John Correll Sr. of Winfield Park (holding lantern), and Ryan Kennedy Correll of Montclair experience a terrifying moment in “The Woman in Black,” a ghost story being presented by The Main Street Theatre Company and directed by John Correll Jr. of Spotswood. Based on the popular novel by Susan Hill with original music composed by Christopher Chalcraft of South River, it is the second-longest running play in London. This weekend’s Sayreville Main Street Theater Company production is a family affair for director John Correll.
Correll’s father, John Sr., and brother, Ryan, play the two main characters in “The Woman in Black,” a stage play adapted from a 1983 thriller fiction novel by Susan Hill. The play is Correll’s first time directing his family members — actually, his first time directing anyone.
Correll, 31, of Spotswood, has plenty of experience, however, in community theater, as do all the Corrells. John Sr., of Winfield Park, has been involved in professional and community theater all over the state for over 35 years.
“As soon as I knew what I saw on TV was a job, I wanted to be an actor,” John Sr. said.
The acting bug spread from father to son, and John started acting as a young child. But he said directing is much harder than he thought it would be, as he finds himself shouldering most of the work. Since this is an experimental production, there is no producer and no assistants helping him along the way.
“I’m my own lonely island,” he said. “It’s a little overwhelming, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Directing his family members only made the process that much more complicated, however.
“With Ryan, there is that brotherly competition, so sometimes he is less receptive, and with my father, on the opposite end, it’s hard to separate my father figure from the actor,” John said. But the Corrells have only flattering words to say about one another’s talents.
“He can sing, dance, everything,” John Sr. said of his son John. “When he was young, he loved to draw, and he was incredible at it. He has a great artistic eye.”
Ryan, of Montclair, said he was excited for the family to work together like this, and that despite its ups and downs, his brother has remained supportive of him throughout the process. Ryan has been acting only since May 2008 but has performed in over 40 productions. He received his bachelor’s degree in theater arts from Montclair University and plans to pursue theater in all possible roles.
“One ofmy heroes is Orson Welles,” Ryan said. “I’d like to be that kind of person who can write, direct and perform in original pieces.”
The three men are not the only family members involved in the project. John and Ryan’s mother, Charlene, is helping out backstage, and John Sr.’s current wife, Linda, worked on costumes and props. Director John’s fiancée, Kim, also served as stage manager. He said the inclusion of so many family members in the production fell together inadvertently.
Onemajor player, though, is not related to the Corrells — Christopher Chalcraft, who wrote original music for the play. The music plays a central role, since “The Woman in Black” is a minimalist play, with very little in terms of a set. Chalcraft, 16, of South River, met John when both were involved in “A Christmas Carol” at Playhouse 22. Chalcraft also inherited his musical theater background from his parents. His mother used to perform in professional theater, and his father is a musical director. He has played piano for four years, and this is the first play he has written music for.
“I think the music adds quite a bit and definitely sets the mood,” he said. “It makes the actors’ jobs easier, since they don’t have to worry about spooking the audience, and they can spend more time on their lines.”
Spooking the audience is the intent, after all, because “The Woman in Black” is a traditional ghost story at its core. John said the story has a chilling twist, however, that will leave audience members with chills down their spine.
“Reality starts to blend in with fiction, and it taps into your imagination,” he said.
The Correll family will perform “The Woman in Black” on Friday, Nov. 11, and Saturday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. The Main Street Theatre is located at 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin. For reservations, call 732-553-1153 or buy tickets online at www.smstc.org.
Contact Deanna McLafferty at