Yes, the Show Goes On!

The Sumter Players season opener, “Love, Sex, and the I.R.S,” will finally take the stage at the Rylander Theatre October 2-5. The show’s director, Barry McConatha, reflects, “We originally intended to debut our show in May of 2024. Less than two weeks from opening night, our lead actor Nathan Jackson (Leslie Arthur in the show) suffered a horrific injury during rehearsal. He was immediately flown to Macon for emergency brain surgery, as well as a broken wrist repair. During his recovery, it was discovered that he had a rare form of cancer that had yet to exhibit any symptoms. The show would not and could not go on without our lead actor, and the cast and crew were adamant that a postponement was our only option.”

After being rescheduled for the 2025-26 season, the show had another curve ball to throw. Nathan’s close friend and roommate in the play, William Perry, was slated to make his stage debut as Jon Trachtman. After two months of rehearsal, and less than two weeks from opening night, William became very ill and was hospitalized with symptoms he has suffered with on and off for over a year. Slowly improving but not strong enough to continue in the role; William, Barry, and the show’s assistant director Laura McConatha, made the decision that William’s rest and full recovery was the most important thing to consider. Laura states, “Barry and I were heartbroken that William wouldn’t be able to perform, he is an incredibly gifted actor. He now has a recovery plan in place that will hopefully have him back healthier and stronger than ever. He has a great future ahead of him with Sumter Players productions.”

Actor Bo Forehand, last seen as Buddy the Elf in December’s “Elf: the Musical” had been cast as Jon last year, but could not commit to the role this year due to new work responsibilities. Already familiar with the show from his two months in rehearsals for it previously, he quickly agreed to step in and resume the role so that the show could go on. Laura adds, “Bo did not hesitate to assist his theatre family when it was needed. His agreeing to return to the stage so close to opening night allowed us to all breathe again knowing the show would go on. When we say that community theatre is family, it truly is. Seeing the effort that so many unpaid volunteers give to each one of our productions, shows that it most definitely is a labor of love for all.”

Our other very talented cast members for the show are Rebecca Ferguson as Kate Dennis, Matthew Cowan as Mr. Jansen, Josh Minich as Floyd Spinner, Madelyn Dunston as Vivian Trachtman, Natasha Ellis as Connie, and Jesse Griffin as Arnold Grunion.

Finally, over a year later, a healthy Nathan makes his leading man (and woman!) debut. So it’s only fitting that he gets the last word. “It means everything to me to be able to continue the work I've put into this show. I've been through the ringer and came back out fighting to put on one of the silliest shows this town has ever seen. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come, but thankfully I didn't have to fight it alone. Thank you to my friends and family from the original cast and crew and thank you to the new members that joined us when we started back up. This show wouldn't have been the same without me, but I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of you. ‘Love, Sex, and the IRS’ is a hilarious show about true friendship and what it means to be there for one another, and I can honestly say it's a lesson I've learned. Maybe perhaps if you come check it out, you might just learn it, too.”