BWW Preview: VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE Carries On Long Tradition

One of the oldest community theatres in the area is the Virginia Samford Theatre. When I was a child and first discovering my love of theatre, James Hatcher was the director of what had been called The Little Theatre and eventually became Town and Gown Theatre. Transformed time and time again, but always housed in the same building, VST has maintained the standard of excellence set by "Hatch" all of those years ago.

VST has more of a conventional theatre setting than the other venues I have spotlighted so far. With a nice sized proscenium stage and auditorium style seating for around 300 patrons, this is what most casual theatre goers expect when they think "theatre."

Upstairs in the Martha Moore Sykes studio, there is a bit more flexibility in the staging of shows. A smaller space, seating about 90, the Sykes studio has great potential for all types of performances and groups.

Having just closed a successful run of SPAMALOT, VST is looking towards a fundraiser at Iron City October 29. SCARY-OKE will be a "costume and karaoke extravaganza." Doors open at 6:30 and live performances begin at 7:30.

The next production at VST is TWELFTH NIGHT in the upstairs studio from November 4-13. This will be followed by David Carl's Celebrity One Man HAMLET November 18-20.

On the mainstage we will next see A CHRISTMAS STORY-THE MUSICAL running December 2-18. And the new year will start with RING OF FIRE-THE MUSIC OF Johnny Cash January 26- February 12.

For tickets, exact times and dates go to www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org or call 205-251-1206 for the VST box office.