A labor of love

POLSON — The law of diminishing marginal utility states that as someone gains more of something, their enjoyment of that commodity decreases. In other words, the one hundredth taste of something isn’t as sweet as the first.

Though a key principle of economics, this concept does not seem to apply to Neal and Karen Lewing’s passion for community theater, as the couple delves into their thirtieth season at the helm of the Port Polson Players. While some might expect the business to have lost some of its luster after three decades of dedication and more than 400 shows, the Lewings still comport themselves with an infectious level of enthusiasm, treating each production as if it were their first. That tangible excitement was evident last Friday, as the pair geared up for their roles in this weekend’s opening of “Guys and Dolls.”

“[Theater] is all we’ve ever done, and all we’ve ever wanted to do,” says Neal, reflecting on a lifetime in small-town show business.

The Port Polson Players were founded in 1976, with the Lewings beginning their involvement with the live theater program shortly thereafter and assuming control of the organization in 1983. Started as just a summer theater project, the company has blossomed into a year-round endeavor under the Lewings’ inspired leadership – a prospect many naysayers initially warned would not be viable in Polson.

Though the company hopscotched to different stages around town in its early years, it has settled into a distinctly Montanan home at the John Dowdall Theater on the lakefront – a location Karen praises as one of the most beautiful and unique settings for drama found anywhere in the country.

While the venue has changed over the years, in some ways, the Lewings’ tenure is remarkable for some of the changes that haven’t occurred. For example, in keeping with the old school style that lends the theater its charm, the Players still do not use microphones in their productions.

“Mics don’t teach people how to project,” says Karen, noting that many shows were written with the intention of having their lines belted out and not spoken into a microphone.

“The characters diminish [with microphones]…. There’s an energy that’s not being captured,” she adds.

That old time energy provided by the Players is precisely what has filled the brown seats – which are relics of the past, themselves, salvaged from the Fox Theater in Missoula - for years.

While the theater and the performances are sources of great pride, both Neal and Karen agree that  “the people” have undoubtedly been the highlight of their experience with community theater.

“The highlight is finding someone who’s never done it before,” explains Neal. “You see the light go on and they find something from within that enriches themselves. … Quite frankly, they’re different people after the show.”

The spectrum of those involved with the Players’ productions covers people of all backgrounds and professions, and extends from kids to senior citizens and everything in between.

Longtime participants like Amy Knutson - who has been in over 40 shows - and Ralph Campbell - who still drums in the band at the age of 83 - are living proof of the love for drama that is nurtured by the Players.

The seeds of lasting friendships are often sown among cast members and, in some cases, theatrical acquaintances can become more than friends.

“There have been nine marriages where people have met during the show,” Karen says proudly.

The Players’ demonstrated passion for theater has been powerfully reciprocated by the community, which has robustly supported everything from Shakespeare to musicals.

“It’s not about us – it’s about the people that have supported it all these years,” Karen says of the Players’ long run of success.

And with the Lewings’ zeal as strong as ever, they may have another 30 years of performances left in them.