From January 20th – February 5th, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

For the first time in known CHT history, two fathers and their sons have roles in a mainstage play, Summertree, in production until February 5. Jeff and Anthony Daly play the lead roles of The Father and his son, the Young Man. George and Liam Kruhm portray a Soldier and a Little Boy.  The play, set during the Viet Nam War era, is told in flashbacks that address generational conflict, personal responsibility, and the very definition of manhood.

Jeff Daly, a software developer, has been active at Church Hill Theatre for many years, with roles in The Glass Menagerie, Guys and Dolls and (with his oldest son Timothy) Lost in Yonkers.  Anthony Daly, currently a student at Chesapeake College, has been a CHT backstage crew member and had a small part in last year’s Clybourne Park, and portrayed one of the soldiers in Biloxi Blues.  The Young Man comprises his first performance in a leading role.

In contrast, George and Liam Kruhm, who live in Sudlersville, both are making their CHT debuts. As the owner of George’s Garage, next door to the theater, George has been aware of our shows for years. But it was 9-year-old Liam, a fourth grader at Church Hill Elementary School, who learned of auditions from a teacher and immediately won a major role.  When the director still needed the small but critical role of Soldier, George added actor to his chauffeuring duties. He is “considering” future appearances but Liam, who likes to sing and practice foreign accents, eagerly awaits any chance to continue acting.

From the beginning of rehearsals, all four have been asked what it’s like to work together. For George and Liam, it has offered them quality time together and as working actors, a sense of equality. Because they play unrelated roles, they never reported any friction.  Similarly, Jeff and Anthony have enjoyed the quality time together, though their characters don’t always see eye to eye.  They have a very similar sense of humor, and both look forward to Anthony spreading his wings with mingled pride and trepidation.  Director Juanita Wieczoreck skillfully guided their final characterizations as loving men with very different values.

Summertree is in production at Church Hill Theatre until February 5, with performances at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm on Sundays.  Tickets may be purchased at the door, by calling the box office at 410 556-6003 or on the website: churchhilltheatre.org.

Press Contacts

Juanita Wieczoreck, Theatre Business Manager

Phone: (410) 556-6003

Email: [email protected]