Opening This Week: Christmas Queens

South City Theatre is excited to present Alicia Lane Dutton’s Christmas Queens for five performances, December 12 – 20, 2025. This year, the Catoosa County Christmas Queen Pageant, sponsored by a local catfish farmer, will invite former winners to compete in a special reunion pageant. Louise, owner of The Limelight Theater, isn’t thrilled with the idea but needs the sponsorship money. The former beauty queens range in age from 18 to Belva’s not telling. Unfortunately, someone is sabotaging the competition. Is it the oldest queen? The soap opera star? The pregnant competitor, or any of the other women competing for the prize money?

Written by Alabama native and UA graduate, Alicia Lane Dutton. This production is directed by Donna Williamson and stars Kathy Scruggs, Michael Wilbanks, Natali Jimenez, Katherine Simmons, Sally Montgomery, Lisa Nelson, Emily Wolfe, Max Berrios, and Valerie Brock.

Tickets are available at southcitytheatre.com or by calling (205) 621-2128. Advance ticket prices are $20 general admission, $17 for students and seniors, $14 for groups of 10 or more. At the door price is $22.

Announcing the Cast and Crew of The Cottage

South City Theatre is proud to announce the cast and crew for our February 2026 production of Sandy Rustin’s The Cottage, directed by Pat Yates.

Show dates are February 6-14, 2026.

Sylvia … Sydney Alison Batten
Beau … Mohamad Khatib
Marjorie … Robin Rushing
Clarke … Bill Allen
Dierdre … Casey O’Brien
Richard … Holt Thomas
AD/Stage Manager … Michael Wesley Eaton
Set Design & Construction … Clay Boyce
Costumes & Props … Emma Thomason

The Cottage is an outrageous tale of sex, betrayal, and desire as one woman decides to expose her latest affair to both her husband — and to her lover’s wife. The true meaning of fate and faith, identity and infidelity, love and marriage are all called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculously funny romantic comedy.

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

thecottageplay #sandyrustin #castannouncements #southcitytheatre #discovershelbyal #pelhamalabama #farce #whathappensinthecottagestaysinthecottage

Announcing Auditions for Christmas Queens

South City Theatre announces auditions for “Christmas Queens” directed by Donna Stinson Williamson on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM and Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditionees will also be asked to sing a few bars of a Christmas song.

This year, the Catoosa County Christmas Queen Pageant, sponsored by a local catfish farmer, will invite former winners to compete in a special reunion pageant. Louise, owner of The Limelight Theater, isn’t thrilled with the idea but needs the sponsorship money. The former Queens range in age from 19 to Belva’s not telling. Unfortunately, someone is sabotaging the competition. Is it the oldest Queen? The soap opera star? The pregnant competitor, or any of the women competing for the prize money.

Roles Available
Louise Ledbetter: 40-70, owns Louise’s Limelight Theater
Buck Jackson: 40-60, smart, gentleman catfish farmer, widow
Jolene “Skye” Newcomb: 18-mid 20’s, truly a pageant queen
CeCe Whitlow: 30-40, very pregnant
Belva Pike: 60-80, sweet, loves to travel
Tammy Jo Fordham: 40-60, beautiful, soap opera star
Norma Fay Jones: 50-60, tough, independent woman
Allison (Allie) Pettigrew: 20’s, just out of college
Cooper Tatum (male): 20’s, aspires to make documentaries

Performance dates are December 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 PM and December 14 at 2:00 PM. Additional performance possibilities are December 18 and 21 at 2:00.

Auditions: Christmas Queens

South City Theatre announces auditions for “Christmas Queens” directed by Donna Stinson Williamson on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditionees will also be asked to sing a few bars of a Christmas song.

This year, the Catoosa County Christmas Queen Pageant, sponsored by a local catfish farmer, will invite former winners to compete in a special reunion pageant. Louise, owner of The Limelight Theater, isn’t thrilled with the idea but needs the sponsorship money. The former Queens range in age from 19 to Belva’s not telling. Unfortunately, someone is sabotaging the competition. Is it the oldest Queen? The soap opera star? The pregnant competitor, or any of the women competing for the prize money.

Roles Available
Louise Ledbetter: 40-70, owns Louise’s Limelight Theater
Buck Jackson: 40-60, smart, gentleman catfish farmer, widow
Jolene “Skye” Newcomb: 18-mid 20’s, truly a pageant queen
CeCe Whitlow: 30-40, very pregnant
Belva Pike: 60-80, sweet, loves to travel
Tammy Jo Fordham: 40-60, beautiful, soap opera star
Norma Fay Jones: 50-60, tough, independent woman
Allison (Allie) Pettigrew: 20’s, just out of college
Cooper Tatum (male): 20’s, aspires to make documentaries

Performance dates are December 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 PM and December 14 at 2:00 PM. Additional performance possibilities are December 18 and 21 at 2:00.

Auditions: Christmas Queens

South City Theatre announces auditions for “Christmas Queens” directed by Donna Stinson Williamson on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditionees will also be asked to sing a few bars of a Christmas song.

This year, the Catoosa County Christmas Queen Pageant, sponsored by a local catfish farmer, will invite former winners to compete in a special reunion pageant. Louise, owner of The Limelight Theater, isn’t thrilled with the idea but needs the sponsorship money. The former Queens range in age from 19 to Belva’s not telling. Unfortunately, someone is sabotaging the competition. Is it the oldest Queen? The soap opera star? The pregnant competitor, or any of the women competing for the prize money.

Roles Available
Louise Ledbetter: 40-70, owns Louise’s Limelight Theater
Buck Jackson: 40-60, smart, gentleman catfish farmer, widow
Jolene “Skye” Newcomb: 18-mid 20’s, truly a pageant queen
CeCe Whitlow: 30-40, very pregnant
Belva Pike: 60-80, sweet, loves to travel
Tammy Jo Fordham: 40-60, beautiful, soap opera star
Norma Fay Jones: 50-60, tough, independent woman
Allison (Allie) Pettigrew: 20’s, just out of college
Cooper Tatum (male): 20’s, aspires to make documentaries

Performance dates are December 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 PM and December 14 at 2:00 PM. Additional performance possibilities are December 18 and 21 at 2:00.

Season update! We’ve reeled in The Shark is Broken!

🦈 Our season has a new fin-tastic twist! We’re adding The Shark is Broken by Ian Shaw & Joseph Nixon to our lineup.

The first summer blockbuster movie is being filmed—but no one working on the film would know it. Dive deep into the tumultuous, murky waters of the making of a major motion picture with testy, feuding costars, unpredictable weather, and a shark prop whose constant breakdowns are looking like an omen for the future of the movie. In this comedy co-written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, the short tempers of Jaws stars Robert Shaw (father of co-writer Ian), Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider take center stage as they bond, argue, drink, gamble, and pray for an end to the shoot, not knowing it will change their lives forever. 🛥🦈

Show dates are July 7, 2026 – July 18, 2026

Please note: this production is not included in our season ticket package.

⚠️ Advisory: contains adult language.

#thesharkisbroken🦈 #weregoingtoneedabiggerboat #southcitytheatre #discovershelbyal #pelhamalabama

Matinee & Mingle: Live Theatre, Shared Moments, and a Whole Lot of Heart

There’s something special about a weekday afternoon at the theatre—especially when it’s filled with laughter, connection, and a community that cares. That’s exactly what Matinee & Mingle is all about. This limited series of Thursday matinees is designed especially for senior groups in our area, offering a relaxed and welcoming theatre experience in the heart of the day.

Presented by South City Theatre and powered by dedicated volunteers, the Matinee & Mingle series is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of community spirit. Our thanks go out not only to the talented volunteers who bring these performances to life, but also to the local employers who support the program by granting team members time off to participate.

These special performances are offered for select shows only, with dates announced 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Each event is designed with groups in mind, making it a perfect outing for senior centers, senior living communities, church groups, or social clubs.

Information on upcoming Matinee & Mingle performances can be found on our website at https://www.southcitytheatre.com/matinee-mingle/

Tickets are just $20 each, and we invite you to reach out to the box office for more information or to plan your group’s next afternoon out. Call 205.621.2128 or email info@southcitytheatre.com.

Come be a part of Matinee & Mingle—where good stories, good company, and good times take center stage.

Announcing the Cast of Dial M for Murder

We are proud to announce the cast and crew for our October production, Dial M for Murder.

Margot Wendice – Robin Wallace
Maxine Hadley – Valerie Brock
Tony Wendice – Paul LaRussa
Lesgate – James Billings
Inspector Hubbard – Michael Wilbanks
BBC Broadcaster – Kevin Garrett

Crew
Director: Mary Anne Garrett
Stage Manager – Katy Walker
Fight Choreographer – Genni Boatright
Lights & Sound – Andy Johnson

Show dates are October 24, 2025 – November 1, 2025.

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

Announcing the Cast of Murder is a Fine Art

South City Theatre is proud to announce our cast for our next production with The Pelham Beat: Murder is a Fine Art by Jack Pachuta.

Show dates are September 19 and 20, 2025. Performances will be held at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

Fiona Fakes: Ayla Thacker-Croom
Brett Cutler: Clark French
Luigi Lambrusco: Jon Curren
Security Guard: Julia Levy
Sharon Sharalike: Katherine Simmons
Libby LaBelle/Lilac LaBelle: Lizzie Bowen
Rumor monger: Madelyn Harbison
Rumor monger/Fiona Fakes understudy: Michelle
Vercher
Rumor monger: Ron Rabun
Pete Casso: Max Berrios
Directed by: Lisa Ponder

Please visit The Pelham Beat’s Facebook page for
reservation information.

Announcing the Cast of The Second-to-Last Chance Ladies League

We are proud to announce the cast of The Second-to-Last Chance Ladies League.

Thank you to all the amazing talent who came out to auditions.

Sedalia Ellicott- Donna Williamson
Charlie Collins- Lisa Nelson
Libby Ruth Ames- Robin Rushing
Deedra Wingate- Margie Eubanks
Monette Gentry- Robin Wallace
Stage Manager: Katherine Simmons
Assistant Stage Manager: Margaret Roberts
Director: Hannah Sizemore

Show dates are August 15-23, 2025.
Seats are available now at www.southcitytheatre.com