MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Seaman Michael Hicks, 1st RTBn. Aid Station corpsman, and his wife, Melyssa, are acting in the Sun City Hilton Head production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."
A dress rehearsal will take place at Pinckney Hall at 7 p.m., Wednesday, and is free and open to military personnel and their families.
The Romanesque comedy is Hicks' fourth theatrical performance since arriving to Parris Island. His love for the theater grew from an early age as he performed in his first play at the age of 5. Years later, with the love still alive, after a short interruption to acclimate to married and military life, Hicks made a decision to reconnect with his 15-year passion for acting.
"When I got this shore command and my wife moved here with me, we got wind of a community theater that was holding auditions," said Hicks.
Through that and other auditions in the local theaters, Hicks began the journey to this current project.
"The Sun City Community Theater is usually reserved for people who are from Sun City," he said. "They were auditioning for two younger [people] for the show so they auditioned out in town for the part."
Hicks and his wife auditioned and were cast in the roles of Hero and Philia. Being in the play means a lot of extracurricular responsibility, in addition to accomplishing the mission of military life.
"Since they are a retirement village, they tend to rehearse a little bit earlier in the day," said Hicks. "So, if I can't make it, that's no big deal. But if I can, I tell my command that they are rehearsing, and ask if it is OK if I leave a little bit early. They have been very [accommodating] about that."
Having the support of the Navy has been a huge boost for the couple.
"I didn't know the military would support that kind of thing, but they have been very supportive and great about giving him as much time as they can," said Melyssa. "His command and co-workers have been very encouraging of his interest in theater."
Not only does he have the support of his command, but he also has outside support, which is a constant source of inspiration.
"The community has been really receptive as far as me being in the military," said Hicks. "They work around my schedule, as my command works around their schedule. At two of the plays I have been involved in, they have offered a free showing to any military personnel."
With the backing of the military and the community, the most important support Hicks required was from his wife.
"We don't get to spend a lot of time together," said Hicks. "She works second shift and I work first shift. I am at work from 6:15 a.m. until 3 or 4 p.m., she doesn't get off until 6 p.m. So, this has been great. We get time to spend together on stage playing opposite each other. We have played opposite each other in the last three plays where I play the leading male and she plays the leading female, so it has been nice."
Anyone planning to attend the dress rehearsal should call George Weyhrich at 705-5696 for reservations. The final performances are scheduled for Feb. 26, 27 and 28, with seating priced at $15, $13 and $8. For more information and reservations for the performances, call Sharon Walker at 705-3919.