Margaret Helbing is making her directorial debut with “Just Words” by playwright Ron Hill. Shown are, from left, Assistant Director Doug Braun, Helbing, and Hill. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – In March, longtime Playmakers Civic Theatre actress, Margaret Helbing, is making her directorial debut with “Just Words,” a comedy by local playwright, Ron Hill. Helbing first stepped on the Playmakers stage as a high school senior in 1975. Her “Just Words” assistant director, Doug Braun, was also part of the 1975 cast.

“Doug was my mentor, and I’m grateful he’s on board about me directing,” Helbing said.

Helbing has starred in several Playmakers performances, and directing has been a longtime dream. Leading a Ron Hill production was a perfect first opportunity to direct.

“I know Ron. I’ve done his shows. I wanted to be a part of this, and after I read it, I wanted to direct it,” Helbing said.

“Just Words” is an extraordinary comedy inspired by Hill’s own experiences.

“The show is about a man who goes to see a show, and to his amazement, there is a lack of plot and a lot of profanity,” Helbing said.

The character decides to write a play, and as he writes, the characters appear on stage, creating a comedic mix of realism and imagination.

Tom Debbink, left, and Karsha Browne rehearse a scene from “Just Words” on the Playmakers stage. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“It takes a special gift to build a story like this,” Helbing said. “It’s true to life. It’s based on Ron’s true friends.”

Hill said the inspiration for the play came after he walked out of a performance at a local college.

“I don’t consider myself a prude, but the language in it was so filthy, and the premise was stupid,” Hill said. “It’s the only play I’ve ever been to where I left after the first act.”

He and a friend who had accompanied him to the play went out for coffee after leaving the theater.

“He listened to me harp and complain, and I decided to write my own play,” Hill said. “It’s based off people I know.”

“Just Words” isn’t Hill’s first work. He has written four published plays and two unpublished plays, and a couple plays are still stirring in his head.

“I’ve got to get back to writing,” he said.

Helbing has enjoyed her first experience as a director.

“I couldn’t ask for a better cast for my first time directing,” she said.

In addition to acting, Helbing has worked backstage on many performances. She has helped with most Playmakers sets since 2007, and she is pouring all of her skills into directing.

“It’s been very interesting being on this side of the fence. There are so many different directorial responsibilities outside of directing the performers,” she said. “I’ve drawn 12 different set designs. We always have a lot going on.”

“Just Words” runs March 6 to 8 and March 13 to 15 at Playmakers Civic Theatre, located at 604 W. 6th St. in Port Clinton. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m. General admission tickets cost $15, and tickets for seniors, students, and military personnel cost $12. To reserve tickets, visit www.pcplaymakers.org.