‘Two Trains Running’ coming to the beaches at PBTS

Douglas Anderson junior, Marlee Feacher, will take the stage for her first non-school production at Players by the Sea for “Two Trains Running”.  She is joining an experienced cast of all men for a play that contributes to August Wilson’s groundbreaking American century cycle.  The character, Risa, almost never exits the stage.  Feacher says this has been a challenge. “She is constantly working while customers in the shop carry on with their lives.  It has been easy for me to zone out or lose track of time, but I have learned to work past this by watching my cast mates react and stay present and continuously reminding myself to do the same.”

Feacher plays Risa, a waitress at the local diner, who has been abused by many men and has chosen to regain control of her body by scaring her own legs to keep them away.  Even though she’s been mistreated time and time again, she has no problem voicing her opinions and being the only woman in the room.  Feacher says, “I’d like to believe I’m the same way, that I have a presence around me that speaks to my strength, that I can fit into any room regardless of my gender.”

The theatre saw strong local talent during auditions earlier this month and has officially cast the production. This cast introduces new actors to the Jacksonville scene as well as youth. But it also invites several veterans back to the PBTS stage.  The cast is as follows: Eugene Lindsey, Jr. - Memphis; Cedarian Crawford - Wolf; Marlee Feacher - Risa; James Webb - Holloway; William Sivad - Sterling; Clayton Riddley - Hambone & Gregory P. Hughes - West.

In Two Trains Running, history unfolds around everyday lives against the backdrop of the civil rights movement.  Long-time regulars gather at the local diner in Pittsburgh’s Hill District to gossip, flirt and play the numbers.  Now the owner must decide whether to let the city take over his building or sell it to a shrewd, local businessman.  Two Trains paints a compassionate and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people in the midst of transformation.

The play offers a dialogue that is relevant even today.  One about justice and freedom. “Every character is fighting for their own form of justice, and many of them have different ideas of what it actually means,” Feacher comments.  She says that August Wilson has created a safe place in Two Trains Running, for people to come, talk about their experiences and learn from one another.  Patrons will love Two Trains Running.  Feacher says, “Audience members will leave with information to be digested and analyzed as they can see the art mirrored in their everyday life. It is a tremendous education delivered in an entertaining, amusing, comedic way.”

Director Brian Niece, is excited to start the production process. “I have a rare opportunity to help tell this powerful story; a truthful black story; an American story that looks for beauty in brokenness. It is humbling to be able to serve August Wilson’s vision as a storyteller.”

“Two Trains Running”
DATES:     TIMES
Fri. Mar. 13, 2020  8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 14      8 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 19   8 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 20    8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 21    8 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 22    2 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 26   8 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 27    8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 28    8 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 29    2 p.m.

TICKETS: Two Trains Running will be shown in the Studio Theatre (more intimate “black-box” style space.  The Studio Theatre seats 80 and offers a more immersive experience for audience members).  Tickets are available online at or by calling (904)-249-0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

      (904) 249-0289