A radio comedy:
"Lucky Jim's Radio Show"
Hillsboro Argus
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The "Lucky Jim's Fishing Show" ensemble includes, from left, Alex Rowe, assistant director and writer; Chuck Weed, narrator and voices; Art Quon as Dick Schwantz; Donald Cleland as Neato, Jim's sidekick; David Loftus as Lucky Jim; Margie Young as Jim's wife Connie; Lori Sarutzki as a massage therapist, crazy old lady, Starbucks barista, and many other characters; Wesley Hueston, composer, musician, writer, and artist; and Robert Dodge in several roles, including Uncle Bob of Uncle Bob's Cookies and Bill Hicken of Hicken's Chicken.
Not pictured are actors Colette Olsson, who plays Jennifer; Megan Bronlewee, who plays Trina; Meghan Daaboul; and Jason Weed as Sangy, the mysterious, singing sandwich man. Jeremy Coatney handles sound effects.
Photos by JoAnn Boatwright
courtesy of the Hillsboro Argus
Michael Rouches will cast his first line into Hillsboro's theatrical waters on Thursday night and he hopes to reel in a big one.
A City of Hillsboro police lieutenant by day, Rouches is an actor and wordsmith by night and, for "Lucky Jim's Fishing Show," he trolled his memories of growing up in northern Wisconsin where fishing shows -- on both radio and television -- are ratings winners.
"The characters are based on people from my childhood," Rouches explained before a recent rehearsal at the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, where the production will debut on Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m.
There's "Lucky" Jim Harbaugh, the W.O.R.M. radio station fishing expert, who isn't lucky at all. And there's Neato, Jim's sidekick. And Connie, Jim's wife. And a massage therapist and a crazy old lady. And, of course, the show's sponsors.
"Lucky Jim's Fishing Show" is, in fact, a radio show which will be performed live on stage and broadcast at the same time on St. Helens radio station KOHI Radio 1600.
For five bucks a head, audience members will see a bare-bones stage, set only with microphones and stools, and an ensemble of actors culled from area theater companies.
David Loftus, who plays Lucky Jim, recently beat out Rouches for the lead role as Elyot in Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre's recent production of Noel Coward's "Private Lives."
That was their first meeting, but not one to hold a grudge, Rouches asked Loftus to consider appearing in his "Lucky Jim's Fishing Show."
Loftus, in fact, often participates in the Portland-based Willamette Radio Workshop held at the Kennedy School and enjoys the fast-pace of the comedy inspired by real old-time radio programs.
"Situation comedies grew out of radio," said Rouches, 47, who strives to write in the spirit of the sitcom genre.
Rouches was a cop in Los Angeles when he started writing screenplays, none produced so far, and a child actor who staged productions in his family's Wisconsin garage. He and his wife, Christine, and their four kids moved to Hillsboro a few years ago, looking for a better place to raise the children. Hillsboro, he said, was their choice because of its growing cultural scene and the fact that now-retired Police Chief Ron Louie offered him a job.
Rouches began writing "Lucky Jim's Fishing Show" last January, working in a joke every 40 seconds or so, and aiming for a feeling that crosses "Frasier" with "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
By February, he was casting the play and rehearsals came soon after.
Rouches plans four Thursday evening performances of three or four stand-alone episodes each with shows May 7 and 21 and June 4 and 18.
He's formed his own company, Lithium Productions, and sits on the board of Bag&Baggage Productions, where artistic director Scott Palmer offers encouragement.
The Thursday evening gigs and the low, low ticket prices reflect Rouches' thinking that, "We're not ready for prime time and we are semi-professional -- not amateur."
Besides writing "Lucky Jim's Fishing Show," Rouches directs the production. "I have to be out there," he said. "Laughter just feels good."
The Walters Arts Center is at 527 E. Main Street, Hillsboro. All proceeds will go to the arts center. For information, call 503-615-3485.