tofollow. She experiences the overwhelming control of small town politics and agreementwith association that is exhibited in the play selection process. Her choice for the leadinglady is dictated by the longing for social acceptance and the simple art of sucking up. Sheascertains that her vision of the perfect play has been tainted by the unmotivated,unreliable and unscrupulous cast she has assembled. The consistent snide, off-handedremarks and unannounced, unwanted suggestions echo the toils of community theatergroups across the present Midwest.Carol has wonderful aspirations and ideas to help awaken the sleepy town ofGopher Prairie, but she is held back by the stiff, stubborn close-mindedness of the smalltown. The obstacles she encounters are her own self-criticisms. It is quite true that thetownswomen gossip about her to no end, but if she could stop and listen, they gossipabout each other just as much. She does not comprehend that the common means ofconversation in the town are achieved through the criticizing of others. Carol will neverattain her dream village if she does not learn how to communicate with, understand andwork with the people of Gopher Prairie. ...
