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Written by N. Richard Nash in the early 1950’s, The
Rainmaker is set during the depression in a rural,
western American town in the midst of a drought. The
story centres on Lizzie Curry, a daughter, sister
and spinster who keeps house on the family ranch for
her father and two brothers thus rendering it
difficult for her to find a husband. As the farm
animals continue to wilt under the blazing summer
sun, the family appear more concerned at the lack of
Lizzie’s marriage prospects then the impending loss
of their livelihood. The arrival of Starbuck, a
charming con artist who promises to bring rain for a
small nominal fee, sparks a chain of events enabling
Lizzie to see herself in a new light. This
production was staged at The Belgrade Theatre in the
early 1970’s with Jeff in the role as the older
brother Noah Curry. He was joined in the cast by
Peter Gilmore in the title role better known for his
performances in a number of Carry On films and as
Captain James Onedin in The Onedin Line. |