OLT’s Act of the Imagination

by Kristopher Stewart for OLY ARTS

An Act of the Imagination combines the thrills and twists of Agatha Christie mysteries with the intimacy of small-scale theater. The play, opening Oct. 14 at Olympia Little Theatre (OLT), depicts the tumultuous experience of a well-to-do novelist who falls victim to a convoluted blackmail plot–or so it seems.

Its script was written by Bernard Slade, famous for his 1975 romantic comedy Same Time, Next Year. It opens as Arthur Putnam (John Pratt), a celebrated, London-based mystery writer, has just published his latest work of fiction, a vivid story in which the main character is involved in an adulterous affair. His wife, Julia (Rhoni Lozier), is unaware of any references to reality until a woman arrives claiming to be Arthur’s lover and inspiration for the novel.

The play, which takes place over several years, conveys the passage of time primarily with costume changes rather than stage swaps. “There are always times you have to think, ‘Is the audience going to get that?’” said Kathryn Beall, the show’s director, who has been with OLT since 1996. “We had to work on including distinct effects to make sure the viewer will understand.”

Note: OLT’s evening shows this year have moved from 7:55 p.m. to 7:25 p.m.

What: An Act of the Imagination

Where: Olympia Little Theatre,
1925 Miller Ave. NE, Olympia

When: 7:25 p.m. Oct. 14, 15, 20-22 and 27-29; 1:55 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30

How much: $9-$15

Buy tickets: 360-786-9484 | Olympia Little Theatre

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