Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean

Our next show on the main stage is Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean by Ed Graczyk.

Directed on Broadway by Robert Altman, the film version starred Cher, Sandy Dennis, and Kathy Bates. Altman also directed the play.

The play tells the story of a group of women, all members of fan club The Disciples of James Dean. They meet on the anniversary of his death in a small Texas town. Secrets are revealed during their 20th reunion. The play includes flashbacks of the characters as teens. We are rating this show R due to adult situations and strong language.

The show is being directed by Darren Mathews. Bert Lyons is the Stage Manager and Susan Patterson is the Producer. The show brings more newcomers to NCTC's stage. The cast is as follows:

Sharon Somolik as Juanita
Terri Morrison as Monda
Judie Hardin as Sissy
Marsha Elzey as Joeanna
Tami Savage as Edna May
Rebecca Lanyi as Stella
Levi Gentry as Joe
Jessica Kiel as teenage Mona
Kristin Owens as teenage Sissay
Jordan Owens as teenage Edna May
Kelsey Gentry as teenage Stella

Show dates are August 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30. Show times are 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2:30 on Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $10 for children.

Moonlit Midsummer

Last night I had the opportunity to see A Midsummer Night's Dream. Of all of Shakespeare's plays, this is one of my favorites. It's fun to just let your imagination run wild, enjoy the romance, and enter the land of the fairies for awhile!

I was particularly looking forward to this evening because of two things. First, we were finally going to give our former Artistic Director Dave Dorrell some recognition (he now has his lobby plaque!). Secondly, any set design by the Dorrells is always amazing! Dave and Jennifer are the best set designers I have ever known. The Midsummer set, while simple, is beautiful and did not disappoint. The moonlit background was fascinating to look at throughout the entire show. What looks to the audience as rocks is actually partially pillows for the comfort of the actors. Watching actors on a raked stage was very interesting. I could go on and on, but you just have to see it for yourself!

The show was so much fun! There are always times when Shakespeare is a bit hard to understand, but the play isn't difficult to follow. I had giggling children behind me. They loved the set, the costumes, and the action. In fact, I had children all around and they were mesmerized throughout the entire play and behaved quite well.

Lenton Lees (Lysander), Samantha Johnson (Helena), Andre Bluehs (Demetrius), and Taylor Schaepe (Hermia) really stood out. The scene when Demetrius and Lysander are fighting over Helena is hilarious. Samantha Johnson has quite a few lines during this scene, but I don't think the audience heard any of them - we were laughing too hard! This was Andre's first time on stage and he is a natural. Lenny is always fun to watch, he puts so many quirks and mannerisms into a role, which I think Andre matched quite well!

Dewyne Jefferson created Bottom's donkey head which was very well done. She directed A Christmas Carol for NCTC and her costumes are always awesome.

I especially enjoyed Tyler Winn (as Peter Quince), who has never appeared at NCTC before. Kudos to Kyle Lashley for taking on the role of Flute. He did a wonderful job. Jessica Hill received rave reviews from audience members. I have seen her perform before, so I knew it would be a treat.

Next weekend is the final weekend for Midsummer. The Friday and Saturday audiences were pretty full, so make your reservation early before the show is sold out. You won't be disappointed.

NCTC Membership Program Returning in 2010

NCTC has had a membership program in the past. The company part of our name does not imply a business, but a united group of like-minded individuals with a love of the performing arts. We will return to having official membership beginning in January.

To act, direct, stage manage, produce, be stage crew, etc., at NCTC you will need to be a member of the company. Memberships last for 12 months from the date you pay your dues. Annual dues are $20 per year per person, capped at $50 per immediate family. You must be 14 years of age to be a member of the theatre company.

Benefits of being a member of NCTC will include two membership meetings a year (free food!), a membership card which allows you to receive a 10% discount at The Costume Shop in downtown Newnan, invitation to the annual awards show, first chance to hear our new season, and more.

Our next membership meeting will be held on December 12 at 1:00 pm.

Announcing Season 2010!

At the Membership Meeting yesterday we announced our 2010 season. I'm so excited to finally talk about it! I think we have a great season planned (I call it the Year of Dysfunction). There are some prime roles for actors next year and I know we have the talent to put on some wonderful shows.

We will be having seven mainstage shows next year. Without further ado, here is our 2010 Season:

What The Butler Saw by Joe Orion: A comedy farce about a couple and their romantic pursuits. This will be in January and February.

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller: The well-known play of a man in search of the American Dream. To the best of our knowledge, this play has never been done at NCTC and certainly not in the area for a long time. Performances will be in March and April.

Cabaret by Joe Masteroff: The story of a performer at the German Kit Kat Club (Liza Minelli was well known for playing the lead role). This will be in May and will be our big musical for the year.

Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch: Follow the adventures of a surfing split-personality beach babe. Hitting the beach in June and July.

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds by Paul Zindel: This is a story about a crazy mom and her two daughters, one who is putting on the science project mentioned in the very long title. Joanne Woodward made this play even more famous in a movie directed by her husband, Paul Newman.

Fuddy Meers by David Lindsay-Abaire: A woman with amnesia (similar to Drew Barrymoore's character in 50 First Dates) is kidnapped by a strange man. I am really looking forward to the craziness in that play! Performances will be in October.

Miracle on 34th Street adapted by Will Severin, Patricia Di Benedetto Snyder and John Vreeke from the novel by Valentine Davies. Music by Will Severin: Our holiday show in December about believing in Santa Claus.

A few other things about next year's season:

1. We'll be going back to three weekends - Friday/Saturday evenings, with a Sunday matinee. The show times will not change.
   
2. Our prices have lowered. Our adult tickets will be $12, students and seniors $10, and children $8.
   

If you're interested in directing any of our mainstage shows, all pitch meetings will be held in October. Please contact Darren Mathews if interested in directing.

In addition to the seven mainstage shows, we'll have seven black box events. The events are not part of our 2010 Season and not included when we sell our 2010 Season Tickets. These events will be announced after pitch meetings are held and approved. No matter what the shows end up being (a children's show, a murder mystery, a one-man show, etc.), the cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. If you'd like to pitch a special event, contact Darren.

Audition dates and show dates will be added to our website by August 1st.

What The Butler Saw, Fuddy Meers, Psycho Beach Party, and Miracle on 34th Street are produced by special arragement with Samuel French. The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds is produced by special arrangement of Dramatists Play Service. Cabaret is licensed by Tams-Witmark Music Service.

Audition Notice: Misery

Auditions for Misery will be on August 24 and 25 at 7 pm at the theatre. There are two roles in this play - one adult male and one adult female. Attend either evening.

Free Show!

This summer Spencer Jordan is leading an adult acting class. The class's final performance will be on July 31st at 8 pm in the black box. There will be a performance of scenes from the following three plays: Down The Road, Crimes of the Heart, and Spiked Heels. Each scene lasts 15 to 20 minutes.

The performance is free for all who would like to attend.

Tom Sawyer Cast List

We had over 70 people try out for the show! Congratulations to everyone who got a role.

Widow Douglas - Renee Gentry
Aunt Polly - Lynn Sovik
Mrs. Harper - KC Pollak
Walter Potter - Lenton Lees
Mary Rogers - Briana Morgan
Dr. Robinson - Chad Davis
Becky Thatcher - Lydia Williams
Sid Sawyer - James Chappell
Muff Potter - Tim McMullen
Gracie Miller - Ivana Osma
Tom Sawyer - Kyle Hersey
Joe Harper - Jason Abraham
Injun Joe - John Chappell
Ben Rogers - Alex Naughton
Huckleberry Finn - Caleb Earle
Alfred Temple - Davis McCondichie
Amy Lawrence - Embree Battles
Reverend Sprague - Jan Davis
Sheriff Jones - Mike Maloy
Judge Thatcher - David Porter
Mrs. Thatcher - Brenda Naughton

Membership Meeting

On July 18th at 1:00 pm there will be a meeting at the theatre for all actors, directors, ushers, stage crew, and other assorted volunteers.

The new 2010 Membership Program will be announced and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions at that time.

Additionally, the 2010 Season will be announced! We've also changed our pricing and format. I know you'll be pleased with the changes.

As if that's not enough to entice you to come to the meeting, we'll be serving free light refreshments and drinks.

Market Days Drawing Winner

Congratulations to Jackie R. of Sharpsburg! She stopped by the NCTC booth at Market Days on the 4th of July and entered our drawing for four free tickets to any NCTC 2009 show. Her name was drawn as the winner.

Visit us on August 1st on the square in Newnan, from 10 to 2, enter the drawing by joining our mailing list, and you might be our next winner! If you're already on our mailing list, you can still enter the drawing, and you don't have to be present to win.

Updated Midsummer Cast List

Here is an updated cast list for A Midsummer Night's Dream. The show opens on July 17th. The cast has been working very hard on the show. It's being directed by Jennifer Dorrell.

Titania - Lisa Boyd
Oberon - Dave Dorrell
Puck - Jessica Hill
Hippolyta - Elizabeth Murphy
Hermia - Taylor Schaepe
Lysander - Lenton Lees
Helena - Samantha Johnson
Demetrius - Andre Bluehs
Bottom - Chaz Ferguson
Quince - Tyler Winn
Flute (Thisbe) - Kyle Lashley
Snout (the Wall)- Annabelle Shiver
Starveling (Moonshine)- Ivanna Osma
Snug (The Lion) - Becky Moody
Egeus, Father of Hermia - Mike Patterson
Philostrate, Master of the Revels - Sam Fitzgerald
First Fairy - Hannah Godwin
Peaseblossom - Brianna Crouch
Cobweb - Annabelle Carter
Moth - Elisabeth Smith
MustardSeed - Abigail Robillard

Oberon's fairies:

Rachel Barrett
Mikayla Terrell
Sydney Adams
Morgan Miller
Crystal Johnson