Photo by M. Lavigne Photography

May 6 – 22 Back Alley Productions is pleased to present the New England premier of Decision Height by Meredith Dayna Levy at the Players’ Ring Theatre, 105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH. Show times are 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 3 pm matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $15 with discounts for students, seniors and Players’ Ring members. To make your reservations please call 603-436-8123 or purchase your tickets here.

From the winner of the 2013 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, comes a story about friendship and the complex, though essential, role of women in wartime. Virginia Hascall has left her home and fiancee to become a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP). As the war rages on, it is through triumph and tragedy the she and her sisters in flight suits learn the strength of sisterhood and awaken to a deeper sense of purpose as they discover exactly why it is that they fly. Decision Height offers a look into an under recognized subset of American Heroines. Directed by Joi Smith and featuring a cast of nine vibrant female characters to include seacoast favorites Danica Carlson, Kolby Hume, Molly Dowd Sullivan, Sarah Shanahan, Meghan Morash, Grady Savage, Michelle Blouin Wright, Erica Skoglund and introducing Olivia Tobin.

Photo by M. Lavigne Photography

Michelle Blouin Wright as Ziggie Lewis

Q – Before you started working on this production, what was your perspective on the role of women during WWII?

I believe that women during that time played a significant role in equality in our society today. They bridged the gap in the work force, served in uniform as well as keeping matters at home going smoothly while men were called to duty. I think they paved the road to where we are today.

Q – What kind of job do you think you would have had during WWII?

Without a doubt I would have run the kitchen! My focus would have been creating a comforting environment and serving some comfort food around the clock for everyone.

Q – What or who do you draw on for inspiration for your role?

I actually draw from my own life experiences. Having spent several years in the military, those moments of camaraderie, structure and passion for why we are there resurfaced quickly.

Q – What woman in your life influences you the most and why?

My mom has been one of my biggest influences. She always encouraged me to work hard, follow my dreams and stand up for what I believe in. Even though she is no longer with us, I embrace her words of wisdom every day.

Q – What do you hope our audience gains from seeing Decision Height?

I hope the audience will have full hearts watching what these amazing women went through and their journey during that time.

Decision Height will be at the Players’ Ring  May 6 – 22, get your tickets now!

Sarah Shanahan as Mrs. Deaton

Q – Before you started working on this production, what was your perspective on the role of women during WWII?

The last show I did at the Players’ Ring was an original piece about WWII by Michael Letch and Jenn Vento, based on interviews with people who had been here on the Seacoast during the war. I was fortunate enough to be able to meet and talk with some of the women portrayed in the play. They were plucky and adventurous and deeply committed to both their country’s noble fight and the loved ones they were separated from because of it. In interview them, it really felt like every citizen, male or female was involved in the war effort.

Q – What kind of job do you think you would have had during WWII?

Realistically, I probably would have worked at the Shipyard, but I would have loved to be in the USO.

Q – What or who do you draw on for inspiration for your role?

I actually see Mrs. Deacon as being very much like my Great Aunt, a woman with a tough exterior, but also someone who was quietly rebellious, incredibly resilient and with a wonderful sense of humor.

Q – What woman in your life influences you the most and why?

I am most influenced by my daughter and my mother. I think that we’re all aware of how our Mothers shape who we are, but I think that raising a daughter has made me even more conscious of it, and of how we are all still growing and changing.

Q – What do you hope our audience gains from seeing Decision Height?

I hope that they recognize themselves or someone they know in these strong women, and that they carry their stories with them when they leave.

Decision Height will be at the Players’ Ring  May 6 – 22, get your tickets now!

Photo by M. Lavigne Photography

Danica Carlson as Virginia Hascall

Q – Before you started working on this production, what was your perspective on the role of women during WWII?

I’m not so secretly a huge amateur historian, (I love history!) so I had done a lot of research about this time period previously. I knew women were a huge part of the war effort. They had to be, and many desperately wanted to be. However, when Joi and I found this script, I was baffled by the fact that it was based on true events. I had no idea there were women pilots. This incredible part of our history unfortunately isn’t taught or spoken of much.

Q – What kind of job do you think you would have had during WWII?

Honestly, I have no idea. My entire family, excluding me, seems to be in medicine of some kind, so I’m guessing I would have been a nurse. I would have loved that. My grandfather was a WWII medic, and won a Purple Heart for it. But I also would have loved being a USO performer for the troops overseas. I think that would have been amazing too!

Q – What or who do you draw on for inspiration for your role?

For my role as Virginia, I draw on the other woman in the cast. I’m not the kind of actor who comes up with back story, or “why” if it’s not already provided in the text. (Most actors would find this strange.) Fortunately, for me, all of that is coming from reacting to the other actors on stage. I’m trying to make my acting choices based on the dynamics within this ensemble of women. Hierarchy, class, age, experiences. It’s all already there. I’m using that as my inspiration.

Q – What woman in your life influences you the most and why?

I have been incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by strong, independent, loving and inspiring women my entire life. From the women in my family, to the women at work. To limit it to just one, is impossible.

Q – What do you hope our audience gains from seeing Decision Height?

An experience. A new outlook. Whatever that may be to them. I hope they let themselves feel it.

Decision Height will be at the Players’ Ring  May 6 – 22, get your tickets now!

Olivia Tobin as Rosalie Hartson

Q – Before you started working on this production, what was your perspective on the role of women during WWII?

My understanding of women’s roles during WWII was the contributions they made economically and socially by occupying the roles of men sent overseas. Most information was focused around the impact their role in manufacturing jobs and managing households. These experiences transformed opportunities for women and had far reaching effects into the future.  I was somewhat unaware of the extent their essential roles in the military and air force played, as their efforts within the war were and still are generally undervalued.

Q – What kind of job do you think you would have had during WWII?

I think I probably would have been a farmer because dungarees are fabulous. No but really, American agriculture had a massive impact on the war and it’s often overlooked.  Although food was scarce during wartime, without the work of women on farms the extent of dietary changes, rations, and shortages for Americans and their allies would have been unimaginable.

Q – What or who do you draw on for inspiration for your role?

Rosalie is a very determined and enthusiastic woman but she has difficult trusting her instincts. What inspires me most for the role of Rosalie is finding insight in moments of my own self-doubt and using those experiences in developing a character I think many can relate to.

Q – What woman in your life influences you the most and why?

My mum is most definitely my biggest influence.  She is determined, hilarious, intelligent, wise, and an all around bad-ass lady.  While bringing up myself and three siblings she worked night shifts in hospitals, studied to be a midwife, was devoted to helping others in social work, and received her PhD in women’s studies. She has taught me to be a woman of strength and assurance while experiencing life with an open heart. I can only hope to be like her one day.

Q – What do you hope our audience gains from seeing Decision Height?

An insight and appreciation to what it was like for these intelligent and brave young women during a time in which they were undervalued for their efforts and their involvement in shaping the course for future generations of women.

Decision Height will be at the Players’ Ring  May 6 – 22, get your tickets now!