Bill Burns’ childhood was full of creativity and imagination. Growing up as an army dependent, he literally traveled all over the world in real life as well as through the books he enjoyed reading. He fell in love with the adventures he took through the pages of the stories he read and the ones he created on his own with everyday play.
“I love to read! As one can imagine, my childhood wasn’t filled with video games. It was, however, filled with creating adventures. Whether we were pirates on the high seas, battling foreign soldiers from tree forts, or playing along creek beds hunting serpents, we were busy saving the fantasy world,” said Burns. “Only having a few channels on the TV helped keep us outside; if I was inside, I was reading.”
Burns’ love of reading did not stop with general literature. He started reading scripts, which eventually led to him participating in theatre where he found his true love in the performing arts.
“Books opened adventures which led me to scripts, which led to me to acting in high school and college and directing as well,” said Burns who spent many years afterwards engaged in theatre as much as he could.
Although he was committed to the craft, real life responsibilities of being a husband and father took priority and kept him away for several years. While raising his family, Burns never missed an opportunity to share his childhood adventures with his children. Just as their father had done, Burns’ children naturally gravitated towards theatre.
“My children got involved with Star Inc. [in Somerville],” said Burns, who has lived in Hardeman County for 27 years. “Soon, they roped me into a production. I loved the community and I haven’t left!”
Star, Inc. is like a second home to Bill and his wife, Lynette. Their children were responsible for his return to the theatre, Although they have moved on, he and Lynette have remained having found a place in the theatre company. Lynette more so behind the scenes and Bill, acting and directing in several plays throughout the year.
And Then There Were None is a long-time coming Star production. Burns was originally cast as an actor and now that is it finally coming to the stage, he is directing the production.
“Ironically, I was slated to play General McKenzie in the original Star production of And Then There Were None, but Covid hit and we had to cancel the show,” said Burns, who is excited about directing the show. “The story stuck with me then and is a favorite of many of our cast. When the opportunity arose to direct this year, I jumped at the opportunity. At its core, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is a dark psychological examination of unpunished guilt, vigilante justice, and the inescapable weight of human conscience. All are components that are relevant today.”
Burns describes the production as a murder mystery/thriller with a bit of horror added.
“I would expect the audience to experience excitement, fear, suspicion, anxiety, hope, love, and get a glimpse into the darker side of the human heart and the corruption a darkened heart leaves behind,” said Burns, who has found greater joy in directing than acting. “The thing I most enjoy about directing is creating a world in which the audience becomes immersed and believes that what is being acted is actually happening. The set building as well as sound and lighting is critical to how that story is related so I would say creating that vision is what I love most about directing. And right in line with that is working with the cast and crew and watching them grow and gain confidence in themselves as the production continues. As far as acting goes, I enjoy the opportunity to become a different person and relate that character to the audience and my fellow cast. It’s basically a throwback to chasing serpents in the creek.”
Star, Inc., a nonprofit, presents several theatrical productions each season. As community theatre, it depends on the support of the community in attendance as well as financial support. Burns sees the support of community theatre as a “win-win” for all involved.
“Community theatre brings in massive amounts of revenue to the community. Research suggests even in small towns like Somerville or Bolivar, community theatre can bring in over $250,000 of additional revenue with just five shows a year. This comes in the form of people buying dinner when they’re in town or while they’re at rehearsal. Shopping at local places, stopping off at a store to buy supplies before heading to rehearsal . . . It adds a lot. Culturally, theatre relates experiences that you don’t get anywhere else. It brightens the community,” said Burns.
Burns also shared that most community theatres operate by donations as much as getting revenue from shows or concessions.
“I would encourage everyone to donate to their theatres. It’s tax deductible and it supports the communities overall,” said Burns.
It has been a special experience for Burns to act and direct with Star, Inc. over the years. He has developed lifelong relationships and friendships with a community that supports each other. Burns also gets to participate in something he loves, theatre, and to do it with people he calls friends.
“Giving people the opportunity to escape their day-to-day lives for a moment is important. We all need a break where we can sit back, relax and enjoy a moment without worry,” said Burns. “I think offering that to the community is probably one of the best things I can do and it brings me joy.”
And Then There Were None will be presented at the Fair Theatre { 114 East Market Street, Somerville, 38068 }. Performance dates and times are:
Thursday Thursday, October 1, at 7 p.m.
Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 3, at 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 4, at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or at the door.
