Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama



Current Auditions & Announcements


Birmingham Theatre Icon Needs Kidney Transplant:  Many of you are familiar with Rick James and his work on the stages of Birmingham’s community theatres over the past 30 years.  He has always taken great joy in entertaining Birmingham’s theatre-going community.  Right now, he needs your help.  After 21 years of dealing with diabetes, his kidneys are failing.  He needs a new kidney as soon as possible.  If you have either blood type O or blood type A, you could be a donor.  Rick’s insurance will cover all of your medical expenses.  The surgery is now done laparoscopically and the recovery time is much shorter.  If you are interested in being a donor, please call Lucy Albritton, Donor Coordinator for the Renal Transplant Team at UAB Hospital, at 975-9287.  Tell her you are interested in being a donor for William R. James.  Thank you.

 


Audition for The Sound of Music:  The Leeds Arts Council is pleased to present the Sound of Music for their summer musical. It will be directed by Cliff Keen Jr. Adult auditions will be on May 12 and 13th at 7:00 pm. Callbacks will be on Wednesday, May 14th and the childrens’s audition will be on Saturday, May 17th at 10:00 am. All auditioners are encouraged to bring a headshot and resume. Also prepare 16 bars of music for our accompanist. It is encouraged that you sing from the musical. The Leeds Arts Council is located at 8140 Parkway Drive in Leeds, Alabama. For more information please call Cliff Keen Jr at 334-791-1732. For further information call the Arts Council at 205-699-1892.

 


Auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat:  At ACTA Theatre on Sunday, May 18th at 2 pm and Monday, May 19th at 7 pm. The Biblical account of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to life in this merry musical parable. Set to a variety of styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Old Testament tale has something for everyone. Mike Bridges will direct. Show times are August 1, 2, 7, 8, & 9 at 7:30 pm, and August 3 at 2:00 pm. For more information, call the theatre at 655-3902.

 


New Classes, et al. (check out our sub-pages for archived items)


Check Classes and Resources for other current offerings.

 


Birmingham Southern College:   This summer (2008) the Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts at Birmingham Southern College will offer 2 Theatre Arts Programs.  June 16-20, for 1st-5th grades, June 16-27, for 6th-12th grades. See http://www.eBHM.org/theatre/classes.htm for more information or call 226-4960 or email LVictory@bsc.edu.

 


Alys Stephens Center “Kids on Stage” 2008 Summer Drama Camp:  A drama summer camp for children ages 8-14, weekdays July 7 – 18. Read more information at  http://www.eBHM.org/theatre/classes.htm, or please call Kimberly Kirklin, 205-934-0862 or email kkirklin@uab.edu.

 


Showstoppers Promotions Sing Like Big Girls:   An eight (8) week series of classes for those ages 10 and under who want to begin prepping their child's voice for stage and competitions. Read more information at  http://www.eBHM.org/theatre/classes.htm, or contact: showstopperspro@aol.com or phone: 205-798-5361 for more information.

 


Steven Grebel Center for Dance: 102 Commerce Parkway, Pelham. Studio 2 New Dance Classes beginning in May:  Funk - Tues. 7:30-8:30 PM, Bellydance - Mon. 7:30-8:30 PM, Yoga - Wed. 7:30-8:30 PM,  Mon. 6:30-7:30 PM, Friday, 12:00 PM, Pilates - T/Th 8:30-9:30am, Adult Beginning Ballet - T/Th 11am-12, Adult Intermediate - M,W,F 11am-12, new Creative Movement (ages 2-5) 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.  For details, call Debbie at 205-987-7234 or www.grebeldance.com. See http://www.eBHM.org/theatre/classes.htm for more information.

 


$2,500 - $5,000 Funding Opportunity for Artists!: Grants to Individual Artists. Application Deadline: May 16, 2008 for activities taking place between October 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009 Guidelines and Application form are NOW available on our website www.cultural-alliance.com Contact the Cultural Alliance and register to attend a FREE information session about the GIA grant program.Call 205/458-1393 or send an email to grants@cultural-alliance.com.  Space is limited and reservations are required.  Birmingham: April 2 at 10:30 am, West End Public Library. Also Tuscaloosa, Anniston, Gadsden on other dates. Join us for additional upcoming workshops, meetings and other special happenings! Business Development Workshops activeculture.info Technical Assistance Workshops. Cultural Alliance; 1731 First Avenue North; Birmingham, AL; 205-458-1393.

 


Monster’s “Making It Count” Seeking Contract Speakers:  See detail at the bottom of this page.

 


Upcoming Performances


The White Rose: by Lillian Groag. In 1943, five students at the University of Munich and their philosophy professor were tried and convicted for their anonymous leafleting campaign calling for opposition to the Nazi regime. They called themselves “The White Rose.” Each year in April, 10,000 white roses are distributed on the University of Texas campus in remembrance of the approximately 10,000 people killed each day at Auschwitz.  May 1-17. 8pm curtain (matinees at 2:30, ask about “Pay What You Can Afford”). Reservations 933-2383.  Birmingham Festival Theatre, founded in 1972, is the city’s oldest theatre producing plays for adult audiences.  The theatre is located at 1901 ½ 11th Ave South, the corner of 19th St South and 11th Ave South.  The entrance is behind the Golden Temple Restaurant.  For additional information, visit http://www.bftonline.org/. Map to BFT

 


The Maltese Falcon:  Following a hugely successful sell-out in April, The Maltese Falcon returns to Renaissance Theatre for a further one-week run, Thursday – Saturday, 15-17 May @ 7:30pm; Saturday, 17 May Matinée @ 2pm. Produced in Association with the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library for THE BIG READ!

 


South City Theatre Benefit Concert: Jack and Jones with Jason Vickers and David Vickers will be at the South City Theatre Saturday May 17 for a one night live CONCERT with special guests Natalie Davis and Missy Johnson. Concert begins at 7:30pm and doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15.00 adults or $12.00 seniors/students. All proceeds benefit South City Theatre, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality theatre and theatre education to Shelby County. Jack & Jones will be featuring their latest CD Bradshaw Road. Visit Jack & Jones at www.jackandjones.net  To make your reservations go to www.southcitytheatre.com  or call 621-2128.  

 


Godspell: Straight from the Gospel according to Matthew, Red Mountain Theatre Company presents Godspell at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North).  An extraordinary portrayal of redemptive love, Godspell is an energetic, modern day musical version of the New Testament parables. Featuring Davis Haines, Chris Sams and a dynamic ensemble of local artists performing impressive music by Stephen Schwartz, this Broadway smash hit includes international favorites like “Day By Day,” “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord,” “All Good Gifts” and “By My Side.” Using a variety of theatrical storytelling traditions, Godspell is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, complete with a message of kindness, tolerance and hope. Show times are May 8-18, Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $30 (special group rates are available). For tickets, call 205-324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org. Student Rush Tickets: Students can purchase two tickets for the price of one up to 30 minutes before show time. MUST PRESENT A VALID STUDENT ID. Fridays & Saturdays, 6:30-7:30 PM: Join us an hour before each Friday and Saturday performance for special pre-show entertainment, a cash bar and delicious Cabaret snacks!

 


Dearly Departed: By popular request, the Pell City Players will present a command performance (original run March 14th & 15th) on May 10th at 7 pm of Dearly Departed.  Don't miss this one!  Ticket prices are the same,  $20 adults; $15 students/ teachers/ seniors. Tickets will be available on Monday April 1 at the Pell City Center. Please call our box office at (205) 338-1974 or visit us at our office Tuesday-Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. 25 Williamson drive, Pell City AL 35125. http://www.PellCityCenter.com  

 


Spring Gala Performance:  Pelham High School, 1000 Panther Circle, Pelham, Sunday, May 11, 4:00pm.  Featuring the Spanish-theme ballet, Paquita.  The featured guest artist will be Noah Hart of the Alabama Ballet, performing with the Alabama Youth Ballet Company.  Students will also perform Polonaise and Mazurka, as well as the Garland Waltz from Sleeping Beauty  and a special piece choreographed by Amanda Brice, Dance All Night.  This is the Alabama Youth Ballet Company's final performance of the season, kicking off the upcoming Summer Dance Camps and Summer Dance Intensives.  All tickets $5 in advance and $7 at the door and online.  For more information, call 205-987-7234 or go to www.grebeldance.com.

 


KURT WEILL, THOMAS BAGWELL & DIANE MCNARON: Masters' Cabaret and Artburst present ... "KURT WEILL, THOMAS BAGWELL & DIANE MCNARON"  ... a journey through the life, times and music of legendry Berlin/American theatre composer Kurt Weill,  with soprano Diane McNaron and pianist Thomas Bagwell. Sunday, May 18, 7:30 PM. Unitarian Universalist Church,   4300 Hampton Heights Drive, Homewood, AL 35209  ("Just two right turns off Greensprings"). Table seating, by reservation only, $15.00 BYOB. Click here to buy tickets through Paypal http://dianemcnaron.com/training.html   Row Seating, Walk-in only, $8 or email or phone to make other arrangements or get directions. dianemcnaron@aol.com  205.838.1391 Soprano Diane McNaron's  ( http://dianemcnaron.com )  Kurt Weill Retrospective, not heard in Birmingham in nearly a decade, will be presented with New York pianist Thomas Bagwell. Bagwell ( http://dianemcnaron.com/Thomas_Bagwell_Bio.doc) who was born in Birmingham, but who has not appeared here in fifteen years, will open the program with the rare and atmospheric Berg Piano Sonata. These two consummate performers will then take the audience on a musical odyssey through the controversial lives and the turbulent times of Berlin/American composer Kurt Weill and the woman he married twice, the chanteuse Lotte Lenya. Featuring songs from THREEPENNY OPERA, HAPPY END, THE RISE AND FALL OF THE CITY OF MAHAGONNY, the little known and expressive art songs and Broadway hits. Directions: Greensprings to W. Oxmoor. Right turn onto Hampton Heights & follow the signs. From all interstates: http://uucbham.org/location.shtml

 


Dog Sees God: Confessions of A Teenage Blockhead (Encore Performances): by Bert V. Royal.   Theatre Downtown announces the limited return of the show that kept audiences coming back for more; the show The Birmingham News gave a 4/5 star review.  Bert V. Royal's Dog Sees God takes a look at the characters from the popular Peanuts comic strip as young adults as they go through various levels of typical teenage angst, including love, loss, identity and acceptance.  This show enjoyed a sold out run in February and Theatre Downtown is proud to revive it for a special two-weekend limited run, to give everyone a chance to see it who might have missed it.  May 15-17 & 22-24 with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 PM.  There will be a special midnight performance on Saturday May 17 at 12:00 AM.  Tickets are $17.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors and students.  Thursday nights (and Midnight Performances) are HOBO NIGHTS, meaning you pay what you can afford with a $5.00 minimum.  This production will be performed at PLAYHOUSE (1816 3rd Avenue North/Across from The Alabama Theatre).  Cast includes: Jack Williamson, Amanda Maddox, Wesley Glass, Rush Brunson, Santiago Sosa, Reagan Dickey, Vallerie Paulin, Courtney Harrelson and Diann Gogerty.  Directed By J.J. Marrs  For tickets, please call (205) 306-1470 or e-mail theatredt@gmail.com.  You can also visit us online at www.myspace.com/theatredt for other special discounts and offers.  Reservations strongly recommended for this production.

 


Lots of Life: A musical comedy premiere about Love, Life and the Pursuit of Divorce at the Theatre LJCC.  May 22nd, 24th, 29th, and 31st at 7:30pm and May 25th and June 1st  at 2:00pm • $12 for students/members and $15 adults. Divorce was never was so much fun as this trailer park full of divorcées laugh, cry and sing through their woes of lost love and what could have been had it not been for their low-life ex-husbands. Book, Music and Lyrics by David R. Garrett and Don Everett Garrett; Musical Arrangements By Ron Dometrivich.  Theatre LJCC is located at 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham, AL 35213.  For tickets and further information phone 205.879.0411 or visit us on the web at www.bhamjcc.org .

 


Aida: Magic City Actors Theatre proudly presents Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida. Music by: Elton John. Lyrics by: Tim Rice. Book by: Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang. Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA is a contemporary musical take on the grand classic tale of the love between a soldier and an enslaved princess – a love that condemns them to death, but ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between the two warring nations, heralding an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity. Show times are May 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 at 7:30 PM. May 25 & Jun 1 at 2:30 PM. For more information contact Leah Faulkner, Managing Director, leah@mcactorstheatre.com, (205) 253-9604

 


The Mikado: Jacksonville State University presents The Mikado, a Gilbert & Sullivan comedy. May 23rd & 24th, 7 pm. Buy tickets on-line and visit us on the web at  http://www.PellCityCenter.com  Box Office (205) 338-1974.

 


 

Opening in June 2008

 


The Music Man: June 6-15, 2008. Directed and Choreographed by Melissa Bailey. Starring Leah Luker as Marian Paroo and Frank Thompson as Harold Hill. What better way to close our season and welcome the summertime than with Meredith Willson's The Music Man? River City, Iowa is the setting for this tale of a gilt-edged con artist who attempts the scam of his life selling a nonexistent boy's band. He finds his plans complicated by the town's stern but lovely librarian as well as the blustery (and brainless) mayor. Filled with favorite songs such as "76 Trombones," "Till There Was You," "My White Knight," and "Ya Got Trouble," The Music Man promises to be a high point of our season. Map to the Virginia Samford Theatre  Visit our website at http://www.centerstage-productions.org or contact  HYPERLINK "mailto:info@Centerstage-Productions.org" info@Centerstage-Productions.org for more information.  Shows are Thursday/Friday/Saturday at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30. Ticket price is $25 adults and $15 students. Tickets 205-251-6805. Virginia Samford Ticketing System (VSTTS).  Please specify which performance, how many in your party, credit card number, expiration date, name on the card. Reserved tickets will be held at Will Call until 20 minutes before show time. 

 


The Underpants: adapted by Steve Martin. Steve Martin’s adaptation of the original “wardrobe malfunction”! Humor and intrigue result from the failure of a fastener on a woman’s undergarment. No, this isn’t the Super bowl, but the instant fame and unusual consequences have Janet Jackson written all over it!  June 12-28. 8pm curtain (matinees at 2:30, ask about “Pay What You Can Afford”). Reservations 933-2383.  Birmingham Festival Theatre, founded in 1972, is the city’s oldest theatre producing plays for adult audiences.  The theatre is located at 1901 ½ 11th Ave South, the corner of 19th St South and 11th Ave South.  The entrance is behind the Golden Temple Restaurant.  For additional information, visit http://www.bftonline.org/. Map to BFT

 


Torch Song Trilogy: Theatre Downtown celebrates Gay Pride Month with Harvey Fierstein's fiercely personal and utterly moving drama, Torch Song Trilogy, which took home the 1983 Tony Award for Best Play.  Comprised of three acts, the play follows the adventures of Arnold Beckoff, a flambuoyant Jew living in New York City who spends his nights working at the local drag club and spends his days searching for meaning and romance in the Big Apple.  The play follows a decade in Arnold's life as he deals with everything from a lover who decides he doesn't want to be gay anymore, a terrible tragedy that comes out of nowhere and his overbearing mother who comes for a visit.  Torch Song Trilogy has been riveting audiences for years and has become a signature piece of theatre for the Gay Movement.  The play was a huge hit on Broadway and was eventually turned into a major motion picture starring Harvey Fierstein, Matthew Broderick & Anne Bancroft.  June 12 - 28, with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 PM.  Thursday nights are 'HOBO NIGHTS', where we ask that you pay what you can afford with a $5.00 minimum.  Otherwise, admission is $17.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors and students with proper identification.  This show will be performed at PLAYHOUSE (1816 3rd Ave. N/Downtown Birmingham/Across from the Alabama Theatre).  To make reservations, please call (205) 306-1470 or you can e-mail us at the following address: theatredt@gmail.com.  For more info: www.myspace.com/theatredt.

 


Rhythm ‘N Roots:  Aldridge Repertory Theatre, Inc. presents the premiere of a historical musical review, Rhythm ‘N Roots. Conceived and directed by Annie Joe Edwards (Broadway, Ain’t Misbehavin’; film, Bullets Over Broadway; and television, most recently as “Mona” in the series In the Heat of the Night); musical director, John MacAfee; choreographer, Jackie Lockhart. This production presents music spanning four centuries-from African chants, Spirituals, Minstrelsy, Tin Pan Alley, to Hip Hop. Celebrating Black Music Month, it runs Thursday through Sunday at 8 PM and Sunday matinees at 3 PM beginning June 12th for two consecutive weeks at the Martha Moore Sykes Studio located in the Virginia Samford Theatre (1116 South 26th Street off Highland Avenue).

 


Cheaper by the Dozen:  South City Theatre proudly presents Cheaper by the Dozen, adapted from the book by Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey- directed by Cindy deSa. Performances are June 13th-29th, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.  Tickets are $15 ($12 for students & seniors) with reservations [strongly recommended] available at 205-621-2128 or on-line at www.southcitytheatre.com.  South City Theatre; 109 Cloverdale Drive; Alabaster, AL 35007

 


Cinderella:  at the Theatre LJCC June 19, 21, 26, 28 at 7:30pm and 22, 29 at 2:00pm • $8.00 Adults; $6.00 Students • The timeless fairy tale meets the magic of Disney in this adaptation of the treasured animated film. Poor Cinderella is endlessly mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, and denied a chance to go to the Royal Ball. With a little help from her mice friends and her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella goes to the ball and falls in love.  Theatre LJCC is located at 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham, AL 35213.  For tickets and further information phone 205.879.0411 or visit us on the web at www.bhamjcc.org .

 


The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: P. C. C. Children’s Imagination Theatre Drama Camp June 16-27. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Friday June 27, 7 pm. Buy tickets on-line and visit us on the web at http://www.PellCityCenter.com  Box Office (205) 338-1974.

 


 

Opening in July 2008

 


Shadowlands: Park Players is proud to present Shadowlands by William Nicholson on July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 &  19 at 7:30 and on July 13 at 2:30.  The play will be presented at Deerfoot Community Bible Church at 6020 Deerfoot Parkway in Trussville.  “Jack” (C.S. Lewis, played by Jesse Bates)  is a crusty, remote middle-aged Oxford don, a devout Anglican who is more comfortable chatting to God than to the opposite sex.  Joy (played by Sheila Snoddy) is a 40-ish New Yorker, a Jewish convert to Christianity with a big mouth and a failing marriage.  Jack and Joy strike up an unlikely epistolary friendship, rendezvous in Oxford and, overcoming all obstacles, fall in love.  But as soon as these opposites attract, tragedy strikes.  The San Francisco Chronicle states ‘‘Shadowlands poses classic questions about God, pain and love, but mostly it makes you determined to embrace life. You can’t ask much more of play than that.’’  Tickets to the show are $15.00 with anyone under 16 admitted for free when accompanied by an adult.  For more information, please call 590-0155.

 


 

Opening in August 2008

 


Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat:  ACTA Theatre proudly presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The Biblical account of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to life in this merry musical parable. Set to a variety of styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Old Testament tale has something for everyone. Mike Bridges will direct. Show times are August 1, 2, 7, 8, & 9 at 7:30 pm, and August 3 at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices are $l0.00 for adults, $8.00 for senior adults, and $6.00 for students. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the theatre at 655-3902.

 


Psycho Beach Party: Theatre Downtown takes a walk on the wild side with Charles Busch's campy tribute to the Frankie & Annette beach blanket movies of the 1950's & 1960's, the most frightening comedy of our time – Psycho Beach Party.  Chicklet is a typical California teen who wants desperately to fit in with the local surfer gang.  One problem – Chicklet has multiple personality disorder and seeing the color red sends her into her psychosis, sometimes letting loose a split personality known as Ann Bowman, who is hell bent on world domination!  Along with the local stud, Star Cat, and the leader of the surf gang, Kanaka, Chicklet must confront her disorder as everyone tries to grapple with a string of murders in the community.  Could Chicklet be responsible?  The answers to this question and many more can be found in this exciting mystery that is both 'hip' and 'far out' at the same time!  Psycho Beach Party was a hit Off-Broadway and turned into a major motion picture starring Lauren Ambrose, Charles Busch, Thomas Gibson and Amy Adams.  August 8 - 24, with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 PM.  There will also be two special midnight performances on Saturday April 9 and Saturday April 16 at 12:00 AM.  Thursday nights are 'HOBO NIGHTS', meaning you pay what you can afford with a $5.00 minimum.  Otherwise, admission is $17.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors and students with proper identification.  This show will be performed at PLAYHOUSE (1816 3rd Ave. N/Downtown Birmingham/Across from the Alabama Theatre).  For reservations, please call (205) 306-1470 or e-mail us at theatredt@gmail.com.  For more information, please visit: www.myspace.com/theatredt.

 


 

Opening in September 2008

 


I DO, I DO: Directed by Jack Mann. Musical Direction by Debbie Mielke. September 5-14. Featuring Leah Luker and Frank Thompson. CenterStage opens its season with a sweet, sentimental, and often hilarious look at a marriage which spans two lifetimes. I Do, I Do! follows Agnes and Michael, a young couple, through early marriage, childbirth, family life, and the "empty nest" years. Originally produced as a star vehicle for Mary Martin and Robert Preston, I Do, I Do! features a charming book by Tom Jones and a delightful Harvey Schmidt score. Join CenterStage in the intimate Martha Moore Sykes Studio Theatre for what promises to be a fun and heartwarming production. Shows are Thursday/Friday/Saturday at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30. Ticket price is $25 adults and $15 students. Tickets 205-251-6805. Virginia Samford Ticketing System (VSTTS).  Please specify which performance, how many in your party, credit card number, expiration date, name on the card. Reserved tickets will be held at Will Call until 20 minutes before show time. 

 


 

Opening in October 2008

 


The 13TH Friday: Ready, Set, Die!: Written & Directed By Billy Ray Brewton. October 2008. They’ve been warned.  They’re all doomed.  And on the 13th Friday, it will hit the fan.  Doesn’t sound like the tagline for a period drama, does it?  Good, because it’s not.  The 13th Friday is a hysterical parody of those cheesy slasher films from the late-1970's and early-1980's, in the tradition of Friday the 13th, April Fool’s Day, My Bloody Valentine and even Maniac.  The setting is Camp Crystal Meth, where the counselors have come together for a special training weekend, only to discover through cliché and stereotype that there is a psychotic killer loose at the camp, picking them off one at a time.  As the blood starts flying, these youths react just as typical slasher film youths – by partaking in as much sex, drugs and rock and roll as possible.  Can Roger, Mark, Benny, Tom, Maureen, Mimi, Joann and Angel survive the Summer?  Can Cook keep his tater tots from burning, even after he’s been hacked to death?  The 13th Friday answers these questions, and more!  This is a world premiere of an original comedy written by a Birmingham, Alabama based playwright.

 


High School Musical: Directed by Frank Thompson. Musical Direction by Debbie Mielke. October 17-26. The runaway teen sensation High School Musical comes to CenterStage as we meet Troy and Gabriella, a young couple determined to win leading roles in the winter musical at their high school. Along the way, they deal with the challenges and joys well-known to most teenagers. Based on the hit Disney musical film, High School Musical is an electric, fun, family-friendly sprint through an age that will resonate with teens and adults alike.   Shows are Thursday/Friday/Saturday at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30. Ticket price is $25 adults and $15 students. Tickets 205-251-6805. Virginia Samford Ticketing System (VSTTS).  Please specify which performance, how many in your party, credit card number, expiration date, name on the card. Reserved tickets will be held at Will Call until 20 minutes before show time. 

 


 

Opening in November 2008

 


Proof: Written By David Auburn. Directed By J.J. Marrs. November/December. On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness—or genius—will she inherit?  Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. 

 


 

Opening in December 2008

 


A CenterStage Christmas Celebration: Directed by Paul McCracken and Melissa Bailey. December 5-14. Blending the secular and the sacred, A CenterStage Christmas Celebration offers something for everyone at the holidays! Act one brings the story of Amahl And The Night Visitors, Menotti's classic operetta about a poor child and his mother who are visited by the three wise men on their way to see the Christ Child. Act Two celebrates the joy of the season with a high-energy, fun-filled musical romp through the holiday music we all know and love. Featuring some of Birmingham's best performers, A CenterStage Christmas Celebration is sure to be a welcome season's greeting with something for everyone! Shows are Thursday/Friday/Saturday at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30. Ticket price is $25 adults and $15 students. Tickets 205-251-6805. Virginia Samford Ticketing System (VSTTS).  Please specify which performance, how many in your party, credit card number, expiration date, name on the card. Reserved tickets will be held at Will Call until 20 minutes before show time. 

 


 

Opening in  January 2009

 


 

Opening in  February 2009

 


The History Boys: Written By Alan Bennett. Directed By Billy Ray Brewton. February. An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form (senior) boys in a British boarding school are, as such boys will be, in pursuit of sex, sport, and a place at a good university - generally in that order. In all their efforts, they are helped and hindered, enlightened and bemused, by a maverick English teacher who seeks to broaden their horizons in sometimes undefined ways, and by a young history teacher who questions the methods, as well as the aim, of their schooling. In The History Boys, Alan Bennett evokes the special period and place that the sixth form represents in an English boy's life. In doing so, he raises - with gentle wit and pitch-perfect command of character - not only universal questions about the nature of history and how it is taught but also questions about the purpose of education today.  Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, as well as numerous other awards and accolades.  This is the Alabama premiere of this production. 

 


 

Opening in  March 2009

 


My Fair Lady: Directed by Jack Mann. Featuring Kimberly Piazza, Frank Thompson, Paul McCracken, and Clay Boyce. March 13-22. The spring arrives with flowers, and what show could be more appropriate for the season? My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza, a poor cockney flower girl who learns to pass herself off as a lady under the stern direction of an irascible phonetics professor. Along the way, each begins to realize more about the other, as well as what gentilty truly means. The beloved Lerner and Loewe score, based on Shaw's Pygmalion, features such timeless musical numbers as "On The Street Where You Live," "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," and "I Could Have Danced All Night."

 


 

Opening in April 2009

 


Wait Until Dark: Written By Frederick Knott. Directed By J.J. Marrs. April. A sinister con man, Roat, and two ex-convicts, Mike and Carlino, are about to meet their match. They have traced the location of a mysterious doll, which they are much interested in, to the Greenwich Village apartment of Sam Hendrix and his blind wife, Susy. Sam had apparently been persuaded by a strange woman to transport the doll across the Canadian border, not knowing that sewn inside were several grams of heroin. When the woman is murdered the situation becomes more urgent. The con man and his ex-convicts, through a cleverly constructed deception, convince Susy that the police have implicated Sam in the woman's murder, and the doll, which she believes is the key to his innocence, is evidence. She refuses to reveal its location, and with the help of a young neighbor, figures out she is the victim of a bizarre charade. But when Roat kills his associates, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues between the two. Susy knows the only way to play fair is by her rules, so when darkness falls she turns off all the lights leaving both of them to maneuver in the dark until the game ends.  Turned into a major motion picture, featuring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin.