Trustus Theatre Celebrates "25 Fabulous Years" With New Season of Columbia Favorites and New Works

Trustus Theatre is celebrating its 25th season by bringing some Trustus classics back to the main stage as well as producing four exciting musicals including the Southeastern professional premiere of Jonathan Larson's contemporary musical classic, RENT. The Vista-based theatre is also bringing some of Columbia's favorite Trustus alumni back to the Capitol city. Trustus kicks off its quarter of a century season with Paul Rudnick's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, a tried and true comedy favorite from 2002.

Trustus Managing Director Kay Thigpen still tells the story of the bomb threat that brought the first Trustus production to a halt in the theatre's original Assembly St. walk-up space. It was November 15th, 1985 and Trustus co-founders Jim and Kay Thigpen had toiled for 48 hours with the cast of Extremities (the first show in the Assembly St. theatre) to prepare for opening night. The former tenants of the building were upset about losing their space and they had smashed windows, smashed the toilets, left holes in the walls and had spray painted the place with derogatory remarks. However, Trustus was ready after much labor to present the watermark production for the 48 patrons that came to the show.
"It was towards the end of the second act," recounted Kay Thigpen, "and suddenly the police pounded up the stairs and told me to get everyone out because there was a bomb in the building." Artistic Director Jim Thigpen went to the front of the stage and stopped the play. Jim led the cast of the show out behind the building and Kay escorted the audience out the front of the theatre. After a thorough search, the police reported that they had received a call saying there was a bomb in the building but that there was nothing in the theatre. The cast, crew, and audience filed back into the theatre and the play resumed. "If I had planned a sensational opening night, I couldn't have done much better than a bomb scare," said Kay Thigpen. "It was an auspicious opening that one is unlikely to forget." The years that followed that opening have brought many awards and international recognition to the Columbia theatre, and now they're still going strong and preparing for their 25th season.

When Artistic Director Jim Thigpen approached the monumental task of preparing this anniversary season he knew that he wanted to construct a season that honored the loyal Trustus patrons as well as attracting new audience members. "While this season is very audience friendly, it still upholds the Trustus mission of bringing the best of the newest and original plays, to an audience craving professional theatre in a setting that is comfortable and unique," said Thigpen. "This season we're bringing back many audience favorites from the past 24 seasons to our main stage and our black box theatre. We're extremely delighted to produce the southeastern premiere of RENT as well as bring the South Carolina premiere of The Last Five Years to Columbia." The last show of the season is the winner of the Trustus Playwrights' Festival; Paradise Key by Trustus alumni Dean Poynor. "[Dean] has grown so much in his writing," said Thigpen. "He's getting attention and acclaim across the nation, and we're very elated and fortunate to produce one of his shows and welcome him back to the city in August, 2010."

Trustus begins their celebration of "25 Fabulous Years" with Paul Rudnick's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told directed by Dewey Scott Wiley (Evita, Reefer Madness: The Musical). This show is a returning Trustus classic from 2002, and features original cast members Paul Kaufmann, Robin Gottlieb, and Jason Stokes. This show chronicles the events of the Old Testament; however, instead of Adam and Eve we have Adam and Steve. The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told will open on September 11th, 2009 at 8:00pm.

In October, Trustus is bringing Extremities back to the main stage. Extremities was the first Trustus show in the Assembly St. walk-up space which was interrupted by that infamous bomb threat. Of course, there's no need to worry about that sort of thing this time out. Directed by Jim Thigpen (The Little Dog Laughed, Rabbit Hole), this show opens with a woman almost becoming the victim of rape. In a surprising turn of events, our lead captures the would-be-rapist and restrains him in the fireplace. Popular Columbia actors Monica Wyche and Christopher Cockrell will be starring in this stirring and provocative piece.

Undoubtedly, excitement will be in the air at Trustus in December as they produce the Southeastern professional premiere of Jonathan Larson's contemporary Broadway classic, RENT. This show has entertained audiences for over a decade all over the world, and finally Trustus has secured the rights to this highly sought-after musical. "We're thrilled to produce RENT," said Managing Director Kay Thigpen. "As soon as it was announced that the rights would be released in the future, we kept contacting them. We finally secured the rights, and we're so excited that RENT can be one of the hallmarks of our 25th anniversary season."
Dewey Scott-Wiley will direct a very talented cast featuring such well-known Columbia actors as Kevin Bush (Mark), Jason Stokes (Roger), Terrance Henderson (Tom Collins), and Robin Gottlieb (Maureen). Trustus is also excited to welcome many new faces to the Trustus Main Stage. Fans of this iconic musical will be excited to know that many of the costumes and some of the props in the Trustus production are actually originals from the Broadway production as well as the 2005 film version. Couple that excitement with well known musical talent Christopher Cockrell as music director and the innovative choreography of Terrance Henderson, and RENT promises to be a beacon in the theatrical landscape in Columbia this season. RENT will run from December 4th through January 23rd.
February marks the return of one of Trustus' classic musicals, ReGina Taylor's Crowns. Jocelyn Sanders returns to direct this highly spirited show about a young girl's travels from the big city to live with her grandmother in the South. She is introduced to the Southern African-American tradition of wearing hats to church. Gospel underscores this unique and moving piece steeped in cultural discovery and revelation.
Trustus will produce its third musical in a row when Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years comes to the Trustus main stage in March. This beautifully written musical follows the relationship of Jamie, an up-and-coming writer, and Cathy, a struggling actress. At the start of the show we meet Cathy at the end of their relationship, and in the next number we meet Jamie at the start of their relationship. We follow their love in a unique manipulation of time. Award-winning NYC Cabaret artist and Trustus alumni Jonathan Whitton returns to the main stage to play the role of Jamie under the direction of Chad Henderson (Dog Sees God, The Rocky Horror Show).
In May, Jane Chambers' Last Summer at Bluefish Cove returns to Trustus. This show had audiences cheering in the first two seasons at Trustus Theatre, so it seemed only appropriate to bring it back in this celebratory season. This show follows Lil as she takes a vacation to Bluefish Cove only to discover that it is a haven for lesbians. She becomes friends with the women at this cove, and finds strength through her new found relationships to cope with her impending illness. Jim Thigpen directs.
Trustus is going to bring classic musical fare to the boiling summer months as they bring the immensely popular musical Hair to Columbia in June and July. Hair is famously known for such hits as "Age of Aquarius" and "The Flesh Failures (Let the Sun Shine)". This musical provides insight into the flower children of the 1960's. Dewey Scott Wiley will direct this iconic show, which was the first play produced at Trustus' current home on Lady St. in the Vista.

Trustus will end its 25th main stage season with the winner of their highly recognized and renowned Trustus Playwright's Festival. Paradise Key, a play by Trustus alumni Dean Poynor, will open in August under the direction of Jim Thigpen. This show takes us to 1951 with a German scientist being kept in a sweaty American safe house in the Florida Keys. The scientist is being interviewed by David, a special agent, who has reason to believe that this ex-Nazi has the formula for an effective polio vaccine. This show takes the audience on an intense journey through high tensions and high stakes.

The Trustus Black Box Theatre will be full of activity this year as a full season of favorites and new classics comes to the intimate 50 seat theatre. Patrons will be treated to such past favorites as Pounding Nails in the Floor With My Forehead, Sister Mary Ignatias Explains It All, Fires In the Mirror, and The Kathy and Mo Show. Patrons won't want to miss Gerald Floyd as he stars in the soon-to-be classic Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach and a special cabaret evening with popular Columbia actor Kevin Bush and Tom Beard on piano.

Trustus is also keeping the late hours filled with entertainment as they continue their highly popular Late Night Series. Jonathan Whitton will present his award-winning cabaret performance from NYC; and TOAST, Columbia's primo improve troupe, will present high energy over the course of the season. Columbia audiences will also be excited to know that Trustus will continue its trademark sketch comedy shows late night. Trustus Late Night Shows are at 11:15pm, and doors open at 10:45pm after the main stage show. Of course, the bar will stay open.

With a season full of great entertainment, the best way to see these shows is by purchasing packages which is the most cost effective way to come to the theatre. Packages for 8 tickets to any performance on the main stage can be purchased for $155 and allow holders to make reservations any time during the year (patrons could have their tickets reserved months before tickets go on sale to the public). Main stage packages for 8 tickets to any Sunday/Thursday performance can be purchased for $125, and student/military/seniors packages can be purchased for $115.

After two successful seasons in the Trustus Black Box, Trustus Theatre now offers a Black Box Season Package which gives holders 6 tickets to any black box show. Black Box Packages can be purchased for $60; a $12 savings over single ticket prices. Those who want to purchase packages can do so by visiting Trustus Theatre Tues.-Sat. 1pm-6pm, or by calling (803) 254-9732.
Trustus Theatre kicks off its 25th Season with The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told on September 11th, at 8:00pm. Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady St. The main stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building, and the black box entrance is on the Huger St. side of the building.

For more information call the box offIce Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season info.

Photo: Trustus Theatre Co-Founders Jim and Kay Thigpen