Land of Spirit

It was September 2007 when I wrote the first Land of spirit blog.  Of course, it was only an announcement of the upcoming first Land of Spirit show for 2008  - but it was a blog!  I’m not sure I even knew at the time what a blog was – I never had a need to blog but with the coming of Franklin County’s new folk life play we needed to share this great news with the world.    Well, today June 21, 2010 I am writing my last Land of Spirit blog. 

As of last weekend I am no longer serving as Co Producer, my bouts of asthma will not allow me to continue, so I sadly say good bye. This week I am trying to finish up prior commitments I had made – like completing the 2010 – 120 Page, full color, hard back book of  Ahhhhhh Shot in the Arm photographs of storytellers, auditions, public reading of the play, rehearsals, scenes from the play and supporting volunteers.  It will be for sale to the public by A Greater Lavonia Community, Inc. and proceeds will be used to help with future plays. 

Working with Land of Spirit has been almost a daily part of my life for almost 5 years.  Although this is the third year for a play, planning and preparations began a long time ago.  It was June 2005 when Genny Cole and I attended a heritage and tourism workshop and first heard the success story of Swamp Gravy, down in Colquitt/Miller County, Georgia.  We knew then, this was what was needed for our community – not only would it bring in tourism to help the economy but it would offer a new art form to our citizens, and most especially art for our children.  And, the bonus would be the preservation of the history of our community as told by those who were born or have lived in this community we call the Land of Spirit.

It hasn’t been an easy road to success.  There was a foundation to establish, money to be raised, volunteers to recruit, a theatre to build, stories to collect, and the list goes on and on.  But, through determination and hard work this community has created a folk life play that rivals any in the world.  There is talent in this community – from cast and crew members – and when they pulled together an organization was created that we’ve been proud to call the Land of Spirit Family.   It’s a family that welcomed anyone who wanted to be in the play or serve as a volunteer.  Each season The Family has numbered around 75-80 Cast Members and this season the Volunteer Crew numbered 80, as well.   

It has been my pleasure to serve as Co- Producer, along with Genny Cole.  There are no paid employees of A Greater Lavonia Community, Inc. – the operating board for Land of Spirit.  However, in Genny’s role as Director of the Lavonia Downtown Development Authority and Better Home Town, she has been allowed to work  on the play which benefits our local businesses.  However, she is like me – she has given many, many hours of her personal time as a Land of Spirit Volunteer.   

I’m sure the tasks we performed are not that of a regular show producer.    You see, we have limited funds so Genny and I have done everything  from write grants to the cleaning of restrooms and emptying trash at the theatre.  Since we are rather opposite in the talents we bring to the table, our roles as co-producer can only be described as true team work.    

 

                  Judy Hulsey                    Genny Cole

It’s been a fun project and no one has been easier to work with than Genny Cole.  She’s done a lot for the City of Lavonia and being a city resident, I appreciate what she does on and off the payroll to make our community a better place to live.

I hope you have enjoyed reading the Land of Spirit blogs and please come back soon -  I’m sure there will be another volunteer who will step forward and they will be blogging in no time! 

Meanwhile, if you haven’t seen this year’s play – CALL NOW FOR TICKETS!  There are two weekends left – June 24-25-26 and July 1-2-3.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening shows begin at 7:30 and Saturday Matinees at 2:30.   Call 706-356-1926 or 706-356-8202 for reservations.  Visa and MasterCard are accepted and you can pick up your tickets at the Will Call Desk when you come to the theatre OR you may purchase tickets in Lavonia at the downtown historic Depot – and, tickets may be purchased at the door as long as they are available.  

Sorry I will not see you at the theatre, but Genny & the Cast will be there waiting for you!   Judy Hulsey

Scenes from Ahhhhhh Shot in the Arm. . .

     Doc Brown ( Marvin Lowry)  Ty Cobb ( Brett McCluskey)

                 Little League Players learning about Ty Cob   

                             Lucy Long         Charlie Turner

 

    Benjamin Roper (Right) plays the role of Dr. David Harris (left) in One Foot in the Grave!     

Margaret Haley plays the role of Mrs.. Jones, along with Marvin Lowry as Doc Brown, in the scene of Keeping a Straight Face!

Miles McBath in Not So Peachy shares a lot of ‘good’ information about Ty Cobb that is rarely heard in the Sports World.

Husband & Wife, Jeff & Beverly Thompson enjoy their roles this year.  Jeff plays Dr. Thompson (his own DAD) and Beverly plays Nurse Jackie (the late Jackie Busha from Royston)!

Jacob Dean made his début into acting this year as Ty Cobb, after having served in technical capacities for the FCHS  Drama Department for several years. 

Other new cast members this year are Jean McDaniel and Sharon Brown ( both on the back row) while returning members Matthew Sosby and Margaret Haley work upfront.  

Just in case you ever wondered what the Cast does between Saturday Matinee and the Saturday evening shows, take a look:

       

                 

Happy Trails to YOU. . .

On Saturday afternoons at 2:30, Land of Spirit players take the stage to sell out crowds – or, at least most of the matinees are sold out shows.    And, most of these tickets are sold to groups.  Last Saturday, June 12, was no exception.  The theatre was full and the Players played at their best.  I’m not an actor, but I imagine it’s much easier to play to a full house than a small group.

But, a full house brings new challenges – that of sitting all attendees together with their particular group – and, to accommodate those with disabilities.  It took a little planning for last Saturday, but Genny Cole got it together and all attendees appeared to be happy.  At least the 28 Hulsey Family & Friends that came with me were pleased.  But, with the Land of Spirit theatre being ‘almost’ in the round, there are NO BAD SEATS!  Some may be a little higher than others, but those with the Hulsey’s did not seem to mind having back row seats – they laughed and cried at the stories being told, just as if they had been on the front row. 

As I was helping seat our family, I met some wonderful people from Young Harris United Methodist Church in Athens.  They had seats that adjoined our family – and, much to my surprise a lady stands up from this group and says – “ Hi Judy, remember me?”   And, after a brief hesitation I said “yes, you are Gwen, aren’t you?” – we had gone to North Georgia Tech together 48 years ago and had lived in the dorm just down the hall from one another.  How time flies! I think ‘Time & Mother Nature’ has been good to Gwen – dang it, she looked so much younger than me.   Oh well, life has been good to me, too, so I cannot complain – But, it was good to see her and when we said good by later on, she was thrilled with the show!

Young Harris United Methodist of Athens, front row and couple on second row – Gwen is the one in the floral jacket – up front!

Hulsey Children:  Left to right, Mary Payne, Marlene Bryant, Martha Carithers, Betty & Joel Ginn and, my husband Kenneth Hulsey!

 

Friends and family continued:  Left to right – Niece Kellie Bryant from Griffin, Ga; Friends, Talmadge Hall from Royston; Jim & Marsha Wilson,  Paul & Anne Edenfield,  and Anne Wilson – all from Augusta. 

Niece Janet Sullivan, along with her Pastor from Toccoa and her daughter Kerri Lee and family who came especially to hear Father in Law Dr. Robert Sullivan’s stories, but was in awe of all the players and their talents displayed throughout the show. 

Friends from Carrollton included:  L to R:  Joanne Bohannon, Carol Ream and K.C. Curtis – missing from the picture was Tona Couch!

 

Our youngest attendee of the day was my three week old great niece, Josie Faith Sanders from Hartwell! Right- are great nieces Emily and Kylee! 

Pleasant Grove Seniors came to see some of their friends in the play – Barbara Burdette, an LOS Player, is greeting her friends.

 

Judy Phillips and the Red & Purple Ladies from Royston!

Our largest group of the day was Mount Olivet Baptist out of Hartwell who brought a group of around 40 – they laughed, laughed,  and laughed & had a wonderful time together.  Sitting with Mount Olivet in the South Section are  Ebenezer Baptist out of Toccoa and Hebron Baptist out of Union, South Carolina!

A big group from Cobb’s Gables – Assisted Living was on hand for this performance (above photo), and sitting with those from the Gables was Darby Cannon III, his sister Libby and friends at back row center and to the right was Don & Marilyn Styles with Pleasant Grove Baptist.  

Now, let’s take a look at LOS Players who performed at this  Saturday Matinee!

Ben Roper as a Sports Writer!

Opening Land of Spirit Song!

What’s in a Name?  Katie, Adam and Trevor

Jean McDaniel in Cheap Shot

Doc Williams making ‘street calls’ – Trevor, Jeannette, & Ben

Jacob Dean plays Ty Cobb in a game against the New York Highlanders – Plays like he had Brains in His Feet!

Wray’s Drug Store Scene:  Riley, Bethany, Brittany, Evan

 Life’s Lessons Song!

Back row:  Mark Foster & Bruce Gregory

Middle row; Megan Arp & Bethany Petty

First row;  Taylor Thomas, Susan Payne, Peggy Moon and Brooke Bridges

Loved Them Both the Same – Leola, Ben, Sharon & Cary

Tickets are still available for this weekend:  Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Saturday Matinee at 2:30 – PLEASE CALL 706-356-1926 or 706-356-8202 for reservations.  Tickets are sold at the door as long as available!

See you at the theatre, Judy

It’s Sunday afternoon, following the Opening Weekend of Land of Spirit 2010!   I’ve been thinking of how fast the shows went by – beginning on Wednesday evening with the VIP Pre-View show, then official opening nights on Thursday and on Friday with our Turpentine and Castor Oil Teams – then, there was the Saturday Matinee and Saturday night performances!   All of this followed six weeks of rehearsals – and, for me an accidental fall two weeks ago when I spend a Saturday night in the emergency room – bronchitis the next week – and, this morning I spent the early morning hours at Cobb Memorial Emergency room with husband Kenneth!   Whew,  can sure make an “older person” tired just looking back.  Sort of makes me feel as if I might have been born “the night the titanic sank.”

But, it was fun looking back at the weekend this afternoon –  via pictures of the play.  I set up Ahhhhhh Shot in the Arm group page so that Cast & Crew can access those I had time to upload today.   I’ve already uploaded three albums – which contain somewhere around a thousand pictures.  So, if cast and crew are reading the blog, please note that Vivian will be emailing a link to the site and I wish you happy looking!

We had lots of guests for opening weekend: On VIP night we had our 2010 Storytellers – it’s always fun to see the REAL person meet those playing their part in the show.  Shown here are Dr. Robert Sullivan of Carnesville with Playwright Jules Corriere, Bob Alewine, and Ray Stowers. 

Other guests including many of the new doctors who will be with the ALL NEW Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center when it’s completed in Lavonia.  Below are snapshots of some of these guests:

 

It was a good time for the new doctors to meet LOS players and LOS Supporters!

Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Adams join Carnesville Mayor Bill Little at the VIP Reception.  The Reception was co- sponsored by Lavonia Garden & Woman’s Clubs and Ty Cobb Health Care Systems of which Mr. Adams is the CEO.

 

Above are Ty Cobb Health Care Board Members. . . .

Friends from Salkahatchie Stew Folk Life Play over in Hampton, SC came on Thursday night to see Brett McCluskey perform (no picture :(.  Brett had lived with this sweet couple while serving as Music Director for their show;  and, then another couple from SS came on Saturday – she served as Stage Manager for their production.

Salkahatchee Stew Stage Manager. . .

Front row behind these actors are the folks from Jonesborough, TN. International Storytelling Festival – including Janna Browning’s parents, who will be opening their play in 2011 – Janna is an associate of CPI and served as Assistant Director for Ahhhhhh Shot in the Arm.

I had special guests for the Saturday Matinee, the Larry Grant Family from Dawsonville, Georgia.   It’s always great to see students you once taught – as I did Larry and Judy.  They were in my very first class of Cosmetology Students in 1971-72. YES, count it up – that’s 39 years ago.  Most of you probably never even knew I began my career as a hairdresser – later became a teacher – than an administrator and finished my career as President of the Technical College where I first received my Cosmetology training.  Talking about coming full circle. . .but, that’s another story for another day.  But, it was wonderful to have them in the audience!

Our church groups who come annually to support Land of Spirit are special to us, too.  Without them it would be most difficult to fill up the theatre for 21 performances.   We had two groups returning Saturday afternoon:  Royston First Baptist Church with Rev. Richard & Anne Bielski  -

Then, returning was Level Grove Baptist Church out of Cornelia, Georgia: 

Sorority Ladies from Toccoa who join us every year were there for Thursday’s opening show : My apologies for not getting a picture of the entire group – but, at least I found one who had three of them in it, out of the almost six hundred pictures taken that night. 

And, to the left of these sorority ladies are Annie Brudette from Carnesville and her great granddaughter.

I might not should have started adding group pictures to the blog because I’m sure I will miss many groups out of the 21 performances – so, let me offer my apologies now if I leave your group or family out!  All I can promise is that I will do my best!!!

Now, Let’s look back at a few play pictures from the weekend!

     

  

 

   

See you at the theatre!  Judy

The second Land of Spirit team went on tonight for the first time and hit it big time!  Already on Wednesday night there had been a pre-view/last dress rehearsal show for LOS Supporters and special guests.  Then, officially you might say it opened last night – but, I wanted to wait until both Teams had taken the floor before saying we are officially open.  You see, our two teams are not # 1 and #2 but, equal in their abilities to perform.    Their names this year -   Turpentine and Castor Oil!

79 Cast members are in the play this year – they’re divided into two teams with most speaking roles being doubled.  However, when their “speaking” team is not playing, they’re still on the floor in general and supporting roles – including that of singing!  It’s really amazing to see an all new show – never performed before – come together after only 6 weeks of rehearsals with folks who are ordinary citizens like you and me.  Well, maybe not exactly like me – they have singing, dancing and acting talent you will find hard to believe. Our youngest player this year, I believe, is Levi Thomas.  Sister Taylor was in LOS 2009 but Levi is making his début this year.  Our most senior players is 92 years YOUNG Louise Allison. 

Louise Allison & Lula Lowry are in a scene together this year, that of two ladies in a nursing home discussing their 100 Years of Nursing.  Priscilla Gothard is their nurse.  When they played on Wednesday night they had attendees roaring with laughter – so, I now refer to them as the “Golden Girls” -   Lula plays (or tries to play) the straight part and Mrs. Allison the funny one.  However, they both get so carried away it’s hard to tell when they are on and off script.  The same scene is played on the other team with Peggy Bruce and Leola Barbara – they, too had a great performance this evening.  But, what I really wish is that 103 year old Mary Hicks and 98 year old Annie Lois Alexander from Brown Convalescence Center could be there to see either team perform.  It’s their story that’s being told and they personally told it to Playwright Jules Corriere.    Since they are not able to come to the show, Jeanette Greer and Zadie Gaines visited these two lovely ladies at the nursing home one day and read the play to them – they were so pleased with their story and laughed at themselves.

Meet the REAL Golden Girls:  Mary & Annie Lois

       Louise Allison, Nurse Priscilla Gothard, and Lula Lowry

Now, back to opening weekend. 

You know memorizing lines is not easy for all cast members.  At a certain age it’s hard to remember 5 minutes ago, much less pages and pages of a monolog.   The Artistic Co- Directors  pulled a really good one this year when they set it up where those playing the roles of Barbara Brown Whitney and Zadie Pruitt Gaines would recite identical  lines at the same time.  Now, these four women are close to that age I was referring to earlier.   Peggy Moon and Mary Anne Treace play the role of Barbara Brown Whitney and Susan Payne and Zadie Gaines play the role of Zadie Pruitt (yes, she plays herself).   The challenge was eagerly accepted and these four ladies have really shown what they can do in their first performances.  It’s amazing they can get through one monolog, but they do several!  My respect for the talent these ladies have has risen dramatically – I’m hoping by the time I see 20 shows I might be able to just get one line memorized correctly – and, spoken at the time it’s suppose to come out!  I just don’t see how they do it!

   

Mary Anne & Zadie     Peggy, the REAL Barbara Brown, Bethany Petty who plays Teen Barbara and Mary Anne Treace.   

Peggy, Mary Ann, Zadie and Susan Payne

Also, There are:

Two Little Barbara’s - Alexa Westbrook & Brooke Bridges

Two Teen Barbara’s – Bethany Petty & Savannah Gregory

Two Little Zadie’s – Oliva York & Taylor Thomas

Two Teen Zadie’s – Caitlin May & Megan Arp 

And, I didn’t tell you earlier – they ALL had to be able to SING, too!

The Life’s Lessons song brings tears to my eyes, reminding me of my own Daddy – you see, that’s part of enjoying a Land of spirit production – the one on stage may not be your personal story, but you can & will relate to the stories being told – bringing back precious memories of days gone by. 

This is Life’s Lessons song with one of the teams, will have the second team picture later – I had to video tonight so I wasn’t able to get a photograph of the other team. 

There’s a lot more to say about opening weekend, but it will have to wait until another night.  It’s almost 3:00 am so no time for a lot of sleep tonight.  I have to not only be ready for two shows tomorrow – but, I have SPECIAL guests coming to the matinee.

Eight members of the Grant Family from Dawsonville are coming – Some of you reading this may know that I am a former Cosmetology Teacher – beginning my teaching career at Lanier Tech in Oakwood in 1971.  Well, two of the Grant Siblings I taught in 1971 and 1972 – we were reunited last year at a luncheon with  6 of my former students.  The Grants decided to make it a family day and come see Land of Spirit, bringing 8, yes 8, siblings to spend the day together.  They are in for a real surprise – our family will make the Grant Family feel at  right at home in the Land of Spirit!

Good night, see you at the theatre, Judy 

Last night, June 2, the house was packed with invited guests to see the VIP Pre-view of Ahhhhhh Shot in the Arm, Franklin County’s newest folk life play.  This is a special night to recognize those who have made the show possible – through financial contributions, in kind services, city officials, and most especially – those who shared their stories with us and were used in this year’s production!  It was a night of fun, joy, a few tears, and some real belly laughs as the 100 Years of Nursing actors stole the show!

This play is about life’s lessons as learned and told by the daughters of two prominent citizens who lived in Franklin County – specifically, Barbara Brown Whitney daughter of Dr. Stewart Brown, Sr. and Mrs. Zadie Gaines daughter of Mr. John R. Pruitt who ran the local funeral home.  And, then there are stories of other doctors:  Drs. Gilbert, Harris, Williams, Thompson, Ridgway, and Sullivan.  Nurse Jackie Busby who was nurse with the father- son team of Wayne and David Harris is seen throughout the show.  And, let’s not forget  stories of root cures, talking the fire from burns, and the spiritual healing that comes from above.  And, who can talk about medicine in Franklin County without talking of the legendary baseball Hall of Famer Ty Cobb – the one who built a hospital with a bat!

Now, let me get back to the golden girls.  I00 years of Nursing is the story of 102 year old Mary Hicks and 98 year old Annie Lois Alexander, two current residents of Brown Convalescence Center.  They both were nurses, home trained of course, and they relive some of their life’s experiences in this scene – it’s brought the house down with good hardy belly laughs.  Playing the roles are 92 year old Louise Allison and 60+ Lula Lowry – and their nurse was played by Priscilla Gothard.  I’ve nicknamed the team The Golden Girls.  This is a scene you will remember – or, at least one line from the scene – I’ll not give the secret away online, so buy your ticket NOW to come see the play.   The phone has been ringing off the hook for tickets this morning as news travels about the show  - please don’t wait till the last two weeks and not be able to come see this show!  I guarantee it’s not one you want to miss.

And, we had a lot of doctors in the house last night – some who told stories and many who are the new doctors who will be working at the all new Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center which will soon be under construction in Lavonia, off Interstate 85.   As they left the theatre, they were filled with compliments about the play and how much they could relate to some of the scenes – Being the life of a doctor is not easy, as you will hear described through Barbara Brown Whitney’s story – but, if one has a great sense of humor it helps ease the pressures they face daily. 

And, I’m thrilled  we heard from Doc Williams’ children this morning and they are making plans to come see the show!  Donna lives in Gainesville (married to a doctor), Alicia in Carrollton (married to a doctor) and son John  in Macon(Doctor of Psychology, I believe).  I had tried sending face book messages to Alicia but guess they never got to the right person – so, we thank the Franklin County Citizen for their big coverage of the opening of the play because this is where they read about their father’s stories in the play.  It’s going to be so much fun for them to see the play as a family – that’s what Land of Spirit is all about – preserving history, recognizing the spirit of our people who have served this community well over the years – and, it’s an all volunteer group who works so hard to have this annual production!  It’s a family affair – we have Chet Ford, PA playing the role of his Grandfather Dr. Edwin Ridgway; Chet’s daughter Jordan plays the role of Mama Beth Ridgway – her great grandmother.  Then, there is Jeff Thompson playing the role of his own father, Dr. Robert Thompson of Toccoa.  And, there are more relatives associated with this play – this is only a few examples! 

We call everyone associated with LOS, the Land of Spirit Family – and, that they are.  This year there are 79 Cast members and 80 supporting volunteers who work just with the show.  Then, add another large group of annual financial supporters and local city officials who assist – and the long list of Storytellers and the family is growing rapidly!   We want to thank all our volunteers for coming to support Land of Spirit and we thank you for making the Land of Spirit your home!  Enjoy a few photos from last night’s show!

 

 

 

See you at the theatre, Judy

It’s almost time for the show to begin.  One week from today is the preview VIP night when LOS Players perform for those who have contributed financially to the play, those whose stories are in the play, and special guests.   It’s a fun but hectic evening!

We begin early that day with a Reception at 5:45 – this year it’s sponsored by Ty Cobb Healthcare and the Lavonia Garden & Woman’s Clubs.  Trying to serve 200 guests and get them into the theatre by 7:10 can be a challenge with the limited room we have.  But,usually it’s such a festive mood that people don’t seem to mind that it’s a bit crowded – there is laughter and anticipation for the evening ahead!

At 7:10, AGLC, Inc. takes time to say THANKS to all those who have made this year’s play possible.  And, that’s a lot of people.  In 2010 we have 79 LOS Players; 6 from CPI group – Richard, Jules, Iega, Joe and Brackley; Heather, Kit, & Brett LOS Music Team; 60+ 2010 LOS Supporters; 15+ story tellers; and local elected officials who support the production in numerous ways.  We don’t have enough seating room to invite all the LOS Volunteers, which is another 80+, but without their contributions the play could not be presented.  Some will be working VIP night to make those attending more comfortable. 

And, at 7:30 when all the recognitions are over, the Play begins!  What an exciting time – hard to explain the feeling that goes over cast and crew when the curtain goes up (if there was a curtain) – this is like theatre in the round so there are no theatre curtains.  So, we depend upon our wonderful technical crew to set the stage for opening – with music, lighting, and special effects they make it appear as an opening on Broadway (so, I’m getting a little dramatic after only 3 years of hanging around theatre people – but, it is  spectacular)! 

This year is a little different, in that at intermission VIP Guests will be treated to Dessert.  As I said earlier, we begin with a reception – but, there is hardly time for a sweet ending – so, Ty Cobb Health Care and the Ladies from the Clubs are serving cake, cookies and brownies at intermission.  Then, it’s back to the Second Act of the show and the special ending of the play.  I can say no more on the blog and spoil the show, you have to come see how it ends for yourself.   

Programs are scheduled to arrive today or tomorrow, Barbara Busby who is editor of Country Roads Resource Guide (for Franklin Hart and Stephens County) is a member of the LOS Technical Team – along with daughter Shelby.  Daughter Emily and son Ryan are LOS Cast.  Barbara, as part of her volunteer work, serves as editor and publisher of the Land of Spirit Gazette.  How fortunate we are to have someone who has these talents to generously give of her time and expertise to publish this program.  And, it’s not your ordinary program – it’s a newspaper about the LOS Production – with interesting articles and lots of photographs. Plus Cast bios for all 79 players!

Kays Cap Company, the most famous of Cap makers, is generously donating 25 Nursing Caps for this production and they’re expected in on Saturday! Is it not wonderful that we have companies – not even located in Franklin County – but, who are willing to make donations and supply us with needs for the show.  That is Community Spirit from USA Businesses –  so, I’ll take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to Kays Caps and others who still manufacture on USA soil!

Costumes are being altered and pressed – seamstresses from the area have come to our aid again to produce those costumes which could not be purchased. 

Joe Varga is producing art work for set design that is absolutely unbelievable – he is a master at freehand drawing!    You will not recognize this year’s LOS Main stage when Joe puts his finishing touches to the stage, mixed with medical props Chet Ford has loaned for this production.  It’s magic how the theatre can be transformed from one era to another with the stroke of Joe’s charcoal crayons and paint!

Iega is still putting the pizzazz to each scene with his amazing choreography and Brackley Frayer, Lighting Designer, is expected in later this week.  He, along with the LOS Technical Team, will work almost day and night until opening, setting and programming lights for the production – and, adding those beautiful special effects.  Just a hint – remember this play has the legendary Ty Cobb as a character – and, you cannot have Ty Cobb without baseball – thus, the technical team will transform a theatre into a ball park at the touch of a switch!  Come see this happen – you will be amazed, too! 

Okay, enough play secrets for one day – get your ticket NOW!  The Saturday June 12 Matinee is now sold out and the Saturday June 19 Matinee is selling very strong – along with other evening performances.  Please don’t wait about getting tickets – we certainly don’t want you to miss this year’s production! Call 706-356-1926 or 706-356-8202 for reservation – if they should happen to be in the theatre, leave a message and they will get back in touch with you very soon – they accept Visa and Master Card.  You can then pick  up your ticket at the theatre Will Call Desk when you come see the play!

Have a blessed day and I’ll see you at the theatre, Judy

Hard to believe it has been so long since I blogged about Land of Spirit – don’t know where the days (and nights) go – time passes so fast.  However, the Program was put to bed last night and now it’s up to the printers to do the rest.

One night this week I was up all night long, trying to finish stories for the program – about the doctors who served Franklin County in the early 1900’s – and, those who served during the 1920’s – and, the time Franklin Springs was a health resort.  Just had to try and explain why we couldn’t include ALL doctors or related businesses in this year’s production of Ahhhhhh Shot in the Arm.   

And, I wanted to write about the real treasures of Ty Cobb Health Care System – the Pink Ladies and Blue Boys – those volunteers who have spent hours and hours giving “Tender Loving Care” to patients and hospital employees.  It’s been fun going through their scrapbooks of the past 25 years- just wish they had scrapbooks for the full 46 years of their existence.  It would be interesting to know how many hours of work they have put in over these 46 years, all FREE – volunteer service to the hospital.  When (not if) you come see the play, be sure and go into the Hospital Break Room (Concessions area) and see pictures and sample newspaper articles of how much they have done in support of TCHS and our community. 

Today Cast begin work on Choreography – Iega arrived last evening from Chicago.  He watched a run through of the play and by today he will have a plan of action for each of the musical selections.  And, he usually helps put the finishing touch to the blocking of scenes.  This is when the production really comes together – it’s like magic!  Or maybe he is the magic – whatever, it turns an ordinary show into a spectacular production.

It’s going to be a great day in the Land of Spirit!

Call and get your tickets – Saturday matinees are going fast!!!  

706-356-1926 or 706-356-8202  If no one answers, leave a message and they will return your call.  They are at the theatre at various times – but, will get your ticket order when they return to the office.

Thanks and I’m looking forward to seeing you at the theatre, Judy

 

A small group of Land of Spirit Players performed on Saturday, May 8 at BabyLand General’s Grand Opening of their new Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia.  It was a pretty but windy day.  Genny and Bo drove their truck with booth supplies and Judy drove her van with LOS Performers Jeanette, Margaret, and Barbara.  These folks had the the booth set up in record time – even with having to tie down everything! 

LOS Players and Playwright Jules Corriere arrived a little later in time for the 10:00 performance.  Crowds were a little scarce at that time, but it got better the closer it got to Xavier’s arrival.  LOS Players performed again at 2:00.

I’ll just post a few pictures to tell the rest of the story and for you to share in the fun we had!  Sorry, the other 70 players could not be there – most had practice on Saturday for the NEW 2010 Show opening June 3 – 4- 5 weekend.       

It was a fun day and we thank BabyLand General for inviting us to participate!  See you at the theatre, Judy

 

  

Those who personally know me, know that I wear hearing aids – yes aids.  Not one but two – had them now for about three years.  Actually, it was right after the first Land of Spirit production that I gave in and sought relief.  Not necessarily for me – but for those around me. 

One evening at the 2008 play Genny Cole asked me a question and I gave her an answer.  My sister happened to be sitting close by and overheard  the conversation.  She looked at me and said - “Judy the answer you gave Genny had nothing to do with the question she asked!”  Genny responded, “it’s okay – we’re use to it.”  I knew the time had come for me to seek help.

And, I must admit I complained during the entire season that I could not hear the play.  Well to make a long story shorter, I got the hearing aids and in 2009 I was ready for Land of Spirit – or so I thought.  Sound in the theatre was better but still not good.  Now, I am most often  the one reads and tabulates comments  from attendees, too.  It never failed that we had at least one comment each performance re: the lack of quality sound.  Young people talk too fast and some talk too low.  Well, you’ve guessed by now that I was not pleased with the sound in 2009, either.  Even with my hearing aids there were times when the sound was too low to hear and I was afraid I would miss an important line in the play – ruining the entire scene for me.    So, I complained again – knowing that if I could not hear there would be other seniors who could not hear either.

As for the technical team who operates our system – they are experienced in operating theatre lighting and sound systems – and they continue to train others who will be with us for several years to come.  But, as knowledgeable and talented as they are they cannot make a bad system sound good.

When the season ended Genny Cole set out to find someone to evaluate the theatre sound system – and, she found someone.  A professional company came in and evaluated the system – commenting that we had a top of the  line system – however: our speakers were mounted in the wrong locations for optimum performance and that we could use some additional portable microphones.   The professional theatre system we have uses a combination of ceiling drop mikes and individual people mikes.   We bit the bullet and hired this company to reset all the speakers.  Then, Heather McCluskey, LOS Music Director & Composer graciously offered the use of three individual mikes that she owned. 

When the system was tested, sound improvement was unbelievable – just relocating the mikes have made a tremendous difference.  Now, I can hardly wait until we put the additional mikes into use and then I can sit back and enjoy the 2010 production of Ahhhhhh Shot in the Arm – along with many others who come to the show and who experience a hearing disability just like I do.  

It’s hard for hearing people to understand what others go through when they cannot understand what is happening on stage – just as one cannot empathize with what a wheelchair bound person goes through unless you have been there or one of your loved ones has experienced that disability.  It’s much easier to ‘say’ that you’re theatre is handicap accessible than it is to ‘make’ everything handicap accessible. 

But, there is one thing for sure at the LOS Theatre – we will do everything possible to make your theatre experience enjoyable.  If it’s not right the first time – like our sound system – we’ll keep working until we do get it right.  So, when you come visit us this season please fill out the comment section on your evaluation form and let us know how we can continue to improve. 

See you at the theatre, Judy   

Today is Friday, April 30 – where did the week go? 

Rehearsals began on Monday night.  Most Cast members were on hand to welcome Jules and Richard back to Lavonia for their third season.  And, they welcomed this year’s new Assistant Director Janna Browning, along with two guests, Bridgette & Courtnie from Jonesborough, Tenn. who were gathering information on how to operate their new folk like play which opens in 2011.  It was a busy night giving out notebooks with the new play, new music, and schedules for rehearsals, etc.  And, of course family members had to spend a little time catching up on news from one another.

The first rehearsals are for “table time” – that’s when cast members sit around the table and read their lines – changing words and making the play their own.  Jules does a beautiful job of writing, but she doesn’t necessarily speak the language our ancestors spoke so it’s important to read each line carefully and to change if it makes for a better and more accurate play.  Scenes are scheduled according to the players schedules – and, thankfully Jules makes out this schedule. I would hate to arrange a master rehearsal schedule to accommodate 82 individual schedules  - that’s what I would call a nightmare! 

Tuesday and Wednesday nights were for table practice.  While actors read their lines and began first time blocking, our Stage Manager Vivian kept up with the changes and made blocking notes.  Meanwhile, Genny Cole and I worked on the theatre.  Last year several attendees commented about the seats being too close together.  So, Genny and I rearranged every seat in the auditorium, taking out a few so that people would have more room.  We tried not to count how much money this would cost in ticket sales, because we knew if attendees were not comfortable we would loose a lot more ticket sales in the long run of things. 

Thursday night was a combination of scene work and the first full cast music rehearsal.  Heather McCluskey, resident Composer and Music Director for LOS was there, along with her daughter Kit Thompson who is LOS Pianist.  Players began rehearsal with our 2010 theme song, Ahhhhhh Shot in the Arm.  This is a cutie and Heather is a master at directing the full cast!  I will not spill the secrets of this great song – you will just have to come see it performed.

The second song practiced was The Long Climb Up , with music by Brett & Heather McCluskey and words by Heather McCluskey.   This song was written from the inspiration of the story told by Dr. Robert Sullivan. 

See, the week just flew by and now it’s only five weeks until we open!  There is so much to do, no time to write. . .

See you at the theatre, Judy                       

Opening Prayer Circle . . . 4.26.2010

 

Looking over their roles. . . 4.26.2010

Table Work. . . 4.27.2010

 

Blocking Wray’s Drugstore Scene. . .  4.28.2010

 

Music Rehearsal 4.29.2010