Marblehead actress Nora Falk is preparing for her latest performance — as Rita in the North Shore debut of the play “The Chesapeake Chicks,” a farcical murder mystery.
Originally from Vienna, Austria, Falk has always enjoyed performing, especially singing. She sang in her high school choir, a punk/blues band and as a general music and ESL teacher for middle schoolers.
She didn’t start acting until moving to the United States in 2001. Falk has been in several productions, including Marblehead Little Theatre’s “The Sound of Music,” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
The Chesapeake Chicks.” COURTESY PHOTOS
In 2023, Falk played Gertrude in the premiere of “The Chesapeake Chicks,” in New York City. It was directed by Peter Zachari, the show’s playwright.
“The Chesapeake Chicks” revolves around four former players on a women’s baseball team who discover a cryptic message in their deceased roommate’s journal. They’re set into a frenzy that one of them could be a murderer.
“Opening a brand new show is a unique thrill,” Falk said of the debut in 2023. “We had a successful three weekend run with 12 shows.”
Her time in “Chesapeake Chicks” did not end there.
Zachari alerted Falk about Quannapowitt Players, a community theater in Reading that was holding auditions for the show. Excited for the opportunity to be a part of “Chesapeake Chicks” on the North Shore, Falk auditioned and joined the cast.
Quannapowitt Players production is directed by Angela Courtney Rossi, a Hamilton resident. She has been directing shows since 2001 when she was a student at Salem State University.
“The play is like ‘The Golden Girls’ meets ‘Murder She Wrote,’ with a splash of ‘League of Their Own’,” Rossi said. “This show is a comedy. It’s a true farce.”
When thinking about the incoming talent and age of actors, Rossi went to the QP board and asked if she could have two casts.
The run consists of a “starting lineup” cast and an “on-deck” cast. Twelve actors are involved.
“Big productions need understudies, covers and swings,” said Falk. “Double casting gave (Rossi) the opportunity to acknowledge more talent.”
Throughout rehearsals, Falk has learned her lines, studied her character, and made connections with her cast.
“The big difference between the two experiences is that I’m playing a different character now, and it’s an amazing process. I feel like I know all the chicks very well,” Falk said.
The cast has also focused on pacing for the script’s many comedic moments and dialogue.
“It feels like you’re in a revolving door. There’s so much happening,” said Allison Rollings, the stage manager of the production.
Behind its humorous layers, the show has a reflective message about older women. Falk said the show highlights women over 60.
“The beauty of the show is that the play features four mature women with amazing lines,” Falk said. “The older female is not an afterthought, cliche.”
Crazy, loco, zany, unpredictable, and energetic — these are the words the cast uses to describe the show. Keeping a straight face during rehearsals has been tough.
“You wouldn’t expect four women of a certain age to be in a show like this — we’re hooting and hollering,” said Theresa Chiasson, who plays Alice.
With flickering lights, unseen spirits and rapid-fire entrances and exits, Falk hopes that audiences share a laugh when seeing the show.
“The Chesapeake Chicks is a zany, smart mystery-comedy full of zingers and hidden Easter eggs for theater lovers,” she said.
“The Chesapeake Chicks” runs May 21 through June 6, at Quannapowitt Players in Reading. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Falk performs Friday, May 29, Thursday, June 4, and Saturday, June 6.
Tickets are available online: ticketstage.com/T/QPTHEATER
