Multi-media Double-Feature Presents Classics Feb. 26 -March 14
MONROE, Ga. — The historic Walton Country Courthouse will make a cameo appearance as the Emerald City of Oz in a double-feature, multi-media hybrid production of “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Wizard of Oz” presented by On Stage, Monroe’s community theater.
On Stage will present the classic stories in nine performances from Feb. 26 to March 14. General public tickets ($20) are available now at Carmichael Drug in Monroe.
Actors will perform dramatic readings of adapted scripts created by On Stage Artistic Director Marc Hammes and actor-teacher Paula Gerhardt based on Lux Radio Theatre scripts using sound effects, lighting and multi-media images and videos. Hammes directs the production.
A dozen actors will read multiple roles in the show. Amanda Gibson portrays Alice in Act 1 and Gerhardt plays Dorothy in Act 2. The show will last approximately an hour and 45 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
“On Stage remains committed to bringing performing arts to our area,” Hammes said. “We strive to create theatrical opportunities for our community and to keep everyone safe with limited seating, virtual shows, masking requirements and socially distant rehearsals. The loss of sustained revenue is a serious challenge that On Stage faces. Small community theaters like ours are uncommon, but with the help of our sponsors, members and On Stage family we remain alive and kicking!”
On Stage presented an original Christmas drama in the theater in December, the first live production since the pandemic began. In addition, the theater recently won a state grant to produce “Mr. Marc’s Neighborhood,” a reading program for children hosted by Hammes, in conjunction with the Monroe-Walton Public Library. The show made its debut this month and will appear on the theater’s YouTube channel, Facebook page, and website the first Saturday of each month.
“We had a wonderful reaction to our first program, and we’re excited to expand our digital reach while presenting entertaining and educational shows for young readers,” Hammes said.
Tickets: $20 each and must be purchased at Carmichael Drug in Monroe with cash or check. No credit cards are accepted. Members’ vouchers can be redeemed. No online ticket sales or ticket sales at the door will be available.
Showtimes: Evening Performances at 8 p.m. will be on Feb. 26 and 27, March 5, 6, 12, and 13. Matinee performances at 2 p.m. will be Feb. 28, March 7 and 14.
COVID precautions: Patrons will be required to have their temperature checked at the door and to wear a face mask during the entire performance. No exceptions. Patrons will be socially distanced according to family/friend groups and assigned seats at the door.
ABOUT ON STAGE: Organized as On Stage Walton in 1971 “to bring a little culture to our town,” the theater moved in 1975 to the current On Stage Playhouse in the old Monroe Primitive Baptist Church, built in 1910. On Stage holds summer workshops for adults and youths. The theater helps support a 501c3 organization. For more information: www.onstagewalton.org.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.