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Upcoming Productions |
| Auditions | Other Events |
These are the shows either currently in production, or else coming up within the next two weeks.
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Calhoun College Theatre |
The Rimers of Eldritch
Calhoun College Theatre presents "The Rimers of Eldritch" by Lanford Wilson.
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Date and Times:
- Wednesday, March 10 1:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 11 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 12 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 13 7:00 p.m.
All performances at the Black Box Theatre in the Fine Arts Building on Calhoun's Decatur Campus.
Synopsis: Rimers’ basic plot line is a mystery: someone has been murdered, but we're not sure who. The action takes place between April and November, but, much like a murder mystery film, the story is told out of sequence and in fragments, most of them short and many of them repeated. Audience members must fit these fragments together, like pieces in a puzzle. It can be difficult to follow at first, but, as the individual puzzle pieces connect into forms and shapes, the picture of what has happened begins to appear.
Directed By: Bill Provin
Tickets: $8 students and $10 general admission. phone 306-2693
Contact: email whp@calhoun.edu or phone 306-2693.
Other Info: PG-13
Added 2/23, 2009
6 Mar 2009. Chuck Puckett. puckett_chuck@hotmail.com
When "Rimers" first premiered in the early 60's, several critics were on hand. One critic's date had arrived somewhat inebriated, and halfway through the 1st act, started asking, louder and louder, "What the hell is this about?". She was escorted out.
My feeling as we approached that approximate point in the play was that several audience members at Calhoun's Black Box might have been internalizing the same question, though no one left, or was asked to. Wilson's play does not ask for any indulgence on the part of the audience, and it gives no quarter: it demands the viewer's complete attention. When that attention is paid, the play returns the investment with compounded interests.
Bill Provin's direction of this experimental work does it wonderful justice. The set strikes the viewer immediately, its fractal brokenness and unsettling angles providing an uncomfortable space against which the fragmented time of Rimers plays itself out. For the play is not a linear thing, proceeding from beginning to end, but more like Billy Pilgrim in "Slaughterhouse Five", careening from moment to moment in a form of temporal pointilism. Best not to ask what it is about; rather, let the language, that marvelous riming language wash over you. Meaning will emerge, but don't force it.
Rimers is correctly termed an ensemble piece, and at its best moments, this ensemble presents an integral, rhythmic flow, waxing, then waning as the verbal density of the script waxes and wanes. The cast was perhaps a little uneven, though there were always moments of brilliance. Johnathan Little as the judge was solid and commanding. Zonie Frasier as the crazed Nelly required your attention wherever she was on stage, giving a convincing portrayal of dementia. Peggy Payne was also a strong presence, presenting the immature young Lena as a real person in the first lines she speaks, imbuing her with clear mannerisms. And yes, her laugh was a hoot.
Kim Parker turned in her usual strong performance as Cora, the sultry proprietor of the town diner, a woman who places her emotional needs well before any consideration of what the gossips might say. Ashley Hubbert (Walter) was a good match playing the suggestive young drifter who takes advantage of her need, but betraying her when it suits him.
And special kudos to Quentin Barrentine as Driver Junior and Zoe Lambert as the crippled Mary. Their flirtation forms one of the main throughlines in the play, and they come across as vulnerable, cautious explorers of young love, both of whom deal with internal doubt and externally administered shame.
But the actor whose role forms the central crux of this temporal and verbal whirlwind, who peeks in from the edges, and clumps loudly through the center, revealing more of himself as well as the people of Eldritch as the play progresses and regresses, is Casey Camp, who so remarkably embodies the crazed loner Skelley. Camp, who always knows exactly what his character is supposed to be, and always manages to realize that character with economy and skill, does so again in this pivotal "Rimers" role. He is consummately crazy, wandering in and out of memories and the present, giving Wilson's fractured dialogue a continuity across the scope of the play. And yes, you'll love the dance.
"Rimers of Eldritch" is an important play, an experimental milestone of American theatre, and this production should not be missed, especially if you have not seen the play before. I urge you to make plans to attend.
Gingerbread Players |
Aristo-cats/101 Dalmations
Gingerbread Players of The Shoals Community Theatre presents "Aristo-cats/101 Dalmations".
Date and Times:
- March 11, 12, 13 7:30pm March 14 2pm
All performances at Shoals Theatre, Florence, AL.
Synopsis: Two of Disney's animated Classics come musically to life in Two one act plays.
Directed By: Jennifer Kilpatrick
Tickets: 10.00 adults/8.00students
Contact: email Laurarc@comcast.net or phone 2567641700
Added 2/23, 2010
Backstage Theatre Company |
The Diary of Anne Frank
Backstage Theatre Company presents "The Diary of Anne Frank".
Date and Times:
- March 11th & 12th at 7:30pm
All performances at The Princess Theatre in Decatur, AL.
Synopsis: In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history a giving, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honestly, wit, and determination. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence—their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief. Each day of these two dark years, Anne’s voice shines through: “When I write I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never me. I want to go on living even after my death.” This is a new adaption for a new generation.
Directed By: Darren J. Butler
Tickets: Tickets are $10. Tickets are avaliable at the Princess Theatre or The Backstage Theatre Company Studio in Decatur by calling 256-309-0041.
Contact: email backstagetheatreco@gmail.com or phone 256-309-0041
www.backstagetheatrecompany.com
Added 2/23, 2009
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Whole Backstage Theatre |
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Whole Backstage Theatre presents "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change".
Date and Times:
- March 11-13 @ 7PM
- March 14 @ 2 PM
All performances at the The Dot Moore Auditorium in Guntersville, AL.
Synopsis: The Whole Backstage Theatre in Guntersville is proud to present the hilarious NEW musical revue, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” This unabashed look at the mating game tackles the truths and myths behind that modern-day mystery known as "the relationship." Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit will be presented live for your viewing pleasure.
Directed By (and featuring): Chris Harper, Diane DuBoise, Kayla Harper, and Christopher Carter
Tickets: $15 for Adults. $12 for Students and Seniors
Contact: email kelleybblackwell@yahoo.com or phone (256) 582-7469.
Other Info: info
Added 3/2, 2009
Sparkman High Theatre Co. |
Once Upon a Mattress
Sparkman High Theatre Company presents "Once Upon a Mattress".
Date and Times:
- March 11th and 12th at 9:00 AM and 7:30PM
All performances at VBC Playhouse.
Synopsis: The classic story of "The Princess and the Pea" with just a few twists.
Directed By: Sherri Ryan; Musical Director: Ron Simmons
Tickets: Adults $20, Student/Senior $10
Contact: email sparkmantheatre@yahoo.com, sryan@madison.k12.al.us or phone 656-0156 or 714-5297.
Other Info: You don't want to miss this amazing production
www.myspace.com/sparkmantheatre
Added 3/9, 2009
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Theatre Huntsville |
Inherit the Wind
Theatre Huntsville presents "Inherit the Wind".
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Date and Times:
- March 19-20 & 25-27 @ 7:30 pm
- March 21 & 27 @ 2 pm
All performances at VBC Playhouse in Huntsville.
Synopsis: Inherit the Wind is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes "Monkey Trial," which resulted in John T. Scopes' conviction for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, contrary to a Tennessee state law. Step inside the courtroom for a portrait of an explosive episode in American history that remains as fresh and relevant as it ever was.
Directed By: Lorie Hubscher
Tickets: $17 for Adults » $15 for Students/Seniors (65+)/Active Military » Group Rates Available. Purchase online at Theatre Huntsville.
Contact: Email theatrehsv@bellsouth.net or call 256-536-0807.
Other Info: Special performances for school groups on Thursday 25 and March 26.
Added 3/2, 2009
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Renaissance Theatre |
Appalachian Witches
Renaissance Theatre Mainstage presents "Appalachian Witches" by Chris Ashwell.
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Date and Times:
- March 19,20,25,26,27 @ 8:00
- March 21 @ 2:00
All performances at Renaissance Theatre Mainstage, 1216B Meridian St., Huntsville.
Synopsis: Three women bound to the Appalachian mountains, its traditions and music, Superstitions and ghost, history and faith.
Directed By: Chris Ashwell
Tickets: All seats $15
Contact: email oldriddle@prodigy.net or phone 256-536-3117
Added 3/9, 2009