THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 1996 TAG: 9605220187
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: AHOSKIE LENGTH: 63 lines
By day, Ernie Carter is an attorney; by night, he is an emperor.
Most of his clients are over 21 - most of the cast he works with in ``The Emperor's New Clothes'' are under that age, a couple in the 6-year-old bracket.
Eighteen children and four adults star in ``The Emperor's New Clothes'' May 30 to June 2 at the Gallery Theatre.
The Gallery is a second home to Carter, who divides his time between acting, directing and meeting with other members of the board of directors.
He has been instrumental in creating community awareness of the theater.
``I think it's great that we have such interest,'' he said. ``Almost every play these last few seasons - has brought new faces to the Gallery.''
Many are featured in the current production, a play usually reserved for young audiences.
``Our version is for young and old,'' said director Barbara Best Toti. ``Adults will enjoy the humorous adaptation of the traditional story.''
It almost sounds like a Movie of the Week story.
``The Emperor's New Clothes'' is the tale of a town where almost everyone is forced to wear rags. That state of affairs is verified by names such as Patches and Lt. Raggs.
The only citizens who are really well off are castle residents Emperor Velvet, justifiably described by Carter as ``mean and selfish,'' and his wife, Empress Velveteen.
``His sole interest are his clothes. That's all he cares for,'' said Toti, Theater Arts teacher at Gates County High School who works in the ``show-must-go-on'' tradition.
Recently, she was hurt in an accident that tore her lip open and left her with facial injuries.
``I went to the medical center, then came to the theater for rehearsal,'' Toti said. ``Then, I went to the emergency room.''
Originally, there was not enough room to accommodate all the children who auditioned for parts in the play.
``A lot of boys and girls came in,'' Toti said, ``so we wrote parts for all of them.''
The Gallery is the only theater in the area working heavily with children. This summer, as in years past, workshops for them will be held.
One of the children in the cast with a plum role is 7-year-old Alex Rose, a Ridgecroft Academy student, who portrays Princess PollyEster.
``Why were you picked?''
``I talk loud. I have about 60 lines. I don't have any trouble memorizing them. I just do it,'' Alex said.
``The children learn their lines early,'' Carter said. ``Impressive.'' MEMO: AT A GLANCE
What: ``The Emperor's New Clothes.''
When: 8 p.m. May 30 to June 1, 2:30 p.m. June 2.
Where: The Gallery Theatre, 115 West Main St., Ahoskie.
Tickets: Advance tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children. At the
door, $8 and $6. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased at
the box office or the Chamber of Commerce, 310 South Catherine Creek
Road. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
Ernie Carter, standing, is the emperor and his subjects are, from
left, Jordan Nelson, Alex Rose and Debbie McLean in ``The Emperor's
New Clothes.'' by CNB