Set sail with “Mr. Roberts” at the Renner

ZANESVILLE - There’s a personal attachment to the Zane Trace Players’ production of “Mr. Roberts” for director Rich Tolliver, who calls the classic military comedy more than a story.

“I grew up in a family of storytellers, hearing tales from my grandparents (I had three grandfathers in the Navy in World War II) my great-aunts and uncles, many who served or were married to those who served,” he said. “ (I heard) stories of the Depression and the war of the hardships, ration books and victory gardens...stories of infidelity, romance, friendships, loneliness and homecomings...stories of cowardice, bravery, self-indulgence and self-sacrifice.”

“Mr. Roberts” is a window into the everyday of a supply ship where the men are restless from the day-in and day-out with no relief in sight, courtesy of the uptight captain (Bruce Revennaugh) whose pride and joy is a palm tree – an award for running an efficient ship. Mr. Roberts (Albert Brown) finds himself in the middle. Like clockwork, he writes letters requesting a transfer – he wants more than to manage freight and cargo. He sees how the daily grind is wearing on the men.

Doc (Jeff Howard) is the kindly soul who wants the best for everyone. Ensign Pulver is a clever soul who has become quite skilled at avoiding work and the captain. It’s 14 months on board when the captain actually meets Pulver for the first time.

From hot headed Schwimmer (Christain Emory) to the haughty temper of Mannion (Bryan Hartley) to the time warn sea-dogs Chief Johnson (Steve Stewart), Dowdy (Scott Robison), Wiley (Billy Scott), Lindstrom (Max Winland), Stefanowski (Tom Devol) to those new to the Navy like Gerhart (Noah Scott), Schlemmer (Adam Baker) and Dolan (Nicholas Clawson), it’s a motley crew indeed.

Tolliver and Revennaugh worked on the creative set design. Devol painted details for the ships. Jeanine Busey handled costumes for the cast.

The auditorium showcases memorabilia from the World War II era such as uniforms, documents and other items. Tolliver liked the idea of bringing a historical atmosphere to the auditorium. It is a different opportunity to experience a story surrounded by history, he said.

Shelley Tolliver is the public relations representative of The Renner Theatre, home of the Zane Trace Players.

If you go....

What: “Mr. Roberts”

When: 8 p.m. May 6, 7, 13 and 14 and 2:30 p.m. May 8 and 14

Where: The Renner Theatre, 148 N. Seventh St.

Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $5 children 12 and under

FYI: For tickets or more information go to zanetraceplayers.org or call 740-453-8481.