The May River Theatre
Written by Michele Roldán-Shaw
Photography courtesy of The Dupuis’
here is nothing quite like the energy and thrill of a live performance. For as long as there have been firesides and two bones to clack together, there have been singing, dancing, tale-telling and reenactments of important happenings. But now that we live in a digitized world, many people limit themselves to watching television and listening to lifeless recordings. They are missing out on a time-honored part of the human experience: the drama of the arts come to life.
In Bluffton we are privileged to have an active and talented group of performers in our midst, under the title of the May River Theatre Company, Incorporated. Now in its eighth season, the May River Theatre specializes in bringing rollicking musicals to the stage and providing fun entertainment for the whole family.
“I think it’s important for any community of substance to have a theatre,” said Ed Dupuis, president of the May River Theatre Company, which is a 5013C not-for-profit organization. “The arts of all types are important to the thriving and growth of the community.”
An enthusiastic participant in the Theatre since its inaugural show, Bluffton resident Beth Woods appreciates having a dramatic outlet. “I enjoy the performance aspect, but I also enjoy doing it with people that I know and like to hang out with,” she said. “I’ve also met tons of people that I didn’t know.” Even when she’s not acting in the plays, Beth loves to take her two children to have an authentic theatre experience, which she says is different than just going to a movie. “The Ulmer Auditorium is such an intimate theatre, you really feel like a part of it,” she said. “There’s not a bad seat in the house. And the kids can relate because it’s people they know that are up there performing. For a community of our size we’re lucky to have that.”
Ed and his wife Jodie Dupuis founded the May River Theatre in 2001 after moving to the area and seeing that the historical and arts-oriented Bluffton lacked its own theatre. They were able to secure the Ulmer Auditorium—formerly the middle and high schools assembly hall—which they renovated extensively to the tune of about $150,000, two-thirds of which came from the Theatre’s own cash flow. The Town continues to use the facility for Council meetings and as a municipal gathering place.
Some of the well-known Broadway musicals the May River Theatre has performed include Cabaret, Jekyll & Hyde, Li’l Abner, Wizard of Oz and the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. They rely exclusively on local talent, primarily from Bluffton, Sun City, Hilton Head and Savannah. “You’d be surprised at how much talent there is here,” said Ed’s wife Jodie Dupuis, who has a long-time theatre background, including Broadway. “People say, ‘I did this in college and I thought maybe I’d try it again.’ And we have a lot of people who come in here and say, ‘This is what I’ve always wanted to do,’ so we give them a few lessons and let them get experience on stage.”
One such person is Adam Simoneaux. Having grown up in Bluffton, he can recall seeing only one play before the May River Theatre Company came along. “Thirty years ago, that just wasn’t an option,” said Adam. “So to have this in our own backyard is something we shouldn’t take for granted. There are a lot of people out there, and I’m one of them, who are not going to go to New York or Chicago to see a musical. The May River Theatre is our only point of reference for that, and it affords us the opportunity to see this with out having to travel or pay exorbitant fees.”
Adam has performed in four Theatre productions, beginning with a small role in the 2003 run of Li’l Abner. But it was his role last May as Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas that really put him under lights. “The May River Theatre gives folks a chance to let their star shine,” said Adam, who credits his involvement with making it possible for him to grow a mustache and get away with keeping it for three months. “I waited until I was in my 30’s before I got on stage, and I think everyone should have that experience.”
Adam’s involvement with the Theatre has also sparked interest in other multi-generational members of his family, including his grandparents who are in their 90’s. “I’d bet dollars to doughnuts my dad would have gone to his grave without seeing a musical if it weren’t for the May River Theatre,” said Adam. “I hope that this can go on forever, that I’m able to watch my kids and my friends’ kids up on that stage. To anyone who’s never been, you’re missing a unique experience. It’s a great time, so let’s keep it local.”
Unfortunately, the May River Theatre is currently in danger of falling victim to a bad economy. “We’ve always prided ourselves on operating in the black,” said Ed Dupuis, who conservatively estimates that around 300 people have performed in May River shows, which in turn have been attended by some 30,000 people. “But recently—and this is not anyone’s fault, it’s just a reflection of the times—our contributions have decreased by 50%, our advertising revenue by 50%, and our ticket sales by 60-70%. It’s a three-legged stool and all three legs broke at the same time, so we’re trying to recover from that.”
A strong advocate for supporting the Theatre is Jim Sauter, who has acted in several shows and served as the technical coordinator. “It’s a lot of work, especially if you are leaving a full-time job, then going and rehearsing for 2-3 hours, four nights a week,” said Jim. “But when the curtain goes up and you get that applause or you get those laughs from lines you’ve been rehearsing for the last two and a half months, you’re injected with this energy because all the work’s finally paying off.”
Jim’s fine art background began in grade school and continued all the way through college as he played the French horn for many years. But outside the academic world, opportunities for people to be involved with the arts are few and far between.
“The May River Theatre is a venue for people,” he said. “It would be a shame to have it go away, and I sincerely hope people will realize that and give their time, money or whatever. I know times are tough for everybody, but the theatre is almost a necessity. This isn’t something that we can let go by the wayside.”
What’s the best way to help? Direct contributions can be made with checks payable to the May River Theatre Company, and sent to P.O. Box 1674 Bluffton, SC 29910. And by all means, come see the show!
**Blithe Spirit opens November 6th. For more information visit www.mayrivertheatre.com
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