GREENFIELD — It’s official. Arena Civic Theatre has returned to the Roundhouse at the Franklin County Fairgrounds for the first time since 1986.
Ann Christern of Greenfield founded Arena Civic Theatre in 1970, and the community theater group performed in the Roundhouse every summer until 1986, when it couldn’t afford to stay.
However, beginning in September of 2018, construction began on two risers that can seat 75 people, and shelving was removed so the theater shows could return.
The play, “Modigliani,” will be performed Aug. 3, 9 and 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for general admission and $15 for seniors. Tickets are available online, at the door or by calling 413-233-4368.
Written by Dennis McIntyre, “Modigliani” is set in 1916 and follows the story of Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani, who worked primarily in France. According to a description of the play on Arena Civic Theatre’s website, the artist’s life becomes trying when he’s unable to sell his paintings and unable to work.
Conway resident Jennifer Coliskey, vice president of the board of directors for the theater group, said the shows will be dependent on the weather because the Roundhouse doesn’t have air conditioning. The Roundhouse is just that — a circular wooden building that allows the play to have five sets on stage at once, and with the seated audience at the perimeter.
Coliskey, who performed in previous shows in the Roundhouse before Arena Civic Theatre’s hiatus, said she’s delighted to be back in the building.
“It’s like coming home,” Coliskey said. “It’s a familiar space. There are many memories here.”
One particularly memorable incident was caused by a leak in the roof.
“There was an actor in the middle of the stage, who was a bartender,” Coliskey said. “He just grabbed a mop and started to clean up a puddle of water that was forming on stage. It looked like it was part of the show.”
She added that spontaneity is another part of Arena Civic Theatre’s performances.
“There was another show where someone’s dog just walked on stage,” Coliskey said. “You never know what’s going to happen in the play, but those are things that you remember.”
Aside from Coliskey, the community theater’s production of “Modigliani” involves members who have been part of the group for years in a new setting, as well as new faces.
Costumer Maggie Duprey of Greenfield, who has been with Arena Civic Theatre for over seven years — during which time she has made costumes for “Beauty and the Beast,” “Annie” and other shows — expressed her excitement for the Roundhouse performances.
“It’s been amazing to be in this space,” Duprey said. “The sound and ambiance here is great. People come here to see crafts or pumpkins or vegetables; it’s nice for them to come here and see it used as a different art form.”
Ana Steiner of Greenfield, who is in charge of lighting and design, said this is her first time in the Roundhouse for a show.
“Aesthetically, I like the way it is,” Steiner said. “I’d like the ability to play with the lights and try to see if we could get the grid of lights that used to hang in here.”
“I love the way we have to fill the space,” agreed Greenfield resident John Atkinson, who plays the lead role in “Modigliani.” “I don’t like using microphones, and in here we use our voices to project. As we tell the story, the audience is involved with us.”
Bernardston resident and antagonist in the play, Marvin Shedd, has been acting since 1998, and has also never performed in the Roundhouse.
“There’s a special feeling,” Shedd said, “that we’re carrying on the legacy of people who performed here before.”
Reach Melina Bourdeau at mbourdeau@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263.