By Madeleine SutherlandRecord Staff WriterWhen Anne Lancia purchased the Boonslick Flick in 1989, she was realizing the lifelong dream of owning a theater.Now she has returned to the theater she once owned for over 10 years to direct “Under the Yum-Yum Tree” by Lawrence Roman, a production described as a romantic comedy.After purchasing the Flick, Lancia renamed it the Belle Starr Theatre because of her interest in the famous outlaw from Missouri of the same name. Her first theatrical production in the theater was “Gift of the Magi.”“After the first year of productions, I realized that no one around here had a place to see a movie. At that time there was no cinema around. There was not even one at Mid Rivers yet,” said Lancia.The Belle Starr had been equipped with a projector previous to Lancia’s ownership, but had not shown films for some time. Lancia revamped the projector, converted it to electric power and began to show movies in addition to putting on plays.“At that time I had no competition, and I was doing films and plays,” she stated. “Films were doing well and we were able to put on a lot of shows.”In 2000, Lancia sold the Belle Starr to its current owner, Loretta Parks, who continues to show movies, put on plays and host musical groups.Even after selling the playhouse, Lancia has returned to help out with projects through the years. For her latest project, “Under the Yum-Yum Tree,” Lancia has brought back many former associates to help her.Sound and lighting engineer Chris Wehrmann, technical director John Houston and stage manager Jim Mossop have all returned as members of Lancia’s staff for their rendition of the Broadway play.Cast members for the show include Jenn Weber, Cassie Semonis, Jacob Daugherty and Keith Schwaab. They rehearse tirelessly four nights a week in preparation for the show.“It’s a very wordy play with lots of props. The cast is going nuts with all the lines, but I told them it would get them ready to perform anything,” Lancia said.“Under the Yum-Yum Tree” will run Friday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m at the Belle Starr Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children. To reserve tickets, call 636-456-7937 or 636-456-2510.The Belle Starr is located at 112 E. Main St. in Warrenton.The play has two acts with two scenes per act and is set in the early 1960s.“I think the audience will notice the difference in relationship dynamics from then and now,” Lancia stated. “There will be some that will laugh because they remember how things used to be, and some that will wonder how things could have been so different.”Proceeds from the production will be used to make necessary repairs to the Belle Starr to keep it operational.“The Belle Starr was a lifelong dream for me,” Lancia stated. “It was and continues to be a big part of my life. If something here gets me excited again, I will be back.”“Under the Yum-Yum Tree”When: Friday, June 12; Saturday, June 13; and Sunday, June 14Times: 8 p.m. on June 12-13; 2 p.m. on June 14Where: Belle Starr Theatre, 112 E. Main St., WarrentonCost: Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children.To reserve tickets, call call 636-456-7937 or 636-456-2510.
Jacob Daugherty, left, and Cassie Semonis practice lines from the upcoming play, “Under the Yum-Yum Tree,” which will be featured at The Belle Starr Theatre. Derrick Forsythe photo.
