Author: Sue Ellen Gerrells

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AUDITIONS for Crimes of the Heart: September 13 and 17, 2023

South City Theatre is pleased to announce auditions for Beth Henley’s Crimes of the Heart, directed by Pat Yates.

Audition Information

  • Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, September 17, ,2023, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
  • Location: South City Theatre, 2969 Pelham Parkway, Suites J-K, Pelham, AL 35124
  • Auditions will consist of prepared monologues from the show or be ready to ready from the script

It’s 1974 in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, and the Magrath sisters are in the throes of family trauma on, of all days, elder-sister Lenny’s 30th birthday. Old Granddaddy, the family patriarch, is in the hospital failing fast. “Babe” is in jail for shooting her husband Zachary because she “didn’t like his looks,” and middle-sister Meg, who fled Hazelhurst after Hurricane Camille to pursue a Hollywood career, has been summoned home. Cousin Chick-the-Stick is stirring up more trouble while Babe’s lawyer, Barnette Lloyd, and Meg’s old flame, Doc Porter, are doing all they can to support the sisters. The Magrath home is filled
with dysfunction, grief, wit, and hilarity with heart as big as a “Jumbo Deluxe” birthday cake.

Bring a prepared monologue from the show or be ready to read from script. Director Pat Yates will be happy to provide sides or answer any questions about the show. Email her at Patyates2850@gmail.com for more information.

Cast

  • Lenny Magrath: 30, the oldest sister
  • Chick Boyle: 29, Magrath sisters’ cousin
  • Doc Porter: 30, Meg’s old boyfriend
  • Meg Magrath: 27, the middle sister
  • Babe Botrelle: 24, the baby sister
  • Barnette Lloyd; 26, recent law school grad and Babe’s lawyer

Show Dates/Times

  • Feb. 9-10, and 16-17, 2024 at 7:30 PM
  • Feb. 11, 2024, at 2:00 PM
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Announcing the Cast of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

🌕 Sink your teeth into the most fangtastic comedy of the year! 🦇 Presenting the cast of “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” – a hilarious and batty twist on the classic tale that’s sure to leave you howling with laughter! 🌑

Holt Thomas: Harker/Suitors/Bosun/Gravedigger

Tom Robinson : Dr. Westfeldt/Renfield/Captain

Tara Bennett: Lucy/Kitty/Driver

Leigh Paschen: Mina/VanHelsing

Peter Ditoro: Dracula

Earl Goodwin: Stage Manager/AD

Ry Head: Lights and Sound

Dan Strickland: Director

Show dates are Oct. 20, 21, , and 27,28, 2023 at 7:30 PM, with a Sunday matinee at Oct. 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM.

Reserve your seats at https://www.southcitytheatre.com/get-tickets/

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Remaining Performances of Covering Dish Cancelled

We regretfully announce the cancellation of the remaining performances of David Garret’s Covering Dish due to Covid. The safety of our patrons, cast, and crew is our priority at this time.

We are incredibly proud of the work done by this cast and crew, along with the director, Donna Williamson.

Our box office manager will be in contact with those holding reservations.

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David Garrett’s Covering Dish Opens August 11

Someone once said, “Southern women know that it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a tribe of southern women to raise a southern woman.” To honor the Southern women in our lives, South City Theatre dedicates their 2023-24 Season to these “steel magnolias.”

We kick off our new season with a hysterical Southern comedy, Covering Dish, scheduled for SIX performances: August 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 PM and August 13 at 2:00 PM. All performances are at the theatre, 2969 Pelham Parkway, Suite J, Pelham, AL 35124. Tickets can be purchased in advance at southcitytheatre.com and reservations made by calling (205) 621-2128. Advance tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (over 60) and students (under 18). Groups of 10+ receive a discount of $12 per ticket. All tickets purchased at the door are $20.

Written by local playwright, David Garrett, Covering Dish hasn’t been performed in the area in over 20 years. South City Theatre is proud to bring this gem back to the stage. The death of Great Aunt Eula Mae has thrown the five Dish sisters into a tizzy. Who stole the two-carat diamond ring that Aunt Eula Mae promised to each of them? Does it have anything to do with the son who recently got out of prison? Or maybe the undocumented immigrant hiding in the cellar? What about shenanigans at the Poultry Processing Plant? Will a séance reveal everything? If you can’t trust your family, who can you trust?

Under the direction of SCT’s Artistic Director Donna Stinson Williamson, the cast includes a talented collection of veteran performers and newcomers: Leslie Price, Sharon Morgan, Marlene Wallace, Trey Woodrow, Jess Smyly, Donna Littlepage, Katy Walker, Robin Wallace, Paul LaRussa, Mac Pearson, Scott Frazier, Genni Boatwright, Maree Jones, Brad Siegal, Alan Ashman, Jay Welborn, Amy Self, Madelyn Harbison, Michelle Vercher, Donna Williamson, and Warren Hamby.

As you walk out of this performance, you’ll swear there’s just a hint of magnolia and honeysuckle in the air. Join us for this irreverent and deliciously delightful southern romp!

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Announcing Auditions for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

Audition Call For:
Dracula A Comedy of Terrors by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen
Directed by Dan Strickland


In the treacherous mountains of Transylvania, a meek English real estate agent takes a harrowing journey to meet a new and mysterious client, who also just happens to be the most terrifying and ferocious monster the world has ever known: Count Dracula! Famed female vampire hunter Jean Van Helsing and company then chase Dracula from Transylvania to the British countryside to London and back.

This show is filled with clever wordplay and anything-goes pop culture references, it’s a quick-changing, laugh-out-loud re-imagining of the Gothic classic. Actors (except Dracula) are called on to play multiple roles.

Auditions will consist of reading from the script and possibly some improve.
Location – South City Theatre, 2969 Pelham Parkway, AL
Sunday 8/20 starting at 2:00 PM.
Monday 8/21 starting at 6:30 PM

Show Dates:
10/20-21 at 7:30, 10/22 at 2:00, and 10/27-28 at 7:30 at South City Theatre.

***Bring your calendar with all your conflicts 8/28 – 10/29 to the audition.***


Rehearsal:
Begin the 9/5, with a possible read thru the week before. My intention is to rehearse 3 days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday or Sunday afternoon) until tech week. If this works and what days will depend on the cast’s conflicts. I’m flexible.

Looking for three men and two women, 18 and older. There is physical comedy, so the physical ability to do that sort of thing will be a factor. British accents (RP and cockney), eastern European accent (Dracula), German (Van Helsing) and others (Irish, Scottish, Pirate) are a plus (even bad ones). Depending on the turnout I may cast a sixth actor (M or F) for some of the bit parts but rapidly changing between roles is part of the comedy and fun of this show. I also NEED an Assistant Director/Stage Manager/stage hand who may also perform a few special effects on stage.

ROLES

  • Actor One(M): Harker(timid) / Suitors / Bosun / Gravedigger
  • Actor Two(M): Dr. Westfeldt(blowhard) / Renfield(insane) / Captain
  • Actor Three(F): Lucy(brilliant &plucky) / Kitty(dotty kleptomaniac maid) / Driver
  • Actor Four(F): Mina(less than Lucy) / Van Helsing(brilliant, sturdy, serious)
  • Actor Five(M): Dracula(sexy rock star)
  • Assistant Director/Stage Manager/stage hand/special effects
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Cast Announcement – Covering Dish

Congratulations to the cast of David Garrett’s Covering Dish!

Rita: Leslie Price
Lois Faye: Sharon Morgan
Martha Sue: Marlene Wallace
Carl: Trey Woodrow
Viki: Jess Smyly
Becky Lee: Donna Love
Cordell: Katy Walker
Jean Marie: Robin Wallace
Vernon: Paul LaRussa
Dana: Mac Pearson
Orell: Scott Frazier
Edith Ann: Genni Boatwright
Inez: Maree Jones
Hector: Brad Siegal
Luther: Alan Ashman
Sheriff Fry: Jay Welborn
Deputy Dykes: Amy Self
Vidalia: Madelyn Harbison
Willodean: Michelle Vercher
Shirley: Donna Williamson
Brother Samuel: Warren Hamby

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Registration for Our Fall Children’s Workshop is Now Open

Register your child for our fall MUSICAL workshop NOW! South City Theatre’s Kid’s Program, ACTING UP! presents Roald Dahls James and the Giant Peach JR., playing at South City Theatre in Pelham, November 9th-11th.
Students 8-18 are welcome to join our workshop will they will learn essential theatre techniques and skills including improv, acting, stage presence, singing, dancing, and more – leading up to a fun, musical performance for all ages to enjoy.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!!!

SCT’s fall workshop is led by Ms. Jess Smyly and her team of actors, singers, and dancers who have a passion for teaching the younger generation the art of PERFORMANCE! The workshop costs $275 and rehearsals begin on Saturday, September 9th. Rehearsals will be every Monday 6-8pm and Saturday 10am-12pm leading up to 4 performances.

Performance dates: Thursday, November 9th at 7pm, Friday, November 10th at 7pm, Saturday, November 11th at 2pm and Saturday, November 11th at 7pm.

  • Age Range: 8-18
  • Skill Level: ALL WELCOME!
  • Skill Level: ALL WELCOME!


For more information contact: jessica.smyly@southcitytheatre.com

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Branson Comes to South City Theatre—AGAIN

When we produced the gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain in 2019, audiences raved and clamored for more, and we are obliging!  

South City Theatre, Pelham’s award-winning community theatre, is staging the sequel to one of Branson, Missouri’s best loved shows when we tour “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” to area churches this July.

Here’s how Branson describes the show:

“Smoke on the Mountain” is a … breath of fresh mountain air! It’s a drama, comedy, and gloriously good gospel music production, gift-wrapped and given to delighted audiences by a smart, but slightly off-kilter clan of church choir members – The Sanders Family Singers. Imagine the setting… a devoted congregation, an era just after World War II, a small town in North Carolina, and the Saturday night sing at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church is the biggest thing happening in town every week. Come on in for a sing-along with this talented collection of actors, singers, and musicians that make up the Sanders clan; they’ll entice you with more than 25 different classic gospel tunes, a tad bit of downright contagious laughter, and a few touching moments that just might shake a tear or two from the driest of eyes. They’re a slightly imperfect bunch, but they’re happy and lovable and generously talented!”

Fun for the entire family!

You have 5 opportunities to enjoy this nostalgically, heart-warming musical:

  • July 14 and 15, 2023  7:30 pm  The Episcopal Church of the a Holy Spirit, 858 Kent Dairy Rd, Alabaster, 35007
  • July 21, 2023  7:30 pm  Restore Campus, First United Methodist, Alabaster, 128 Market Street, Alabaster,  35007
  • July 22, 2023  7:30 pm First Christian Church, Birmingham, 4954 Valleydale Rd., Birmingham, 35242
  • July 23, 2023  2:00 pm Restore Campus, First United Methodist Church, 128 Market Street, Alabaster, 35007

Tickets are available at https://www.southcitytheatre.com/get-tickets/

  • In advance/online: General Admission = $18; Seniors over 60 and Students under 18 = $15
  • At the door : $20 per person

Come see what all the fuss is about and leave tapping your toes and humming your favorite hymn!

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Cast Announcement – Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming

We are pleased to announce the cast of Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming.
Vera— Madelyn Harbison
Burl — Jim Billings
Stanley — Clint Neville
Denise — Jess Smyly
Dennis — Ryan Gerrells
June — Nancy Moore Estes
Pastor Oglethorpe – Michael Wilbanks
Musicians:
John Allen Bankson – piano


This production is directed by Sue Ellen Gerrells, with musical direction by William Harper.
Show dates are July 14-15, and 20-22, 2023 at 7:30 PM,

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Announcing Auditions for Covering Dish

Recipe for Covering Dish


Start with the death of Aunt Eula Mae. Throw in a pinch of seance. Add an illegal immigrant hiding in the cellar. Stir in shady dealings at the Poultry Processing Plant. Mix it all with a missing two-carat diamond ring. Serve with a healthy dose of hilarity.


Written by local playwright, David Garrett, Covering Dish hasn’t been performed in the area in almost 25 years.


Directed by Donna Stinson Williamson, audition dates will be June 11 th 2:00 – 4:00 and June 12 th 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

Show dates will be August 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19.     Contact the director, Donna Williamson, at donna.williamson@southcitytheatre.com for additional information. 

Rehearsal starts June 26.

Cast of Characters (ages are flexible but no one younger than 21)
Lois Faye Dish Wallace – Southern homemaker 50ish
Martha Sue Dish Pepperdine – oldest sister, has a little money and acts like it, 60ish
Rita Wallace – Lois Faye’s daughter, down-on-her-luck and unemployed, 30ish
Carl Wallace – Lois Faye’s son, late 20s to early 30s
Viki Gilmore – Carl’s new girlfriend, works for the flower shop
Becky Lee Dish – wannabe gospel singer
Cordell Baleuh – Lois Faye’s nosy, hypochondriac next-door neighbor, 60+
Jean Marie Dish Finley – youngest sister, ditzy, 50ish
Vernon Finley – Jean Marie’s husband, loud and bigoted, 50ish
Dana Finley – Jean Marie and Vernon’s son, beautician, mid-20s
Orell Tubbs – Vernon’s best friend
Edith Ann Dish – a medium 50ish
Inez Cortez – Orell’s fiancé, Spanish accent
Hector Chavez – Inez’s ex-boyfriend, Spanish accent
Luther Shibley – Manager of Chicken Processing
Agent A – PFPA agent
Agent C – PFPA agent
Brother Samuel – Paster of the Highway 119 Baptist Church
Church Ladies – various ages

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