Marietta Lunceford - Page 6

South City Theatre made a move about a year ago and it was a great one. Their latest offering, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, has broken records for ticket sales. It is a classic that will make you laugh and cry.

BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI is a new play by Chicago playwright Evan Linder that combines humor and drama while bringing up issues of race, faithfulness, family, and forgiveness.Presented in readings and productions in 7 cities across the country, Birmingham was fortunate to take part in what will now be a online conversation this Monday.

Exactly 102 years after opening as a Vaudeville house, The Lyric has been refurbished and is open again. It is a gem in the crown of the rebirth of the downtown area of Birmingham and is mesmerizing in its beauty and exciting to be a part of. Find a way to get down there soon.

Around 60 of the most talented young people you will ever find fill the stage with dance and the theatre with song. From traditional Christmas songs, to pop favorites both old and new, country classics to original music written just for this production, every aspect of the holidays is presented. With original songs and arrangements by Jay Tumminello, musical direction by Katie Holmes and directed by Keith Cromwell, this SPECTACULAR is a must-see, if you can get a ticket. Go quickly to redmountaintheatre.org for dates, times and ticket information.

One of the best things about theatre in Birmingham is the wide variety from which we have to choose. This weekend and next is a perfect example. On Friday I headed south to South City Theatre in Pelham to see THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER! and on Saturday I went north to Theatre Downtown to see THE MISS GOOSEPATCH CHRISTMAS PAGEANT. The things they have in common are that they are both funny shows that are done with very minimal sets and a relaxed feel about them. And they both have CHRISTMAS and PAGEANT in the title. Other than that they are pretty much complete opposites.

Face it- we've all seen Scrooge's story a thousand times. But tonight's performance of SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL at the Hoover Library kept me engaged with smart and inventive direction by Jack Mann and an all-star cast.

I know that December can be an overwhelming and hectic time of year. But I also know that there are those days that you just need a break from all of the running around and partying. And I know the perfect thing for you to do- see a live production!

For a 90 minute show with no intermission, A STEADY RAIN packs a lot of punch. It is emotional storytelling, raw human nature, and gripping crime drama all in one intense production. If you like cop shows, great acting, extremely well done theatre, and/or thought provoking subject matter, then you owe it to yourself to see A STEADY RAIN.

Theatre LJCC is giving opportunities to young actors and giving a new generation a chance to learn the appreciation of theatre on their own terms. It is a great idea. OLIVER! will run through November 22 with shows on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The times are kind of all over the place so contact LJCC at 205-879-0411 or at www.bhamjcc.org for exact times and ticket information.

CALENDAR GIRLS by Tim Firth, is a delightful play based on the movie of the same name. It is a pleasant and enjoyable show, especially for a 'girls' night out.'

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE at Terrific New Theatre is a very interesting look at life backstage. Written by David Mamet and first produced in 1977, this play holds up well and is definitely true to form for Mamet in that it leaves much open to your interpretation, something intelligent theatre goers will enjoy. Expertly directed and acted by some of BIrmingham's finest actors, it is a real treat.

Acting Out Academy is another hidden gem that we are fortunate to have in the Birmingham area. It is helping to develop local, young talent as well as teaching the love of acting to a new generation.

THE MOUSETRAP at South City Theatre is an Agatha Christie classic that is entertaining and keeps you guessing until the end. It is a classic you need to see.

Right now in Birmingham you can see just about any kind of play you want. I have recently told you about NEXT FALL, an emotional and moving production, CLARK GABLE SLEPT HERE, a rowdy and irreverent play and last night I went to the Virginia Samford Theatre to see IT AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES, a collection of songs sung by some of the best voices you will hear anywhere.

CLARK GABLE SLEPT HERE is irreverent, very mature themed and hilarious. It is a fast paced, short play that is full of action, surprises and shocking moments. Full of amazing local actors who are crisp, energetic and perfectly cast, this show is top notch.

NEXT FALL at Theatre Downtown is one of those plays that you just keep thinking about, going back to in your mind all night and the next days. Dealing with subjects like faith and family, acceptance and repentance, you cannot help but find something that will change your heart or at least give you pause.Go to theatredowntown.org or call 205-565-8838 to get ticket information. The show runs through October 3 and the theatre has been running different incentives to get you there. So check out the website and go!

Theatre is about telling stories. BIG FISH at Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret is full of stories, both large and small. It tells the stories of the Bloom family, both the exaggerated ones of Edward, the father and the real ones of Will, the son. Or are they all real- you be the judge. Family, faith in yourself and life, and pure entertainment make up a very memorable evening when you see BIG FISH.  The show runs through October 4 and is worth making the time to see. Go to redmountaintheatre.org or call 205-324-2424.

If you are one of the few people, like me, who has never attended the Sidewalk Film Festival in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, then you and I have been missing out. This Saturday I headed out to check on one of Birmingham's gems and was amazed once again at the talent and creativity of the people of this area.

I have to say that this is not a show for everyone, but I liked it much more than I thought I would. It was funny, had some really nice acting and had a point to make. I am so glad that I was invited and made the time to see this interesting play.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is the kind of script that makes you laugh and cry, no matter what and Montevallo Main Street Players' production is no exception. Well directed by Gwendolyn Treptow, STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a familiar, yet still entertaining, night of theatre. Seeing STEEL MAGNOLIAS is like spending the evening with old friends, comfortable and fun. Although it is the perfect ladies' night out, I heard plenty of men laughing too. You have one more weekend to see this fun show, August 14-16.