Whether in-person or live stream, local community theaters provide much-needed entertainment
Community theater is live on stage in Houston County as the Perry Players wrap up their run of “Beauty After the Beast” this weekend and the Warner Robins Little Theatre presents “Red Velvet Cake Wars” at the end of July.
The Perry group is also offering a streaming performance for online viewing.
“Live performances and streaming have gone really well,” said Michael Stewart, director for the Perry Players’ “Beauty After the Beast.” “It’s a great follies performance and we wanted to present something for those wanting to get out and see something in person as well serve our patrons who are hesitant and would rather use a streaming option online. We’ve gotten good participation and good feedback both ways.”
Officials for both the Perry Players and WRLT said they are abiding by CDC and related social distancing and health requirements in their theaters. Both said they have hand sanitizer and masks available for those who want to use them and are greatly reducing audience size to allow for appropriate seated distancing. Masks are encouraged but not required and both troupes are forgoing after-performance meet-and-greets plus changing how they do intermissions.
Stewart said at his playhouse, cast and staff members answer health questions and have temperature checks before each performance.
He said those coming to see the show are asked the same questions and given temperature checks as well.
Information and ticketing for online viewing or to attend in person is at www.ppctbeautyafterthebeast.com.
Stewart said the online version is a well-crafted video presentation that can be watched during a window of time before and after each scheduled live show. Streaming is $15 while live performances cost $22.50 or a discounted $20 for seniors, students and military.
Stewart said “Beauty After the Beast” features a collection of well-known tunes with two added original songs by Chancelor Harbin who scripted the original work and is its musical director. Alyssa Lorenz directed choreography.
“Before the pandemic, we had been planning a big summer production of ‘Titanic’ with a cast of 40 or 50 that would have packed the theater every night,” Stewart said. “There was no way of doing that now but as we closely monitored CDC and state guidelines it was our goal to provide something. Remarkably, Chancelor created a script in about two weeks and did an excellent job. Our cast is really wonderful.”
Online viewership has been selling well, he said, and where reduced live performance seating would allow 50-member audiences there have been 20 or so attending shows.
“Beauty After the Beast” is Stewart’s directorial debut with the Perry Players but the Houston County High School graduate, who is now studying law, said he has been involved with the company as an actor and musical director since 2012.
Red Velvet Cake War
In Warner Robins, WRLT plans to start its run of “The Red Velvet Cake War” July 31 directed by Dot Leach. It is set as a live presentation only.
“We had to postpone the production from an earlier date and had been in rehearsals when everything shut down,” Leach said. “We’ve kept at it doing Zoom rehearsals so a lot has gone into this. Our cast is really excited to be able to finally have the chance to bring it to our stage and we’ve had a lot of people checking on us and asking when we’d be performing live again. Fortunately, going through the ordeal of COVID-19, this cast has been a joy to work with and all the drama is on stage and not behind the scenes. Everyone has a bond and real camaraderie and we’re excited to be getting back together.”
Leach called “Red Velvet” a “hilarious southern comedy” set in Texas that looks at the chaos that goes on in people’s lives and between family members. She said it involves the idiosyncrasies of living in a small town, going to family reunions and, of course, battling over who makes the best red velvet cake.
The production has a cast of 12.
“From what I see, people are ready to get out and see a show,” Leach said. “As long as they know we’re doing all we can and they do all they can to stay safe, I think people are ready to get out. Yes, we will have hand sanitizer and masks available and are doing the other things to comply with guidelines – and go beyond.”
Leach noted evening show times at WRLT have changed to 7:30 p.m. from the traditional time of a half-hour later. Matinees remain at 2:30 p.m.
Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.
“Beauty After the Beast”
Where: Perry Players, 909 Main St., Perry
When: 7:30 p.m. July 10-11, 2:30 p.m. July 12
Info: www.ppctbeautyafterthebeast.com
“Red Velvet Cake War”
Where: WRLT, 502 S Pleasant Hill Rd, Warner Robins
When: 8 p.m. July 31-Aug. 9, Aug. 7-8 and 14-15; 2:30 p.m. Aug. 2 and 9
Information: www.wrlt.org