Amber Voeller (in red) and the cast of "Chrysalis" take a bow.

The Emergence of a Star at Hollins Theatre

Gwyneth Strope

Most often, when we talk of stars in the theatre, we are referring to actors, and Hollins Theatre's Winter Festival of New Works has plenty of those. But stealing the two shows of this year's festival are Playwrights Gwyneth Strope and Rachel Graf Evans.

We talked about Ms. Evans last week in the review of "Randi & Roxanne" and this week, it's Roanoker and Hollins master's grad Ms. Strope's turn. She is the producing manager of the Hollins Theatre Institute. We will note in passing that Ms. Strope is the daughter of Michael Mansfield (who produces "Chrysalis") and actor Amanda Mansfield, often considered the first family of Roanoke live theater. Ms. Strope's writing and acting only enhance that designation. (She is also an accomplished visual artist.)

"Chrysalis" is a sophisticated journey into a young woman's memory, which she wants to understand. Mirage, played brilliantly by professional actor Amber Voeller, meets her past head-on with courage and determination and the result is a dark story well worth watching and one that foretells an accomplished future for Ms. Strope. 

This is a play that stretches everybody involved and Mr. Mansfield's direction is especially equal to the material. The acting is universally impressive, featuring Salem High senior Kathryn Gibson, Hollins Master's student Alex Voeller, Christian Watts, Kelly Anglim of Roanoke, 7th grader Megan Corbett and theater veteran David Colatosti. 

Hollins theatre major Kit Hathcock and Ohio University student Madeline Herbert take lighting to the level of a strong character.  

Last night's performance was an invitation-only (and flawless) final dress rehearsal. The play runs tonight through Jan. 28 at 7:30 in the evenings and 2 p.m. Sunday. Phone 540-362-6517 for tickets ($10).