The Good Times Are Killing Me, the Darlington Players’ spring production, is cartoonist Lynda Barry’s recollection of her girlhood in a neighborhood which is becoming racially integrated. Funny, rueful, and filled with popular music of the fifties and sixties, the play takes an honest look at the effects of racism on friendship, and at the effects of music on memory. Two young girls, one black and one white, become best friends and discover each others’ respective worlds, only to face relentless pressures to conform as they grow older. Despite the school’s efforts to teach tolerance, Edna says, near the play’s end: “And we really thought that things could change until the bell would ring, and we would go back into the hallway and know there is no way some puny little poem or story could change anything.” Lynda Barry’s “puny little story” doesn’t solve the question of racism, but does face it squarely and hold out the hope for change. Because of the realistic tensions portrayed, parents are advised to use discretion before allowing children under the age of thirteen to see The Good Times Are Killing Me. Performances are April 12, 13, and 14 in the Zelle Drama Room at 8 p.m. The production is free to Darlington students, faculty and staff and will cost $5 for all others. Because of limited seating, reservations will only be made for families of cast members and out of town parents. All other seats will be first come, first served, and seating capacity is 110.
Cast list Edna Arkins - Allison Black, Rome, Ga.
Lucy Arkins - Kyndall McKemie, Rome, Ga.
Mrs. Arkins / Mrs. Doucette - Brittany Pittman, Cave Spring, Ga.
Mr. Arkins / Cousin Steve - Chris Jackson, Cave Spring, Ga.
Bonna Willis - Sara Blanchett, Charlotte, N.C.
Elvin Willis / Church Member / Voice - Doug Whatley, Rome, Ga.
Mr. Willis - Jason Chapman, Atlanta, Ga.
Mrs. Willis / Kimmy - Danny Daly, New York, N.Y.
Aunt Margaret - Liz Fine, Stamford, Conn.
Uncle Don - Jeremy Martin, Rome, Ga.
Cousin Ellen / Mrs. Hosey / Mrs. Mercer - Katelyn Dellinger, Rome, Ga.
Sharon, Theresa - Katie Taylor, Canton, Ga.
Earl / Preacher / Marcus - Brandon Goodman, Flushing, N.Y.
Aunt Martha / Bonita / Jackie - Sumira Smith, Atlanta, Ga.
