Land of Spirit

It was really late when I came home last night, exhaused from two Saturday performances, having dinner with friends who came up from Auguata, Ga. just to see the play, a cast and crew party after the last performance, helping close up the theater, and then coffee at the Waffle House!  Too tired to write a blog.

Just in a matter of hours the clock was going off - waking me for early church services.  What a beautiful Sunday it is.  So now that I’ve had a little rest today, I am really to reflect on Saturday’s performances and what lies ahead for Land of Spirit! 

Arriving at the theater around 1:00, I found many cast members already there.  They were taking lots of photos, in small groups, of their new found friends through this experience.  There were even some tears and the day had just begun.  But, you could feel the excitement - they still wanted to perform their best even after 15 previous shows (including a pre-view for Charter Supporters & Special guests). 

The Saturday Matinee was not considered a sell out - there were a few empty seats - but it was a great audience - they were into the show from the beginning.  The entire performance went so fast. . . seemed it was over almost before it began!  We had several church groups in attendance; family groups in support of their love ones;  representative from GA. Department of Community Affairs & her mother; and several folks who said they just had to “come back” and see it one more time before it closed.

Between shows cast and crew members ran out for a quick bite to eat and to pick up their party snacks for the party later on that night.   Again, a couple of hours were gone and the bell was ringing for the last performance to begin.  The Mayor had come again, the City Manager, City Council Members, DDA Members, and many who were Charter Supporters. They, too, wanted to see it one more time before the fall remount!

Now, one would think that after seeing this show 16 times, and numerous rehearsals (too many to count), that I would be familiar with the dialoge.  However, being somewhat deaf, I had sat all over the theater trying to check out the sound system.  Tonight, I was a little closer to the set than usual and I heard words, phrases, and sentences I had not previously heard.  After the show I mentioned it to Genny.  She started laughing and said, I heard them, too!   Upon further investigation, it seems some of the cast had gotten a little emotional and some were playing back-up parts for the first time and when they could not remember their lines they just said whatever came to mind - before Gayle had time to speak out and prompt their lines.  Now, I don’t think it was a planned thing - each performer was trying so hard to make it a perfect show they just didn’t want anyone to know they had missed a line!  To me, it showed how much professionalism they had developed in a few short weeks.  About 85-90% of the cast had come as “first time performers” - and, now they wanted to prove their role as  veteran theater performers - and, they did!  The audience laughted, clapped, and truly enjoyed the last summer performance of  THE LAST HARD TIMES.  And, as we said good by to the audience as they were leaving, many of them said - we’ll see you again in the fall!  That was music to our ears. . .

Party - we did!  There were tables and tables of delicous home made sweets, ice cream, fresh fruits, chicken tenders,  sandwiches, and dips and chips of almost every variety known to exist!  Many brought the recipe they had used for their party snacks, to add to the Land of Spirit Cookbook which is being produced for fall sales.  The Cookbook is a fundraiser for next year’s Land of Spirit production! 

Several came up and said, “bet you’re ready for a vacation next week.”  My response - “I’m ready, but there’s no time for a vacation.”  You see, Genny and I still have:   final grant reports to write; new grant applications to write; borrowed equipment to return; audience survey forms to tabulate; cast member evaluations to tablulate;  fall cast commitments to organize; bills to pay; and chores and chores that have gone undone for weeks now.  But, best of all - we have more stories to gather for the next 2009 Land of Spirit Production!

Vacation will come later - but for now, we want to enjoy memories from THE LAST HARD TIMES!

  See you at the theater in October, Judy

It’s Friday night - last weekend of the summer season!  Only two shows left on Saturday - the 2:30 Matinee and evening performance at 7:30!  But, tonight’s cast members once  again played to a “packed house!”  It really is unbelievable how many people are coming to our show! 

Heather McCluskey, LOS Composer, commented that it just might be our best performance yet - and, wouldn’t  you know I saw it tonight through a camera lense - rather than my own eyes.  I had put off making photos during the show until it was almost too late - and I would have missed our first season.  I had finally hunted out the tripod and decided to give it a shot at making pictures in the dark.  I am an amateur photographer, you know - and don’t have experience shooting in the dark!  

I’m sure the guests who came the longest distance tonight were the Yoders & Family from Virginia.  And, what a treat it was to meet and have them in our community!  My husband Kenneth and I were having a quick dinner at 211 Main Street when I notice 6 “strangers” enter the restaurant.  I said to him, that must be the Yoders from Virginia.  You’re wondering how I knew?  Well, I just knew - and sure enough when I went over to their table and said, “you must be the Yoders” - they laughed and asked - “How did you know”?

 I told them the same thing - around here you just know! 

We had a wonderful but short conversation and I had to run to get my jobs at the theater done before show time.  But, later they came to the show - and, we had a few minutes to talk again.  I can see why Jules Corriere, LOS Playwright, says they are her “other parents” - such a delighful group.  They commented about how they could not only see Jules in the play - but Joe Varga in set design - Brackley Frayer in lighting and Kevin Iega Jeff in choreography.  We all laughted at intermission when John David said, “I see you don’t have any pauses between scenes - that’s Richard’s work” (Richard Geer is Artistic Director from CPI).  

As the play is winding down I began thinking of all the “missed bloggs” I should have done on more of our actors.  As I looked through the lens tonight, I saw the teenagers - or, those close to being in their teens and realized I have said very little about their contributions to this successful play!   Moriah is not here this weekend but while here she was awesome.  She is a “leader” of the other young players. 

Then there is Marilyn Montemeyer with that beautiful smile and pretty dark eyes.  She always has one of the little ones in tow - so not only does she have to worry about being where she is suppose to be in the show, but she helps with the younger children.  Good thing she is young bacause if not, she wouldn’t survive after the workout she gets on a show night!

Then there is Carrie McDuffy, Chloe Thomason, Emily Busby, Evan Greer, Jordan Richey, Josh Brannen, Maddie McRee, Miah Spencer, Sierra Starks, Stephen McCluskey, and Katelyn Spears - what friendships they have developed and what courage and independence they have displayed after only a few weeks of performing together. 

I remember Maddie McRee’s audition when she told Jules she wanted to read something funny and Jules gave her a short scence to play as a Moonshiners daughter and after her father’s still is cut down by Sheriff Nelms the animals get drunk off the spilled mash.   Well, Maddie silently read the part and then asked her mom - What’s Moonshine?  Her mother explained it was a type of liquor.  Then Maddie asked, what is mash?  Again her mother explained and then she read the part.  She did rather well, but then Richard asked her if she could talk country - Maddie said yes - and the part has been her’s ever since.  She is so cute - so funny  and the audience loves her presentation.   Her double is Melodie Gentry, a bit older, but excellent casting in this role as well.  You can just tell both Maddie and Melodie enjoy telling this true life story!  

Another teen to blossom during THE LAST HARD TIMES is Miah Spencer.  So shy and timid in the beginning and now - she volunteers for any roles that need a backup - and she’s good, too!  And, like Marilyn - she usually has another little one either on her back, hip or following close behind wherever she goes. 

I could go on and on about these teens, but then I wouldn’t get to talk about some other cast members tonight.  We are so very proud of their contributions and maybe after the show closes I will come back and write more about these young people.

I wanted to mention Henry McConnell tonight.  Every show must have a Henry - he’s the person who does a little of everything - no big, big parts - but lots and lots of small ones and helps everyone else in between.  Henry plays Mr. Beggs from the grocery store; Bud the drunken moonshiner; a Government Man in March in the Rain;  he digs at the bump in the road; he blows up the still in the moonshine scene - and, a host of other prop details - like putting up the house in I’m not an Eyesore.    He, also, contributed the copper Moonshine Still that’s on the set and makes signs for the yard.  Henry’s an all round, good guy that you can’t do without - but, so quiet that you can overllook him if not careful!  He does not bring attention to himself but the play couldn’t go on if not for Henry’s detail work.

One down - three to go for the last weekend of summer season for THE LAST HARD TIMES, Land of Spirit’s first production.  Would you believe another SOLD OUT HOUSE!  After all regular seats were filled and chairs around the stage - we began asking those who were coming in to purchase tickets for Friday or Saturday performances - and, they did!  There was just no more room in the theater for a Thursday night prformance - is that not exciting?

Sales for the rest of the weekend have been brisk - I think it will be sold out houses for the next three and final performances.  What a first season - we’re spoiled already and we know it! 

Cast members have learned fast to play off the audience.  Including the little ones.  We have to keep a good eye on all the kids now - they want to put “themselves” in all the scenes.  Five year old Riley Whitworth is amazing.  She never misses a line in a song and knows choreography for the entire play - whether she is in the scene or not!  Last weekend, all of a sudden she appeared on stage with a duet by Ray Stowers and Melody Gentry - and made a trio of it.  Her mom said she could not get Riley to Bible School this past week because she did not want to miss Tuesday night’s run through in preparation for weekend shows. 

There is a scene in the show - “A Little Hope Never Hurt Nobody” where a mother and her six kids wave at passing airplanes and the mother says - “one of these days that airplane is going to drop a bag of money on us and we want be poor anymore.”  Well, one day it does - and, if we aren’t careful the kids put themselves in this scene , too!  Last weekend we had seven kids run out a couple of times.  This weekend we’re trying hard to stay with the script and keep the kids to six - but, it’s not an easy task!   Fellow cast members have to be there to hold one back if they get ready to go - but, you know they really are cute and I must admit I have to laugh at some of the tactics they use to get on stage! 

Tonight there was a little girl in the audience named Ginger - maybe three or four years of age - a cousin to Oliva York who is in the play.  Well, little Ginger was sitting up in the stands singing the lines to “Hard Times” and doing the arm motions - and “Bump in the Road”.  Just darling was this little girl with blonde ringlets - smiling and singing as if she were in the play.  Bet next time she will be in the play with Cousin Olivia, too! 

And, what can I say about the performances of Sheila Spencer and Jeff Thompson tonight.  Both were spectacular - and both had to fill in for someone missing.  Lynetta Barnes had to miss this weekend due to Basketball Camp but Sheila Spencer stepped right in and performed Lynett’s role, as well as, her own.  If you had not seen the play before you would not have known the difference.     Sheila was wonderful!

 In the last scene of the play 91 years old Tommy Scott plays himself.  But, Tommy was missing tonight (first time in 14 performances) - not beacuse he was sick - but, because he was in Kentucky being inducted into the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame.  But, he’s only missing one show - he will be back tomorrow night.  And, at age 91 Tommy was still worried about missing a show he was committed to.  But, Jeff stepped in and told about Tommy receiving an award tonight and the audience were jubilant for Tommy - and, then young Steven McCluskey who plays the younger Tommy Scott came on and played “The Medicine Show is Back in Town - and the crowd loved him, too! 

Speaking of Tommy being 91 - last Tuesday was his birthday- and with it being on a rehearsal night the cast had a big party for him - ice cream and cake - and lots of well wishes for many more years.  Tommy says his goal is to make it to at least 100!

The husband and wife team of Lula and Marvin Lowry were all smiles tonight.  Their son came to see their performance.  I spoke to him before the show and he said he was amazed his parents were both in the show - said he would never have dream they would do something like this.  Almost the same words of the son and daughter of Zadie Gaines.  They were in attendance to see their mom play my grandmother!  She made them and me proud - Zadie was excellent tonight!  

This cast has exhibited so much professionalism during this first season.  Since about 90% have NEVER been in a play, it is amazing how they have come together to learn each other’s roles and to fill in when someone has to miss.  Vivian Young is Stage Manager, but has already played several parts when someone is out and tonight she did it again.   John Payne, whose wife Susan and daughter Moriah had to miss this weekend, sang his wife’s solo in the Bump in the Road scene and did quiet well! 

Speaking of John Payne reminded me to comment on tonight’s Moonshine song - by the moonshine guys!  The best yet - they were loud - smiling - having fun - and oh so confident in front of the audience - especially John Payne.  The audience sitting on John’s side of the stage was drawn right into the play - John made sure of that!

It’s late and tomorrow is another show day.  Like I said, we’re expecting sell out crowds so if you don’t have a ticket - you had better call first thing in the morning - or you may have to catch the fall production!  

Friday night will be special, anyway.  We have Playwright Jules Corriere’s friends from Newport News, Virginia coming to the play.  Yes, 6 of them driving down just to see Land of Spirit’s, The Last Hard Times.   And, these are experienced theater folks - it’s the Yoder’s from Yoder Barn Theater!  How honored we are to have them come see us - Jules has written a great play and well try hard to make her proud tomorrow night! 

See you at the theater, Judy

Every where I go people are talking about Land of Spirit.  I attend Lavonia United Methodist Church and this morning at early service, Rev. Tom McElroy asked the congregation to raise their hand in they had attended one of the performances.    Then he said, “for those of you who have not seen the show - you must go before it closes for the summer.  There are only four performances left and I can asure you - you do not want to miss this event.” 

Then, in the afternoon I attended Open House at the Martha Little House in Carnesville.  The house was filled with guests and almost everyone I met began congratulating me on the success of Land of Spirit.  My sister was with me and she related a story about a phone call she had earlier in the morning.  She has friends who live in Toccoa and they had called wanting to know if tickets were still available for the last weekend.  She said Land of Spirit was all people were talking about in nearby Toccoa - and, she and her husband just had to come see the show!  Isn’t it wonderful that word of the show has spread to neighboring counties - and, they are all talking of how great the show is!  And, speaking of Toccoa - I saw on their official city web site they had Land of Spirit dates on their local community calendar!  How nice and thoughtful to advertise our show.

I think people have been surprised and amazed at the professionalism of the show - and the amount of local talent we have.  Yes, there are a few locals who have experience in community theater performances but, for the most part, the majority of our cast have never been in a show of any type, much less, a folk life play with this many cast members (close to 85) and with this much original music.  Granted, some sing in their church choir - but most joined LOS because they wanted to do something different.

 One of the seasoned performers is Ray Stowers.  It has been said that Ray is the BEST Casting assignment made in this production - and, I have to agree.   Actually, I remember when Ray auditioned.  He was the last person to come in to Royston Baptist Church on the afternoon auditions were held there.  He and his wife were on their way to Emmanuel College to see THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by Dr. Deborah Stark - who just happens to be the volunteer musical director for Land of Spirit’s first production, THE LAST HARD TIMES.    Ray came in, read for a part and was gone in just a short time.  Immediately, Playwright Jules Corriere said - “there goes my Philosofarmer!  He was brilliant.”      And, he is!  Just in case you are wondering, we know there is no such word as Philosofarmer - but, as Jules has said, “If I am the writer I can create any type person I desire, and I want a philosfarmer in this play.”  She made a wise decision - creating and casting the philosofarmer - Ray is a hit in the show! 

In the last three weeks, at LOS performances, I personally have met people from all parts of Georgia, including:  Carrollton; Calhoun; Marietta; Cartersville; Dublin; Hartwell; Toccoa; Bowman; Fayetville; Villa Rica; Chatsworth; Tiger; Monroe; Gainesville; Atlanta; Riverdale; Buford; Alpharetta; Homer; Athens; Gwinnette County; Habersham County; as well as, Orlando, Fla.; Anderson, Columbia, and Seneca, SC.; and, the states of Missouri and Minnesota.  If this keeps up - LOS will be known through out all the Southeastern States - and beyond - isn’t that wonderful!   Hope you will come see us for one of the last four shows of the season.

See you at the theater, Judy 

How time is flying.  Seems as if it were only yesterday when we were preparing for opening night(June 5).  Now, we only have four remaining shows for this first production.  And, what an experience it has been.  Of course, we have had learning pains - what new show doesn’t.  But it’s great to have these “learning pains” with sold out houses as we did today - and, to have all 200+ audience members leave the theater happy and laughing after each show.

We knew the Saturday Matinee  was to have good attendance today because we had reservations for three church groups:  Monroe, GA.; Gainesville, GA.; and neighboring Martin, GA.  But we were a little surprised when at show time it was a full house.  The full house stimulated the cast and they were full of energy.  The show was wonderful! 

After the show the cast had a pot luck dinner and we told them the night crowd would be small.  We had not pre-sold many tickets and there were no large groups scheduled to be there.  We asked them to please give as much energy for this small group as they had for the large crowd at the Matinee.  The said they woud do their best!

Well, around 6:30 we had very few people coming in to purchase tickets at the door.  But, at 7:00 we had a line going out the door and up the sidewalk.  By show time, we were adding extra chairs around the sides of the stage areas - it was another FULL HOUSE!  The cast immediately thought I had just told them it would be a small group - but no way would I do that.  I don’t know where all these folks came from - but, it was so exciting to worry about where we were going to put all of them!

It was a high energy cast and a high energy audience.  And, just like every night for the past 12 performances (plus pre-view night) cast members received a standing ovation!  People are truly amazed that we have this much local talent - and, you might say we have been hiding that talent.  Our community has been overwhelmed with the show and never have I seen this much excitement.  You can see and hear the excitment - and, the sense of PRIDE in their community has been renewed!

There are four shows for next weekend.  I have a feeling that ALL next weekend will be just as exciting as today.  Please let me encourage you to MAKE RESERVATIONS or GET YOUR TICKET EARLY for these shows.  It helps make the lines shorter - and it just might gurantee you a seat.  If shows sell out next weekend - you’ve missed your chance to see it - and, will have to wait until October!  Please call 706-356-8202 or 706-356-1926 on MONDAY to get your tickets!

See you at the theater, Judy 

For a Thursday evening performance, the audience was fantastic - approximately 200 in attendance.  I did not get the final count, but I do know that 168 tickets had been sold by mid-afternoon and there were people waiting in the theater ticket line tonight at 6:30!   For a first LOS play in a small rural community, attendance is phenominal!

This was the first weekend without either Richard or Jules being with us, too.  They would have been proud - cast performed great for this large audience.  I know they were sitting in Newport News and Denver wondering how it was going.  They had flown home and left their “baby” with new babysitters - babysitters who aren’t even familiar with plays.    Even though Genny & Judy are new to the theater, the cast were trained well enought by the Masters to carry on the show.

And, if you are reading this and haven’t seen the show yet - don’t wait until the last weekend.  With so many people telling us they are coming back to see it again, you might not be able to get in!   Guarantee yourself a seat - come this third weekend so you too can come back next week - if there’s room!

 See you at the theater, Judy 

“They’ve learn to fly - they own the show.”  Those were the words of Playwright & Co-Director Jules Corriere, following the two Satruday performances of The Last Hard Times.   In the world of theater I have found that means: they aced it ; they performed at the top level; they performed at their best, or close to it; they brought the audience into the show;   both audience and cast members were jubilant (that’s putting it mildly) when the show ended!

 There are two teams that make up the Land of Spirit Cast - Mule and Cotton Teams.  They both played on Saturday, one at the Matinee and the other at the evening performance.  I can never remember which is which because they both put on wonderful shows - so it doesn’t matter which team in on - you still enjoy the show.  The only people who keep up with it are family members who want to come see their love ones perform in particular roles.   What a day it was. . .

On Saturday Valicia Miller played with the confidence of an experienced actor.  In the scene, “I’m Not an Eyesore” she plays the part of Effie - the granddaughter who narrates the story of her grandmother losing her home.   Until Saturday night she appeared to be somewhat hesitant about putting her heart and soul into the role, sometime stumbling over her lines.  But not any more, she owned that part of the show Saturday night and the audience drew her into their fold.  I was so very proud of Valicia.  She has a beautiful voice and always owns those parts - but Saturday, she owned all of them!

In Friday’s blog I talked about Jerry King and how “the show must go on” even if you are not feeling well.  Two other cast know what that means, as well.  Bob and Caroline Wilbanks both have the “sinus crud” (or, that’s what I call it) and they have performed as if nothing was wrong - now I had that stuff this summer and I know how bad they must have felt - but, unlike me - they were not complaining but showing up and doing what was expected!  A tip of the hat to the both of them! 

And if smiles could still a show - Katelyn Spears, Chavonne Holbrooks, Maggie Miller and Chance Jacobs own the show EVERY NIGHT.  These young people capture the audience without having to say a word!  You can tell they love every minute they’re on stage - even singing in a group of 50!

And, speaking of singing you must hear Shelia Spencer.  A terrific voice!  But then you add her voice to that of Angie Greer - who has been described as having the voice of an angel -and the ending song of the show with their duet is worth the price of the ticket to see the complete show!  Never have I heard “In The Sweet By and By” sung with such feeling - and, yes, it does bring tears to my eyes.

The Third Weekend begins this coming Thursday evening at 7:30.  Call today at 706-356-8202 for tickets! $15 General Admission, $14 Group tickets, and $12 for Franklin County Residents.  We’ve been asked why we have a special price for Franklin County residents.  Answer  - Lavonia has put a lot of tax payer monies into the facility and it’s a break so thay do not have to pay double!  If you’re a tax payer - I’m sure you understand!  

 See you at the theater, Judy 

Another great performance tonight and especially for Jerry King.  He plays the Philosofarmer, along with Ray Stowers, and Jerry had not performed the role in several shows.   Ray usually plays this main role and Jerry backs him up, along with all Jerry’s other smaller roles.  But tonight, Ray was gone & Jerry played all his parts -  and was brilliant - considering he wasn’t feeling well himself.

Jerry has had poor health for years and sometime passes out because of his sugar levels.  Tonight he came up to me and said, “now if I die right here on this stage be sure and tell everyone I was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing and loving every minute of it.”  Talk about a “show attitude” - you know - like “the show must go on” - Jerry had it tonight.  Nothing could have kept him from having his night in the spotlight!  And, he did a marvelous job!      

211 Main Street restaurant is staying open during the month of June on Friday and Saturday nights, when they are usually closed on Saturday - just so they can serve the theater crowd.  Tonight, there were several people at 211 who were eating an early dinner and then going to the show.  Among them was 10 from the Chastain Family - two LOS Actors - and, my husband Kenneth and myself.   Tomorrow night the Gillespie Family will eat dinner after the Saturday Matinee.

I’m excited about my Uncle Bill Gillespie and his family coming to the play on Saturday.  Grandmother Gillespie’s story is in the play and I’m anxious to see how her son will react.  I know if my Mom was still living, she would be proud to see Grandmother’s story being told, even if it is a sad one.  Grandmother was a strong, independent woman and was certainly “no bump in the road.”   Peggy Moon and Zadie Gaines both do a wonderful job in this role and both bring tears to my eyes as they put their heart and soul into this scene.

Leslie McFarlin and her children Alex and Carrie are in the play.  Tonight Leslie was on top of her lines, as co-workers from North Georgia Technical College were in the audience.  She made us proud with her performance, but you know - she’s good every night! 

Don’t let me forget to mention the Payne Family - John, Susan and Moriah - all three were hitting the top tonight, too.  Their son, from Athens, came up to see the show and the family made him proud!  Tomorrow night another son will be here to see them perform.  This entire family has grown up in the theater and every night is a good one for them!  We’re lucky to have them in the show.

There were three special peole in the audience tonight.  LOS Playwright, Jules Corriere’s family (son, daughter, and husband) were here from Newport News, Virginia.   Jules gives what she calls “love notes” to cast members each day, telling them if they did good or if there are things they need to work on.  Tonight, following the performance, Cassidy and Ian handed Jules “love notes” telling their Mom  what needed to be done to make the show better.  Talk about learning ”show business” early - these two are already practicing to be a director!

Two shows tomorrow and the second weekend will come to a close.  If you want to have fun, laugh, and feel good about the community in which you live - all Franklin County residents need to pack the house tomorrow.  You’ll be glad you did. . . and, so will we!

 See you at the theater, Judy

It was Thursday afternoon and we had begun to worry if we would have a big house of patrons for that evening’s performance.  Genny assured us it would be a big crowd.  She would say,” I’m not sure how many tickets we’ve sold, but it will be a good house.  Trust me.”   And, that it was!  They began arriving around 6:20 and before show time (7:30) there were over 177 in attendance - a few more came in before it began, and with parking attendants coming in to see the show, along with ushers and ticket sales volunteers, it was almost a full house on a Thursday night!

Not having performed since last Saturday night, the cast once again rose to the occasion.  The audience was right in with them - clapping, laughing - and, even had a little foot stomping!  There was one particular gentleman I noticed sitting in the lower riser section (for elderly & disabled patrons).  He was smiling, laughing, clapping and singing.  Later I said to Genny that I was sure one man had a great time last night- and, I told her where he was sitting.  She said she noticed him, too.  He was blind.  I would never have known - I just knew he was having a good old time!

And, another surprise for me.  A lady I worked with in the 1970’s at Athens Tech was in the audience.  She lives in Gwinnett County and it turns out she knew Genny Cole and had attended Genny’s family reunion for many years - like a member of the family.  How small the world has become.  She & her husband had come to the play with friends from Gwinnett who also own a farm in Franklin County.  Never realizing that Genny and I were working with Land of Spirit, she was excited to renew old friendships - and we were, too! 

 And, while I was in the audience risers renewing this Gwinnette County friendship, a  lady sitting on the next row up called my name.  How wonderful it was to see Red Hat friends from Anderson, SC in the audience.   There were more people from outside Franklin County at last night’s performance than those from inside.  The Spirit is Spreading. . .

But, one of the best things from last night’s performance were the Attendance Surveys.  I tabulated the results today and the comments were outstanding.  So many compliments on our talented cast members.  Only a few suggestions for improvements which I consider to be outstanding for a first year’s show.   

It’s almost show time for Friday night so I will write more tomorrow.  If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, let me encourage you to call soon.

See you at the theater, Judy   

     

I can’t remember when there has been this much excitement in Franklin County. . . everywhere you go people are talking about Land of Spirit’s opening weekend.  The new radio station, WLHR 92.1, is giving great coverage several times a day: interviewing cast members; Genny Cole, Co-Producer; and others who have gone to see this year’s performance, The Last Hard Times.  They even told on the radio that while they were interviewing Ms. Cole that several people came in to purchase tickets and one woman had called from Auburn, Georgia (maybe 60 miles away) to purchase tickets.

The entire community is buzzing with excitement and discussion of the play’s stories.  A lady stopped me at dinner in Hartwell on Monday night and said she had attended a cook-out on Sunday night, over in South Carolina, and the talk of the outing was Land of Spirit.   A couple was telling everyone there it is a “must see” performance!  And, ticket sales on Monday and Tuesday confirmed buzzing of the play - ticket sales were heavy both days.  More and more church groups are calling in for Matinee Performances, and family groups are arranging for matinees and evening performances. 

Personally, eight members of my family are coming this Saturday for the Matinee Performance.  My Aunt & Uncle are coming from Cartersville, along with six children who live in Marietta, Woodstock, Cartersville, and Calhoun.  His mother’s (and my grandmother’s) story is in the play.  It’s the scene, Not an Eyesore.  Both people who perform as grandmother (one on the Cotton Team and one on Mule Team) are wonderful in this role.  Both play the role with their heart . . . and, every time I have watched - in rehearsal and in this past weekend’s performances, it brings tears to my eyes.   I know Grandmother would have been proud of the way Zadie and Peggy portray her in the play.

I think that’s the magic of Land of Spirit - that as you watch the performances you are reminded that all of these are real, true stories from people in our community - some sad, some dramatic, and some just plain funny!  Come see it for yourself and I can guarantee you will go away “buzzing” just like those who saw it on opening weekend. 

See you at the theater, Judy