Having only five actors in “Waiting for the Parade” was not the
challenge it might seem, a cast member said Sunday.

“If anything it made things a lot easier because you get to really
know people and develop personal relationships on- and off-stage,”
South Lyon junior Emily Wilk said. “It helps build character in the
show.”

Having debuted in Moore Hall’s Bush Theatre on Wednesday, “Waiting
for the Parade” ended its run with a matinee show Sunday. Written by
John Murrell, the play was directed by Timothy Connors, speech
communication and dramatic arts professor.

Set in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 1939-45, “Waiting for the
Parade” showed the effects of World War II on five women who were each
closely related to man involved in the war. Some of the men were
serving in combat, some could only dream of serving, while others had
dodged the draft.

The play’s narrative frequently alternated between everyday events
and individual monologues. Characters were seen in groups folding
linens or singing before the action stopped to allow one to share her
thoughts and fears.

While touring CMU, Rockford High School junior Rachael Kowalczyk saw
the show was impressed.

“It was different than anything I’ve ever seen before,” Kowalczyk
said. “You really got to know the characters because they were on so
much.”

The women in “Waiting for the Parade” were assigned to give soldiers
encouragement as they left to serve in combat. Wilk played Janet, the
unpopular leader of the women, who at one point is called a “dried up,
self-important little bitch.”

Wilk said she actually came to like Janet despite the character’s
haughty attitude.

“You find moments within your character that help you understand
them,” Wilk said.

Having “Waiting for the Parade” come to an end was difficult, Wilk
said.

“It was a really good time,” Wilk said. “It was a great group of
girls and Dr. Connors is a wonderful director. It’s going to be hard
saying good-bye to this show.”

Connors said the play had a successful five-day run.

“The more often you do it the more comfortable you become,” Connors
said. “The better the timing gets and the more secure everything
becomes.”

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