: Carol Harris
Assistant Director: Kat Ares
Assistant Director: Christy Wright

(Plus special thanks to Ryan Brown, Soccer Advisor, and Andrew Cummings, artistic/acting/everything advisor)

#11: Diya Dipak
#25: Annalisa Tkacheff
#13: Coco Crowley
#46: Emma Beck
#2: Chloe Oliphant
#7: Riley Brown
#14: Allie Purtell
#8: Gabriella Horta
#00: Clara Shem-Tov
Soccer Mom: Kat Ares

Newspaper articles:
Morgan Hill Life/Gilroy Life: Entertainment: Female soccer players face real life issues in Limelight's 'The Wolves' - Morgan Hill Life

Morgan Hill Times/Gilroy Dispatch: Young cast bonds in Limelight’s ‘The Wolves’

I’m so proud of the cast and how they came together as a team on and off the stage. For many of the actresses, it was their first chance at a big dramatic role, and a very different experience than being in the ensemble in a big musical. That, of course, is why Clara and I had been so excited to have this included in SVCT’s season and we knew that we’d find a troupe of actresses who would jump at a chance to be in a straight play vs. having to sing and dance. For Clara, it was a role that pushed her way out of her comfort zone (but she still worked on the lighting and did most of the stage management duties when not on stage).

While the characters are only known by their jersey numbers, as we get to know them over the 5 weeks of soccer warm-ups, each has clearly defined unique personalities that they bring in and we start to get to know each as individuals. I won’t spoil what happens in the end but know that when Kat comes in to do her scene as the soccer mom, there are very few dry eyes in the house.

Other challenges for the show include its adult themes and language, which scared off some potential auditioners and stretched some of the cast a bit. They also had to learn some soccer moves since the cast is constantly either stretching, running, or passing a ball around during the scenes, often even while delivering rapid-fire, overlapping dialogue.

Andrew Cummings designed another striking set — simple this time with an AstroTurf floor and swooping AstroTurf-panels (built by Peter) that give the illusion of the field continuing on and on. It was rather amazing to walk in and see the place transformed into a soccer stadium. Before we could strike it and replace it with turf, rehearsals were held on the raked stage from Becky’s New Car, adding additional challenges of stretching on the angles and keeping us from practicing much with the balls since they would all roll downstage.

Costumes consist of actual soccer uniforms, cleats, and warm-up jackets. People keep asking me why Clara (00) is wearing a different uniform than the rest of the team, and it’s because she’s playing the goalie.

One of the best testaments to how the show came out was when I saw a father and son who came to opening night go home and purchase tickets to come back again and see the show the following evening. One friend came home from the show and posted, “Just LOVED this coming of age story featuring high school aged girls - raw, real voices full of opinions, fear, vulnerability, shame, love, passion, rage, grief, and a whole lot of swearing. We don’t often see this portrayal of young women on stage- lots of laughing, tears, and for me… recognizing what caused me discomfort and challenging myself to ask why. Bravo to South Valley Civic Theatre and Bravo to this cast of The Wolves!  Playing at the Limelight in Gilroy this weekend and next!” Another posted, “It was amazing! Woke up this morning saying, ‘that was really good!’ Such relatable moments last night. Brought back memories about being a soccer player, the bond between girls, the emotional ups and downs along the way as one navigates thru the teenage years. Powerful concepts and messaging. Loved it! A must see!”

Following each show, we’ve been doing a talk-back with the cast and directors. It’s been really cool to hear the cast talk about the experience in their own words, how excited they are to be in a show that gives a voice to young women, and how much they see of themselves in — and bring their own experience to — the characters. Watching them over the past few weeks of rehearsals has been an amazing experience for me, they’ve all gained so much confidence and clearly made a solid group of new friends. Listening to them talk amongst themselves shows how spot-on a lot of the dialogue in the play was at capturing the language, speed, overlapping conversations, and wide-ranging topics of a team of teenagers!

There’s so much more I could write about this show, but I hope you’ll come see it for yourself! Tickets available for the 9/15 (8pm), 9/16 (8pm), and 9/17 (2pm) shows at ticketor.com/svct.

Scenes from The Wolves