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On to the next ACT production Jeannine Grizzard [Photo by Jim Fritz] Thursday Mar 30, 2017 at 8:30 PM Mar 30, 2017 at 8:30 PM By Jeffrey Gillespie For the Tidings Jeannine Grizzard is helming the Ashland Contemporary Theatre as it moves into it 27th year. As her successful production of "Eleanor" by Rhoda Lerman ends its extended run, and before she launches her next show of the season, I managed to catch up with Grizzard to talk about the future of ACT. JG: You've had a lot of success with your most recent show at ACT, tell us about that. Jeannine G: After the election, I felt compelled to put on a play that would be inspiring about women in politics. I expected interest in "Eleanor," but none of us predicted the shows would always be full to capacity and that audiences would feel this moved. Most of our patrons remember Eleanor (Roosevelt), and I think people now are hungry to connect with someone admirable, particularly her story, that is about building your integrity and character without a good support system. Lots of us can relate to that. Eleanor’s long dark night of the soul was a transformation that ultimately benefited everyone through the culmination of her life’s work: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Jean Houston, whose extensive studies with Eleanor launched her own international relations work, said our production “captured her essence.” It was an honor to dig into Rhoda Lerman’s perceptive text. JG: Can you give us a little background history on how your theater company came to be? Jeannine G: In May ACT will begin its 27th year. We were founded by friends and relatives of (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) members for the purpose of giving the non-professional actors of Ashland the opportunity to stretch their skills with works of literary merit. Great writing is integral to the mission. In 2010, when I became artistic director, we added presenting new work by local writers to the mission when we rebranded the name from Ashland Community Theatre to Ashland Contemporary Theatre. Our slogan, “new work, great writing, fresh ideas” points to our emphasis on thought-provoking theater. Since our mission is to find great writing that will showcase local talent, much of our play selection is shaped by who is available and who is looking for an artistic stretch. Cynthia Tank, our Eleanor, was originally cast to play Patricia Highsmith with Reece Bredl as a dark Tom Ripley figure in a two-person thriller. The slogan we used when I first started was “your community at play!”  JG: How is your relationship with the community? Jeannine G: We have a small loyal band of business sponsors, about six, who have been with us for years. Of course, we would like more: hint, hint. But our patrons really pay the bills; the last three years, since “Freud’s Last Session” (about Freud and C.S. Lewis) the turnout has been very appreciative. And we are always grateful to Ashland Parks and Rec for supporting ACT on Winburn Way. Our email list is well over a thousand, and board president, Ruth Wire, and I know at least a hundred audience members by name. Where we need to grow is our volunteer lists: we always need help with loading in shows and running the box office. So that’s my shameless community appeal: bring us your muscle, your ushers, and your cookies! JG: Tell us about "Men of Tortuga," your upcoming show. Jeannine G: “Men of Tortuga” is a blast!! Literally. It’s about billionaire businessmen wanting to blow up a political leader. We’re never told any reason to think he “deserves” it or not (which is really beside the point); all we know is that the conspirators think the threat is great enough to resort to murder. As they spin through different permutations of the plan, things get complicated when their senior member changes the game. Jason Wells’ play is fast, piercingly well-written, and hilarious as it explodes the power dynamics behind routine corruption with a self-righteous flare. We’re excited to work with director Sam Osheroff, who brought us the play, and I’m thrilled with our cast of theatrical tigers: Don Matthews, David Dials, John Lambie, Joss Gross and Reece Bredl. Don’t miss it; it’s quite a ride! "Men of Tortuga" by Jason Wells will run April 15-23 at ACT. — Ashland resident Jeffrey Gillespie is a Daily Tidings columnist, arts reviewer and freelance writer. Email him at [email protected].