The diversity of these projects attests to the pair's many talents.
"The Foreigner" is a play about a shy young man who learns all sorts of secrets when the people around him think that he can't speak English. It's "one of the funniest plays ever written," said Evans, who directed it at Hanover.
Frederick Marshall,Edyvean's administrative director and a former student of Evans, saw Hanover's production during an alumni weekend in 1990.
Marshall, who will star in the Edyvean production, recommended Evans as director, but he had a previous engagement. So Evans recommended Farrar, associate director on the Hanover production.
"It's so well-written and so funny," she said. "There are wonderful characters, and it's so honestly portrayed and so off-the-wall." she said.
Besides, her husband's previous engagement was to direct "Godspell" at Marian College. He'd been recommended by Hanover graduate Mark Hall, who teaches in Marian's art department.
Mainly Evans directs simple musicals--Oh, Coward; Gershwin in Revue;I Do! I Do!--because big ones take so much energy. "And if I'm going to work on something that puts that kind of demand on me, I'm going to put my energy into Shakespeare," he said.
Or into directing his wife in "W;t" which will have it's Indiana premiere at the Phoenix. Ticket demand has been so heavy that it will open a week earlier than announced.
It's the story of an elderly woman dying of cancer who comes to terms with her death through her exploration of John Donne's poetry. The play is the first stage work of the author, a kindergarten teacher now living in Atlanta.
"I've seen it. I've read it. It's a wonderful role and I think I'm right for it," said Farrar. "It's a challenge, but I'll be doing a very difficult role with somebody I really trust directing me."
"And for me," Evans said, "it's the opportunity to direct a very difficult play with an actress I trust implicitly."
"Godspell"
(in midi format) "click here"
