Chapin SC, February 2, 2026
Chapin and the Midlands arts scene celebrate original theater as two exciting plays debut this February. ‘How to Supervise Women’ and ‘The Puzzle’ showcase local talent and innovative storytelling.
Chapin
Local Stages Ignite with Original SC Premieres
Chapin and the broader Midlands arts scene are buzzing with creative energy as two original plays are set to debut this February. These productions highlight the vibrant cultural landscape cultivated by dedicated local theater companies and the innovative spirit of South Carolina artists.
The commitment of local theaters to foster new works demonstrates a robust civic engagement, providing platforms for personal initiative and artistic achievement within our community. This dedication to homegrown talent enriches the cultural fabric, offering unique perspectives and narratives that resonate deeply with local audiences. Such initiatives underscore how community-driven efforts, supported by the enthusiasm of volunteers and patrons, are pivotal in advancing regional arts without extensive bureaucratic hurdles, thereby enabling a thriving environment for creative expression in Chapin, SC and throughout the Midlands.
A Theatrical Double Feature for the Midlands
Theater enthusiasts in the Midlands region of South Carolina have the opportunity to experience two brand-new stage creations this February. These original productions, “How to Supervise Women” and “The Puzzle,” are set to offer distinct theatrical experiences, showcasing the depth of local talent and storytelling. Both productions are poised to captivate audiences with their unique narratives and the dedication of the artists involved.
“How to Supervise Women”: A Period Comedy at Chapin Theatre Company
The Chapin Theatre Company will host the debut of Lou Clyde’s period comedy, “How to Supervise Women,” with performances scheduled from February 6 to February 27. This marks the fifth time in the last decade that the Chapin Theatre Company has staged one of Clyde’s original, full-length comedies, showcasing a consistent commitment to nurturing new theatrical works. Jim DeFelice, who serves as Board Chair and Managing Director for the Chapin Theatre Company and also performs in the play, highlighted that fostering new productions is integral to the company’s mission. Over its 47-year history, the Chapin Theatre Company has produced more than 20 original works, a testament to its enduring role in local civic innovation and artistic development.
Set during the World War II era, the play draws inspiration from an authentic 1943 article published in Transportation Magazine. This historical document provided guidelines for male supervisors on how to hire and oversee women in the workforce, a scenario that became increasingly common as more than six million women, including Clyde’s own mother, entered the workforce during the war. Clyde shared that the “ridiculously laughable guidelines” encountered during her research became the direct inspiration for the play’s comedic premise. The narrative explores the development and resilience of relationships and friendships across various demographic, political, gender, generational, and geographic divides.
The production features a talented cast including Jim DeFelice, Zanna Mills, and Debra Kiser, under the direction of Jamie Carr Harrington. Debra Kiser, a semi-retired professional actress, portrays a widowed woman in her mid-50s who begins working after her three sons depart for war. Kiser’s character is depicted as outspoken and resolute, facing new territory as she navigates employment outside traditional roles. Kiser expressed her admiration for Clyde’s creative work, noting that the playwright consistently crafts strong female characters imbued with humor that arises from a blend of fun, love, and occasional pathos. She also appreciated Clyde’s skill in interspersing heartfelt moments with comedic relief, preventing the audience from lingering too long in sadness. This local initiative by Chapin Theatre Company exemplifies how community engagement and individual artistic endeavors significantly contribute to the cultural richness of Chapin, SC.
“The Puzzle”: A Collaborative Premiere at Town Theatre
Town Theatre will present “The Puzzle,” an original collaborative production, for two exclusive nights on February 12 and February 13. This musical is the result of a partnership between Marybeth Berry, a professor at USC-Lancaster, and Alex Lefevre, a professor at Coastal Carolina University. The collaboration began after Berry learned that Lefevre had moved to South Carolina, leading to months of brainstorming that ultimately shaped “The Puzzle” into a semi-autobiographical narrative drawing from events in both authors’ lives.
Prior to its Midlands debut, “The Puzzle” underwent a workshop reading at Coastal Carolina University. Following this, a dedicated cast was assembled for the La MaMa Spoleto Open festival in Spoleto, Italy, where the play was performed in July of the previous year. Hans Boeschen, who served as Berry’s assistant and technical director during the Italian presentation, is now coordinating the revival at Town Theatre. Boeschen recounted the experience in Italy as a “dream,” emphasizing the intensive seven-hour daily rehearsals dedicated to music, blocking, and character analysis, all within the inspiring Umbrian countryside.
The cast for the Town Theatre production includes Katie Gatch, Lisa Baker, Shelby Sessler, Kenley Juback, Zach Hathaway, and Alex Cowsert. Shelby Sessler, who previously held a lead role in “Miss Saigon” at Town Theatre, describes “The Puzzle” as a story centered on themes of “love, loss and learning to love again”. The title itself metaphorically represents the diverse elements of a family’s life, offering a glimpse into a decade of their experiences. The play features concurrent storylines, including a boy’s challenging journey to adulthood, a grieving woman’s efforts to honor her past while building a new future, and a couple navigating the complexities of their relationship. Sessler noted that each character represents a piece of this metaphorical puzzle, highlighting how individual growth can lead to better alignment within relationships. She characterized the script as engaging and witty, though she cautioned audiences to anticipate emotionally intense moments. The production of “The Puzzle” at Town Theatre exemplifies the creative endeavors emerging from the rich artistic community of South Carolina gatherings.
The Enduring Value of Local Theater
The unveiling of these two original plays in the Midlands is more than just a series of performances; it is a reaffirmation of the vital role that local theater plays in community building and cultural enrichment. These productions are the result of personal initiative from playwrights and dedicated efforts from theater companies like Chapin Theatre Company and Town Theatre. By actively seeking out and presenting new works, these organizations not only provide entertainment but also foster a dynamic environment for artistic growth and expression. The support from community members through attendance and engagement is crucial for the continued success of these independent ventures, demonstrating the power of local choice in shaping the cultural landscape of the region, including Chapin, SC events.
These premieres underscore the entrepreneurial spirit present in the arts, where creativity and vision come to life through hard work and collaboration. They offer a unique opportunity for residents of Chapin and surrounding areas to witness the birth of new stories and connect with narratives crafted by local or regionally connected artists. Engaging with these original productions supports not only the theaters but also the playwrights, actors, and technical crews who pour their talent and time into bringing these stories to the stage, reinforcing a cycle of community-led innovation and artistic achievement that benefits everyone in the Midlands of South Carolina.
Embracing Local Talent and Community Spirit
The debut of “How to Supervise Women” at Chapin Theatre Company and “The Puzzle” at Town Theatre highlights the commitment to original storytelling within the Midlands arts community. These productions, stemming from individual initiative and collaborative spirit, offer unique opportunities for residents to engage with fresh narratives and support local artistic endeavors. Active participation in these and other South Carolina gatherings is vital for nurturing the creative environment that enriches our towns and fosters a sense of shared community. We encourage everyone to experience these local premieres, celebrate the talent within our region, and contribute to the flourishing cultural scene of Chapin, SC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two original plays debuting in the Midlands?
The two original plays debuting in the Midlands are “How to Supervise Women” by Lou Clyde and “The Puzzle” by Marybeth Berry and Alex Lefevre.
Where and when will “How to Supervise Women” be performed?
“How to Supervise Women” will run from February 6 to February 27 at the Chapin Theatre Company.
What is the plot of “How to Supervise Women”?
“How to Supervise Women” is a period comedy set in the World War II era, inspired by a 1943 article on supervising women in the workforce. It explores relationships and friendships amidst demographic shifts.
Who wrote “The Puzzle” and where will it be performed?
“The Puzzle” was written by Marybeth Berry (USC-Lancaster) and Alex Lefevre (Coastal Carolina University). It will be performed for two nights only, February 12-13, at Town Theatre.
What themes does “The Puzzle” address?
“The Puzzle” is a semi-autobiographical show about “love, loss and learning to love again,” depicting a snapshot of ten years in a family’s life with concurrent storylines of a boy’s journey to adulthood, a grieving woman’s struggle, and a couple falling out of love.
Has “The Puzzle” been performed before?
Yes, “The Puzzle” had a workshop reading at Coastal Carolina University and was performed at the La Mama Spoleto Open festival in Spoleto, Italy, in July of the previous year.
Key Features of Midlands Original Play Debuts
| Feature | “How to Supervise Women” | “The Puzzle” |
|---|---|---|
| Playwright(s) | Lou Clyde | Marybeth Berry (USC-Lancaster) & Alex Lefevre (Coastal Carolina University) |
| Theater | Chapin Theatre Company | Town Theatre |
| Debut Dates | February 6-27 | February 12-13 (two nights only) |
| Genre | Period Comedy | Semi-autobiographical musical |
| Inspiration | 1943 article on supervising women in the workforce during WWII | Events from authors’ lives |
| Key Themes | Relationships, friendships across demographics, humor, pathos | Love, loss, learning to love again, family life across a decade |
| Director/Coordinator | Jamie Carr Harrington (Director) | Hans Boeschen (Coordinating the revival) |
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