Volume 28, Issue 4 February 2018

The séance appears to pass without any positive results for most of the attendees. However, Charles can suddenly see and hear his first (deceased) wife, Elvira (Maddie Ludt). Thinking that he has gone mad, he begs Madame Arcati to reverse whatever she did during the séance. Unfortunately for him, but fortu- nately for the audience, her efforts are in vain as Elv- ira remains in the house and causes much mischief as she plans to bring about Charles’ death so that he can pass over to the other side to be with her. Elvira’s plans go awry as Ruth leaves home in the car that Charles was supposed to be driving. Charles doesn’t die, but Ruth dies in the ensuing wreck and returns to the house as a spirit. And as the saying goes, “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Now Charles finds that he must deal with not one, but two, deceased wives who are none too fond of each other or their predicament. rawing room comedy is defined as a light, so- Add to this sweet, mild-mannered Edith (Katie D phisticated comedy, typically set in a drawing Pannell) as the Condomine’s new maid with a well- room with characters drawn from polite society. TCT kept secret and you have an evening of laughter and is happy to bring you an example of this style of thea- suspense as you try to piece together what will hap- tre in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, an Improbable pen next. Farce in three acts. The show is under the direction of Bobby Geno Charles Condomine (Brad Gilmore) is writing his with Ben Childers as Assistant Director; Debra Byrd next great novel with the primary character being a as Costume Mistress and medium who is a complete imposter. To gather re- Lighting Design by Maria March 8-10, 2018 search for his project, he enlists the help of his wife, Geno. 7:30 p.m. Ruth (Lesley Tackett) and friends Dr. George Brad- Join us March 8-10 at March 10, 2018 2:00 p.m. man (Tommy Green) and Violet Bradman (Liz Daw- 7:30 p.m. each evening or son). The two couples gather for a dinner party with March 10 at 2:00 p.m. as SponsoredSponsored by by: : guest of honor Madame Arcati (Debby Gibbs). we journey back to jolly Charles plans to have Madame Arcati perform a sé- old England in the early ance in order to gather “jargon” and a few “tricks of 1940’s for this lighthearted the trade” to pass along to the character in his novel. romp with the spirits!

1 2018-2019 Season Announced TCT is excited to announce its 49th season. With classics, musicals, comedies, and dramas, there is something for EVERYONE. Season ticket packages go on sale March 12. Purchase soon so you don’t risk missing out on a single production!

The Marvelous Wonderettes The Marvelous Wonderettes takes a cotton-candied colored musical trip down memory lane to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet The Wonderettes – four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. The show follows their lives and loves from prom night to their 10-year reunion. The score has more than 20 chart- busting hits such as “Dream Lover,” “Lollipop,” and “It’s My Party” that will have you tapping your foot and wanting to sing along.

The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe This dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic novel set in the land of Narnia, recre- ates the magic and mystery of the great lion Aslan and his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund, four chil- dren who inadvertently wander through an old wardrobe into the exciting, never- to-be-forgotten Narnia. A story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe is a true celebration of life.

The Glitter Girls Join us for the Mississippi premier of Mississippi native Mark Dunn’s latest com- edy, The Glitter Girls. This southern comedy takes the audience through an ad hoc meeting of a north Georgia social club called “The Glitter Girls.” The club’s richest member, Trudy Tromaine (who is at death’s door) convenes the meeting to express her wishes to bequeath some of her millions to one lucky “Sister of the Gleam and Sparkle.”

A Time to Kill Carl Lee Hailey is on trial for shooting two men in the very courtroom where he now stands trial. His attorney Jake Brigance is willing to risk everything to defend his client's life. As the trial heats up, the community is torn apart in this gripping adaptation of John Grisham's in- cendiary novel about race, crime, and family in small-town America that asks the question: when is it right to take justice into your own hands?

The Addams Family A fresh, new musical about love, family, honesty and growing up. Featuring Ameri- ca’s darkest and quirkiest family, The Addams Family must deal with many of the same challenges faced by any other family—their kids are growing up. Their dark, macabre, beloved daughter Wednesday is now a young woman who has fallen in love with a sweet, smart boy from a normal, respectable Ohio family. And she has invited his family to their home for dinner. In one fateful hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations—change. 2 Theatre Trip to Memphis upelo Community Theatre is offering a fantastic theatre opportunity T for our patrons. On May 5, 2018, TCT will offer a one-day trip to Memphis’ professional theatre, Playhouse on the Square, to see the Tony winner for Best Musical Fun Home. When her father dies unex- pectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the sto- ry of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and pre- sent, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuali- ty, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. The play is Rated R for intense adult themes and strong language.

“A rare beauty, extraordinary and heart-gripping." - Ben Brantley, The New York Times.

A 24-person bus will take the group from the Lyric Theatre to Overton Square where they will have time for dinner or drinks before the show at 8 p.m. Cost of the trip, which includes transportation and ticket to the theatre, is $100 per person. The trip is expected to sell out quickly so reserve your seats by calling 844-1935 now! TCT would love to offer more theatre travel opportunities in the future for our patrons. Enjoy an amazing theatre experience and support TCT by taking part in this excursion. See you at Playhouse on the Square! TOB Youth Auditions CT Off Broadway will hold Man, The King and I, Wicked, Rent and Grease, plus T auditions for Broadway a medley of favorites from George M. Cohan. Beat on February 26 and 27 at No advance preparation is needed. Students 5:30 p.m. at 213 East Franklin should be 4th grade through high school. Dianne Ludt Street. The show includes mu- will direct and production dates are April 12-14 at sical highlights from over a TCT Off Broadway. For more information century of song and dance in- email [email protected] or call the cluding Hairspray, The Music TCT office at 844-1935.

TCT PERSONNEL TCT BOARD OF DIRECTORS EMERITUS 201 North Broadway P.O. Box 1094 Johnathan Martin Jess Mark (1982-2008) Tupelo, MS 38802 Tracie Conwill Meredith Martin Gene Murphey(1969-2016) 662-844-1935 Bev Crossen Steve Miller Ruth Liveakos (1969-2008) Mallory Davidson Lynn Nelson Edith Thomas (1969-2013) Visit us online at Liz Dawson Rob Rice www.tct.ms Beth Frick Debra Robison BOX OFFICE MANAGER Bobby Geno Rosemary Rutledge Lisa Hall Tommy Green Beverly Williams [email protected] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeff Houin Judd Wilson Tom Booth Chris Hussey Charlie White NEWSLETTER EDITOR [email protected] Lynn Nelson

3 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Tupelo, MS 38802 Permit No. 272

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Hello, Dolly! Cast Announced

roadway comes to Chorus: B Tupelo Community Bobby Geno Debra Byrd Theatre with our April Jeffrey Houin Margaret McGrath 2018 production of the Randy McCoy Sherrie Black Tony-award-winning Hel- lo, Dolly! The cast is full Don Anderson Suzie Morgan of well-known veterans as Benjamin Barkley Childers Kyra Nnakagawa well as talented new com- Rick Griswold Abigail Rogers ers. Don’t miss it!! Beverly Thomas Williams Karci Watson Alex Barnes Erin Harrison Dolly – Suzanne Oakley Bonnie Baldwin Scarlet Williams Horace – Christian Joseph Harrison

Irene – Lisa Umphers Ross Ermengarde – Kate Burleson Rehearsals are starting soon. With Director Tom Cornelius – Dalton Russell Booth, Musical ‘Director Debra Robison and Assistant Barnaby – Zane Wilkinson Director Tracie Conwill at the helm, Hello Dolly! is sure to be a sell-out. Mark your calendars now!

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