Volume 21, Issue 4 February, 2011 TCT Presents

March 10-12, 2011 7:30 p.m.

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March 12, 2011 2:00 p.m.

wrestled with reality for forty years, and I am happy to low.’ Harvey and I warm ourselves in all these golden Istate that I finally won out over it.” If you’ve ever seen the moments. We have entered as strangers – soon we have film or know the story, you know who the Harvey of the title friends.” is. If you haven’t, then this play will introduce you to one of But Elwood cannot continue to escape the doctors and the most engaging characters in the American literary psychiatrists who wish to ’cure’ him. His sister pleads with anthology. him to take the injection that will finally make him ’normal.’ Elwood P. Dowd is Harvey’s best friend and central But does the world really need more normal? Or are character of the play. He calls Harvey a pooka and when Elwood and Harvey fine just as they are? someone looks the word up, they find this definition: “From Playwright Mary Chase wrote the play in 1944, inspired old Celtic mythology. A fairy spirit in animal form. Always in part by the effects of the war on her neighbors and very large. The pooka appears here and there, now and friends. She was determined to write a play that would then, to this one and that one at his own caprice. A wise cheer people during those troubled times, and to create a but mischievous creature. Very fond of rum-pots, crack- hero for people to believe in. She knew Elwood would pots.” Yes, Harvey is a rabbit, a six-foot-tall white rabbit have an invisible animal companion – she remembered the and Elwood’s constant companion. That’s the problem. His stories of Irish relatives about pookas – and first imagined social-climbing sister, Veta, is anxious for her daughter to Harvey as a canary or a penguin. When she finally hit make her way in society and Elwood’s behavior is becom- upon a rabbit, the play was born and its first production – ing more and more embarrassing. So they resolve to take directed by Antoinette Perry (the namesake of the Tony care of the problem – they try committing Elwood to a Awards) – ran on Broadway for five years, one of the sanatorium. Through a series of comic misunderstandings, longest runs ever for a Broadway play. Veta is almost committed and Elwood ends up inviting the TCT is pleased to present this classic comedy to new doctors and nurses out for drinks. audiences and old friends of Harvey on the Lyric stage That is the magic and charm of Elwood, and of the March 10-12. Don’t miss it! Call the TCT box office at 662- play. He’s unlike anyone you’ve likely met – he’s gentle 844-1935 to reserve your seat today. Directing Harvey is and kind and everyone immediately warms to this charac- Jonathan Martin. Lindsey Tanner serves as Assistant ter. He may visit the local bars a little too often, but when Director. Set Designer is Marianna Coffey with assistance he describes his visits with Harvey, you can’t help but want by Steve Miller. Bronwyn Teague is Light and Sound to join them. “Harvey and I sit in the bars and we have a Designer. Bobby Geno serves as Costume Coordinator drink or two and play the jukebox. Soon the faces of the and Juliet Reeves serves as hair and make-up designer. other people turn toward mine and smile. They are saying: ’We don’t know your name, Mister, but you’re a lovely fel- The gifted cast for Harvey is listed on page 2. Harvey Cast List Myrtle Mae Simmons Megan O’Hargan Veta Teracia Killian Elwood P. Dowd Todd Barnett Ethel Angela Howard Nurse Ruth Juliet Reeves Duane Wilson Jason Pannell Dr. Lyman Sanderson Chris Hussey William Ron Stephens Betty Chumley Beverly Murphree Judge Omar Gaffney Bobby Geno E.J. Cliff Brock TCT Receives Honors at MTA upelo Community Theatre participated in Sarah Weatherby, were named to the All Star Tthe Mississippi Theatre Association Cast. Last seen on the TCT stage in And Convention and Festivals at the historic MSU Then There Were None, Jonathan is an Riley Center in downtown Meridian January attorney and is married to Lisa Ganaway 14-16, 2011. TCT competed in the commu- Martin. They have two sons. Jonathan is cur- nity theatre festival with its production of rently directing TCT’s production of Harvey. Oleanna, by the Pulitzer Prize-winning play- Ole Miss Musical Theatre major and wright David Mamet. Director Tom Booth Columbus resident Sarah Weatherby played was awarded Best Director. Booth has pre- Carol. The talented singer and actress had viously directed three Best Production winners in her Lyric debut in the 2010 Gum Tree production of All Mississippi: The Beauty Queen of Leenane in 2001, Bel Shook Up as Lorraine. She is the daughter of Arleen Peek Canto in 2004, and Doubt in 2008. Bel Canto was also a Weatherby and the late Simeon T. Weatherby, Sr. winner at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in 2004. TCT veteran actress and director Suzanne Oakley won Allana Austin served as Assistant Director, with lights by two awards in the Individual Events competition, first place Bronwyn Teague, sound by Lindsey Tanner, costumes by for Solo Singing and second place in Solo Monologue. Suzanne Oakley, and stage assistance by Marianna TCT is thankful to have these incredibly talented people Coffey. working to make TCT one of the best “award-winning” Both actors in the production, Jonathan Martin and community theatres in the country! Grant Enhances Movies at the Lyric uilt as a live theatre again. was selling popcorn at the Lyric. As a Bvenue in 1912, the Elaine Dundy came to Tupelo in 14 year old, he played The Mute in Lyric Theatre also has 1981 to begin research on her ground TCT’s first season in The Fantasticks. a long history as a breaking book Elvis & Gladys and In 2010, through a grant from the movie house. From become dear friends with local history foundation, TCT was able to install a 1931 through the early buff and genealogist Roy Turner. full size projection screen and dedicat- 1980’s, many North When Elaine passed away in 2007, ed line set in the theatre. Now through Mississippians fondest she continued to give just as she did an additional grant from the endow- memories revolve in life by establishing the Elaine ment, TCT will install a modern projec- around movies such as Elaine Dundy Dundy & Roy Turner Endowment for tor in the building in early 2011 to be The Great Ziegfeld, the Arts. Roy, a Tupelo native, is a used for the film festival and other Bonnie and Clyde, and The Raiders of film maker and has been actively movie events in the future. the Lost Ark at the Lyric. Thanks to involved in the Tupelo Film Festival Thank you Roy and Elaine for your the Elaine Dundy and Roy Turner hosted each year at the Lyric Theatre. gifts to support the arts, to enrich our Endowment for the Arts, movies will Much like Elvis Presley, Roy grew up community and to enhance our home have a permanent home at the Lyric attending movies here and his first job at the Lyric Theatre.

Mac McAnally Concert with Ironwood Bluff on February 26 at 7:30 is SOLD OUT! Patrons may pick up previously reserved tickets at the box office. 2 Spring Education Event upelo Community Theatre kicked commented “The Ugly Duckling was Toff its annual Spring Education so good. All of you did a good job Event by hosting area third graders at performing. The part I liked the most the Lyric for two showings of The was all of it.” Ugly Duckling on February 7. Voices Education events scheduled for of the South, a theatrical touring com- the snow day on February 10 have pany out of Memphis, were the guest been postponed until April. Metro artists for the event. They have been Theatre Company out of St. Louis will presenting this edifying classic by present Tomato Plant Girl to students Hans Christian Andersen to students at Tupelo Middle School and Haven across the country for 10 years. Their Acres Boys and Girls Club on version of the story carries a distinctly southern flair punc- Thursday, April 7, then at Lawhon Elementary School on tuated by an original score of down-home music and color- Friday, April 8. There will also be a free public performance ful characters. at the Lyric on the evening of April 7. Tomato Plant Girl Comments we received from teachers included: delights audiences of all ages with its sharp dialogue, “Students loved the theater and one student asked why the physical action, and playful, high-energy conflict in a plot actors didn’t need a microphone.” ~ “Their favorite charac- line revolving around themes of friendship, bullying, peer ter was mother duck (played by a male actor).” ~ ”It was a pressure, and self-esteem. great experience for them because they don’t get to see a These educationally enriching performances are made real live play very often.” possible through the generous support of B&B Concrete, Student Okoye Harper wrote “it was fun to watch the Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, Mississippi Arts play. I want to audition for Alice in Wonderland because I Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, South Arts, bet it would be fun to do a play with y’all.” Hunter Hatfield and the TCT Lyric Krewe. TCT Hosts Splash of Talent n February 5, TCT partnered with up of Anna Blasingame and Margaret great turn out for the evening and Othe Mississippi North District and Martha Chunn. Auburn thankful to TCT for its partnership in Junior Civitans to present the first McCormick won second place and helping to make it possible.” annual Splash of Talent competition at Sarah Childers won third. Middle Junior Civitan is a community serv- the Lyric Theatre. Emcees for the School winner was Jaime Muijwyck, ice organization for students who seek event were television personality Kay with second place going to “Fiddlers to meet the needs of our changing Bain and Jr. Civitan member James Three” made up of Susan, Hannah, world and provide all members with Stephenson. Sixteen youth in grades and Richard Gunnels. Brian Warnick personal and career development six through twelve presented a varied and Claire Golding won the third place opportunities while improving schools evening of talent for the judges and award. Samantha Witcher, Jr. Civitan and communities through volunteer audience. Governor and one of the many volun- service. Established in 1932, it is a The High School division winner teers helping to make the event possi- program of Civitan International and was the girls trio “Yes Ma’am” made ble stated “We are very excited for the has 14,000 members in 400 clubs. TCT PERSONNEL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TCT EMERITUS 201 North Broadway Fred Cannon Danny McKenzie Jess Mark (1982-2008) P.O. Box 1094 Tracie Maxey-Conwill Steve Miller Gene Murphey Tupelo, MS 38802 Liz Dawson Suzanne Oakley Ruth Liveakos (1969-2008) 662-844-1935 Jay Dey Rob Rice Edith Thomas Jauna Ellis Debra Robison Visit us online at Beth Stone Frick Donna Rumbarger BOX OFFICE MANAGER www.tct.ms Tommy Green Rosemary Rutledge Lisa Hall Jeff Houin Suzye Sheffield [email protected] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Josh Mabus Michelle Waits Tom Booth Steve McAlilly Beverly Williams NEWSLETTER EDITOR [email protected] Lynn Nelson

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Auditions for Gum Tree Musical uditions for Tupelo hearts: to be entertained. If you’ve ACommunity Theatre’s produc- ever sat in a dark theatre and tion of the Tony Award winning thought, “Dear Lord in heaven The Drowsy Chaperone will be please let it be good,” this is the February 27 at 2:00 p.m. and show for you! It all begins when a February 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the die-hard musical theater fan plays Lyric. Debby Gibbs, former his favorite cast album on his drama instructor at Tupelo High turntable, and the musical literally School, will direct. Each person bursts to life in his living room, auditioning should prepare 16 telling the rambunctious tale of a bars of an upbeat Broadway brazen Broadway starlet trying to song and be high school age or find, and keep, her true love. The older. This “musical within a com- Broadway production won five edy” has many hilarious character roles, as well as Tony Awards for Book, Costume Design, Featured the expected lead roles and chorus roles. Actress, Original Score, and Scenic Design in 2006. A rare combination of unprecedented originality The production dates for this year’s Gum Tree and blinding talent, The Drowsy Chaperone boldly musical will be May 5-7. For more information con- addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our tact the TCT office at 662-844-1935.