Photo by Matt Keyser

Photo by Matt Keyser

A Lie of the Mind opens March 5
A cast of just eight actors will bring the intensity of Sam Shepard’s play to the North Lake Arena Theatre

By Vincent Cervantes, Staff Writer

The last two plays produced by North Lake Theatre, Bus Stop and The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild, are quite different from the dark piece the cast will perform in March.

A Lie of the Mind, written by Sam Shepard, is a serious and thought-provoking drama about spousal abuse and family secrets.

Lauren Payne will portray the character of Sally, sister of a raging wife beater. Payne, who played Bertha Gale in the popular Mildred Wild, is anxious to see the audiences’ reaction to this emotional play.

Brad Smeaton, who has never played such a serious role, is a bit nervous and anxious about becoming Jake, the envious, hateful, battering husband. He feels fortunate to have landed the lead role.

“I auditioned for every male role,” Smeaton said. “It was the luck of the draw.”

Jenny Tobin plays Jake’s longsuffering spouse, Beth.

Tobin’s decision to audition for all female roles was a bit surprising, considering that she was apprehensive about jumping into the drama. Now, she’s ecstatic about her role and “looking forward to seeing my family in the audience.”

She added that her relatives also are investing a lot of time in A Lie of the Mind.

“They are traveling from Missouri to see the play,” Tobin said. Eloy Corral, a familiar face to North Lake audiences, is playing Frankie, Jake’s brother.

Corral had no preference as to who he played in A Lie of the Mind when he auditioned for the show. When asked what he is looking forward to when the play begins, Corral agreed with Payne – the audience’s reaction.

Playing other characters are Shane Robert as Mike, Beth’s vengeful brother; Jasmine Sadry as Lorraine, Jake’s mother; Dustin Sautter as Baylor, Beth’s father, and Misty Franklin as Meg, Baylor’s wife.

Equally important to the play are the people behind the scenes. They include Michael McKee, who makes his directorial debut. Alice Butler serves as the acting coach. John Moseley is the set builder. Megan Duelm is stage manager. Crystal Holub is assistant director. Michael Whitfi eld is part of the running crew, and Phillip Gage is band leader.

A Lie of the Mind opens March 5 and runs through March 8. No decision has been made as to whether shows will resume March 18 and run through March 20.

All shows begin at 8 p.m. and are free, but because the performances are being held in the Arena Theater, reservations are required. Call the Visual and Performing Arts offi ce at 972-273-3498 to reserve your seat.