Page A5, THE NEWS OBSERVER, July 4, 2008

To The News Observer,
"The Theater" is an indispensable hallmark of true education: it deepens our understanding of humanity and enables us to partake in that "Great Conversation." As newcomers to the area, our family was most excited upon discovering the talented and devoted group of individuals that collectively from the Blue Ridge Community Theater. In fact, when Scott, my husband, introduced the idea of moving here, we went straight to the computer to find the nearest theater. Voila! BRCT was a selling point for us, and Fannin County, Ga., is now our home!

The purpose of this letter is threefold; to urge our new neighbors to pause for a moment and consider the rich resource we currently possess; to publicly thank some folks for a wonderful two-week experience called the Sunny D Children's Theater Camp; and to invite you, the reader, to become part of the action by bringing your time and talent, your family and your funds, to the theater!

Quality community programs don't just happen; this is especially evident in children's education and outreach programs. At the BRCT, we've discovered gifted writers, teachers, actors, coordinators, craftsmen, house crew, and volunteers of all sorts that have created a healthy, artistic environment that doesn't just come with the territory. We know this, both professionally and by evaluating many, many programs for our children.

This group should be proud of their tradition of not turning a child away from summer camp, due to insufficient funds. This is the epitome of a proverb we've heard repeatedly, "It takes a village..." And it's being done right here, in our community!

I prefer a quote by Socrates, who usually just asked the right questions. "The right way to begin is to pay attention to the young, and make them just as good as possible" (in Plato's Eurthyphra). This is what I saw at Sunny D Camp this year.

In fact, we had three children enrolled, so we got a wide view of the action And we're new to tow, so consider this feedback objective. And here it is: I have rarely seen such a well-run operation, such truly gifted directors, such dedicated leaders, and such happy, healthy children.

Personally, my big thing is safety first, and on the very first day I became aware that the physical well-being of the kids was also a BRCT high priority, from safe parking lot procedures, to a good child-student ratio, to the fin e lunches (thanks businesses, for your donation). These guys weathered storms with grace and perseverance (like the failing air conditioning), and considered it a privilege to work with our children.

That's the right attitude, folks! And the final performances were indeed spectacular! I personally know a handful of kids that are turned on to the theater as a direct result of this intensive, two-week experience. And wasn't that the goal?

This is not a "pat someone on the back" type of letter. Listing names is dangerous: there are simply too many and I don't know them all. Besides, that's not my style. This letter is a reasoned plea to my new neighbors, who have welcomed me, my husband, and my children so warmly.

You see, despite the successes of the last two weeks, I understand that the theater has hit hard times. And while the image of the struggling actor is romantic, a struggling theater won't last very long. Alas, that would be tragic, given the hours and love and money that have been so tirelessly invested in this rich resource - your theater.

We have a very good thing going here in Blue Ridge, including a terrific and full lineup of upcoming shows. There's room for everyone: actors and the audience, stage directors and stage makers, the young and the old, the haves and the have-nots, the novice and the well-trained. "Each loves the play for what he brings to it," (Goethe's prelude, in Faust). So come, be a part of the theater. And bring something of yourself: bring your time and talent, your family and your funds.

Allow me to end on a cautionary note: To live in Fannin County without a thriving, healthy theater would be worse than a Greek Tragedy, for all of us.

Valerie A. Smith
Morganton

Page 1A, FANNIN SENTINEL, July 3, 2008

Page 4A, FANNIN SENTINEL, June 5, 2008

The Foreigner: Comedy Theater
By Dr. John P. Nichols

Blue Ridge Community Theater is presenting another great entertainment opportunity at Hampton Square the next two weekends with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.

The Foreigner by Larry Shue is a modern farce complete with mistaken identities, surprising plot twists, evil villains and innocents damsels; with a nod to classic vaudeville and old-time melodrama thrown in to ensure chaos and hysteria onstage as well as in the audience!

Though Shue's main interest in the foreigner is to make his audience laugh, he also is concerned with two important underlying themes. First is the theme of self-awareness where his characters Charlie, Ellard, Betty and Catherine struggle to discover who they really are while David and Owen attempt to hide their real identities from both others and themselves. At the same time, Shue is reinforcing his thematic assertion that human beings must tolerate and even celebrate individual differences if the world is to survive.

Charlie is the most obvious example of the struggle to achieve self-awareness. Convinced at the beginning of the play that he is boring and dull, Charlie discovers not only that he has an interesting personality but that he is worthy of a woman's love.

Like many insecure people, Charlie has permitted others to define the way he sees himself. Uncharacteristically competent, calm, clever, inevitable and brave, Charlie finds a sense of self by the end of the play and earns the love of Catherine.

The second theme, equally as important on our diverse world, is the theme of tolerance and intolerance. David and Owen illustrate most clearly Shue's distaste for prejudice. When Owen first meets Charlie, the concept of "Foreigner" is enough to turn Owen into a hilariously ludicrous bigot. While David, though a little more subtle, is similarly intolerant of anyone who doesn't resemble him And what fun it is to communicate such profound themes through the hilarious antics that Larry Shue is able to create with his clever brand of comedy. Laughing and learning IS the best combination.

The cast includes Ray Pigott, Duane Miller, Kay Thomas, Jason Boskey, Norma Bean, Phil Avery and Charlie Pass under the direction of Mike Lacy and Dalila Davenport, Elizabeth Hornsby is stage manager with Tina and Lee Maslankowski serving as production manager.

A special invitation is extended to those who might enjoy a pleasant Sunday afternoon at the 2 p.m. performance, June 8th and 15th.

Page A9, THE NEWS OBSERVER, May 2, 2008

PLAYWRIGHT BRUEL PRESENTS "SHORT HAIRED GRACE"
by Cynthia Maude, Staff Writer

Playwright Bill Bruehl will present his play "Short Haired Grace," based on the conversation between 16th century Irish woman pirate Grace O'Malley ad Queen Elizabeth I, on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Bruehl said the cast performing the play in Blue Ridge is the first amateur cast to produce the play. "I think it's the best cast yet," he said.

Irish woman pirate Grace O'Malley - who led a band of 200 pirates in the 16th century and was a thorn in the side of Queen Elizabeth I - was irresistible to playwright Bill Bruehl when he discovered her story on the back of a menu in an Irish cafe.

After researching the story for a year, Bruehl wrote a play based on it "Short Haired Grace," which he will personally present on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.

Elizabeth I hated that Grace was exacting tolls fro ships sailing off the west coast of Ireland, and for 40 years she fought Grace and never succeeded. "Nobody could beat Elizabeth at any game, but Grace," Bruehl said.

When the two powerful women were in their 60s, they finally met and talked. "They talked in Latin - no record was kept - so no one knew until now what they said to each other. This is a case when history worked out perfect ground work for the play, he said.

"Short Haired Grace" is one of 25 plays that Bruehl has written. I look for interesting but ignored historical figures," such as his splay, "Giordano Bruno and the Field of Flowers," which focuses on Bruno, the 16th century martyr, and "Darwin's Captain," about the Christian fundamentalist captain of naturalist Charles Darwin's ship.

"I've always been interested in individuals the most likely to be picked on - that kind of person who's had insurmountable odds," Bruehl said.

"I write, direct and act - I can't stop. It's a genetic problem. My father was a designer and technical person in theater. I was introduced to theater at the age of 2," said Bruehl.

He has directed more than 60 professional plays and taught theater arts at the State University of New York at Stony Brook for 30 years.

On Saturday at 11 a.m., Bruehl will conduct a free masters acting workshop at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Participants will look at the motivation of characters. "The actor will give a different meaning to words depending on the inner drive," Bruehl said.

The two performances of "Short Haired Grace" at the Blue Ridge Community Theater are reader's theater productions without costumes and props.

Show times are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Page 6, THE NEWS OBSERVER, Happenings, May 2008

"THE FOREIGNER" IS LIGHTHEARTED, FAMILY FUN

By Joe DiPietro, Staff Writer

The Blue Ridge Community Theater will open its production of "The Foreigner" by Larry Shue this month. Here, cast members in the play are, from left, Kay Thomas, Ray Pigott, Duane Miller, Norma Bean, Matt Dixon and Charlie Pass. Not pictured is Phil Avery. Performances of the show will be given on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m., from May 16 through June 8.

The Blue Ridge Community Theater will put on several performances of "The Foreigner," by Larry Shue this month.

The show will open May 16 and run through June 8. Show times will be at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

"The Foreigner" is a comedy set at a hunting lodge in rural south Georgia. The plot revolves around two men from England, named Froggy and Charlie, who have come to visit the hunting lodge.

Of the two men, Froggy has been visiting the lodge for many years and Charlie, who is painfully shy, has come for his first visit, said the show's director, Mike Lacy.

Because of Charlie's shyness, he and Froggy arrange to act as if Charlie is actually from a foreign country where English is not spoken.

Along the way, Charlie is able to learn of plans in the small community to condemn the hunting lodge.

This discovery takes the play on some hilarious turns, Lacy said. "There's a whole series of hilarious scenes of (Charlie) not knowing English and trying to learn English," he said.

Because the premise that Charlie is acting like a foreigner is established during the show, "the audience is in on the whole scheme," Lacy said.

From the standpoint of the director and the actors, "keeping the audience in stitches is just a blast," Lacy said.

"The Foreigner" is a popular production at community theaters across the country and Lacy said he thinks the local community will enjoy it.

"It's just one funny situation after another," Lacy said. "It's very lighthearted and family-friendly. We've learned the audiences here like to come and laugh and that's what this play is all about."

Admission to the play is $15 and tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call the box office at 706-632-9223.

Page 8A, FANNIN SENTINEL, March 27, 2008

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND COMING TO BRCT MAIN STAGE!

Cast L-R Front Row:  Megan Little, Alice Holden, McKayla Barrialut, Jesie Turner, Madison Upshow, Erica Lalak, Patch Hreha (Tech).  L-R Second Row:  Rachel Tompkins, Diamond Keener, Bobby Whitley, Meghan Beaver, Morgan Tinker, Katie Gent, Grace Little, Darcy Mrnall, Ciera Hudson, Heather Fillingham, Allie Lindstrom, Samuel Sims.  L-R Third Row:  Carrie Baker, Lindsay Arp, Ross Alexander, Joey  Roderick, Hanna Sims.  Not Pictured:  Abigail Anderson

Sunny D Children's theater is proud to present this magical adaptation of the original Alice in Wonderland (adapted by Tim Kelley)!

Performances will be March 28 - April 6, 2008 at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a triumph of imagination in which nonsense cavorts with meaning in a celebration of language.

Showing only two weekends - performances will be Fri & Sat 7:30 pm and Sunday 2:00 pm.

Admission is $10 for adults/$5.00 for Children 10 and under.

Please call the box office at 706-632-9223 for reservations. Additional information is available on our website at www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com. 

Page A7, THE NEWS OBSERVER, March 25, 2008

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND AT BRCT

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a triumph of imagination where nonsense cavorts with meaning in a celebration of language. Performances will be March 28-April 6, 2008, at the Blue Ridge Community theater at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and on Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults/$5 for children, 10 and under. PLease call the box office at 706-632-9223 for reservations. Additional information is available online at www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com. Cast members, from left, front, are Megan Little Alice Holden, McKayla Barriault, Jesie Turner, Madison Upshaw, Erica Lalak, Patch Hreha (Tech); middle, Rachel Tompkins, Diamond Keener, Bobby Whitley, Meghan Beaver, Morgan Tinker, Katie Gent, Grace Little, Darcy Arnall, Ciera Hudson, heather Fillingham, Allie Lindstrom, Samuel Sims; back, Carrie Baker, Lindsay Arp, Ross Alexander, Joey Roderick and Hanna Sims. Not pictured is Abigail Anderson.

Page 10, THE NEWS OBSERVER, Happenings April 2008

COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS "RARE TALENT" APRIL 25-26

Page 6A, FANNIN SENTINEL, March 6, 2008

LIVE THEATER SEEKS SUNDAY AFTERNOON AUDIENCES
Dr. John P. Nichols
Reviewer

The production, "Lend Me a Tenor," is another great opportunity for area residents to be entertained by Blue Ridge Community Theater located in Hampton Square. Two weekends remain, March 9 through March 16, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays (March 9 and 16) 2:00 pm. Attendance on  a drab late winter/early spring Sunday afternoon is especially encouraged as ample up close and personal seating abounds.

The play is directed by Sonia Smith with technical and production assistance from Tina and Lee Maslankowski and state management provided by Jode Hanson. The production enjoys a talented cast consisting of :Micah Stuart, Wayne Roshaven, Sophia Swain, Mike Lacy, Beth Inman, Denver Clark, Norma Bean, and Daniel Parrish.

"Lend Me a Tenor" by Ken Ludwig is an old fashioned knock-about farce which originally opened in London in 1986 and was first performed on Broadway in 1989 when it won two Tonys and the Outer Critics Circle Award.

Director Sonia Smith says directing Lend Me a Tenor "has been a bit like choreographing a ballet on speed." There is as much chaos going on behind the scenes as you see on stage. The fast-paced comedy is a mile-a-second laugh from beginning to end with every character having a unique over-the-top quality.

Underneath all the zany antics, mistaken identities and fast paced slapstick is a wonderful love story with a message about taking risks far outside our comfort zone.

Show up at 2:00 pm on March 9 or 16 and be prepared for a hysterical ride. Sit back and enjoy the gift of comedy.

Page 8, THE NEWS OBSERVER, Happenings March 2008

SUNNY D PRESENTS "ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND"
By Joe DiPietro, Staff Writer

A group of Fannin County youth will take to the stage at the Blue Ridge Community Theater March 28 to open the Sunny D Children's Theater production of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."

Performances of the show will be given on March 28, 29 and 30, and April 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

A group of more than 20 local youth will take part in the production, adapted from Lewis Carroll's book by playwright Tim Kelly.

Tina Maslankowski will be directing the show, along with the help of assistant director Pat Webb.

The central plot and theme of the story will remain much unchanged from how it's popularly known, Maslankowski said, "'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is a fantastic tale about a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a strange and mysterious place where nonsense is the norm," she said.

The play is great for both youth actors and audience members, Maslankowski said.

"The staging of Lewis Carroll's fantastic journey is full of surprises and reimagined characters," she said. "And, like Alice, these kids face enormous riddles of reality on a daily basis The rules change for them. Time is fluid for them and their relationship to the world is in a continual state of flux. Because they already live in Wonderland, they re most receptive to Wonderland, no matter how it is conceived."

More than a dozen of the young actors in the play are new to the community theater stage and are being supported by numerous veteran Sunny D Children's Theater participants who are also in the play, Maslankowski said.

The average cast member age is 15 and the show is appropriate for audience members from 5 years old and up, Maslankowski said.

To purchase tickets for the show, call the box office at 706-632-9223.

Season tickets for all shows at the  Blue Ridge Community Theater are also available for purchase.

Page B3, THE NEWS OBSERVER, February 29, 2008

THEATER HOLD KICKOFF PARTY FOR MEMBERS

The Blue Ridge Community Theater held its annual season kickoff membership party Jan. 26. Here, musicians performing on the theater's stage durin gthe party are, from left, Jonathan Moore, Jed Dotson, Bobby Don Bloodworth and Tedi May. Main Stage productions in the theater's 2008 season include "Lend Me a Tenor," starting Feb. 22; "The Foreigner," opening May 16; "Our Town," starting on Aug. 29 and "Greetings!" opening Nov. 7. Several one-act plays and children's plays are also scheduled at the theater in 2008. For more information on theater membership, season tickets or volunteering at the theater, call the box office at 706-632-9223.

Page B3, THE NEWS OBSERVER, February 22, 2008

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER HAS OPENING NIGHT

The cast is all dressed up and ready to go! Lend Me a Tenor is directed by Sonia Smith with Jode Hanson as stage manager. The cast of Lend Me A Tenor is all set for its opening on Feb. 22. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Students may attend the Sunday performance by buying one ticket and getting one free, so grab a friend or a date for a great time. Ticket prices are $15 per seat and $13.50 for seniors so reserve your seats now by calling 706-632-9223. Back, from left, is Daniel Parish, Denver Clark, Norma Bean, Wayne Roshaven, Beth Inman, Mike Lacy, and seated are Sophia Swain and Micah Stuart.

Page 2A, FANNIN SENTINEL, February 21, 2008

Page A5, February 12, 2008 THE NEWS OBSERVER

SPONSORS MADE FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2007 SEASON

To The News Observer,

2007 was a great year for theater in Blue Ridge and a lot of the success is owed to the wonderful sponsors. While we are all feeling the effects of a tightening economy, I think it is important to acknowledge those consistently responsible for keeping our community moving forward. to that end, the Blue Ridge Community theater has committed to spotlighting each of its sponsors in a series of articles over the course of the year.

So it is time for a few of last year's theatrical angels to take a bow. First up are the 2007 full season sponsors: Appalachian Community Bank, BB&T Branch Banking and Trust Co., Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta Factory, Blue Ridge Law, ETC-TV3, John E. Foster Realty & Appraisal Co., The News Observer and United Community Bank.

BRCt expanded our Sunny D Children's Theater stage time in 2007 from three week-ends to five. Forty children were in our well-received "The Best Christmas Pageant, Ever." Overall, we had 27 weekends of live theater in Blue Ridge last year. That's 11 different plays. Highlight additions last year were great performances by international actors Karl Sutton as Mark Twain and Ian Frost as Lord Byron. These and more friends of BRCT will showcase their talents here in Blue Ridge in the future.

Up on stage next are the 2007 production sponsors who are well deserving of a bow and applause, too. They are: The Cabin Grille, Parris Pharmacy, The Real Estate Connection, The Downtown Team, Sugar Creek Farm/Alpaca, TDS Telecom, and Tri-State Electric Membership Corp.

One of the premier theater endeavors of the year was the cooperative to bring the Georgia Shakespeare program at Oglethorpe University and their professional troupe performing "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to the school system and the community. There also was a month long after-school program at West Fannin Elementary School that produced a play that was praised by 250 parents and friends as well as the founder of the Georgia Shakespeare program who attended the cafetorium performance.

BRCT's production of "Vincent" included collaboration with the middle and high school art programs, Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association and the community.

And finally, while too many to mention in one letter, it is delightful to welcome all the contributions from the director, designers, stage managers, and players categories to the stage. Our parents and volunteers, actors and directors, are more committed to community theater than ever. It is fun to imagine them all on stage, holding hands together as they take their bow, just as they help hold together BRCT.

Blue Ridge Community Theater proved its community roots when, by chance, the director and the whole cast of "The Glass Menagerie" were Fannin High School graduates, classes of 1983, 1984, 1987 and 1990. Theater is a proven route to educational success. At Fannin County High School, Ms. Lesa Burgess graduates 100 percent of her drama student seniors. Over time, about 90 percent have gone on to college or higher education.

Our children's programs are mostly free and Summer Camp is normally 50 percent to 75 percent scholarships. The year St. Luke's Episcopal Church and the Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club continued their support of our camp program. We continue to extend to all Habitat for Humanity families and foster care families scholarships and free tickets, etc.

We thank all of you for your support and want the community to know there is always room for more to take a bow on our stage! Without sponsors, we could not afford live theater in Blue Ridge, much less 27 full weekends. Thank you all for your support past, present and future.

Joe Webb, President
BRCT

Page B4, THE NEWS OBSERVER, February 8, 2008

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS HELD AT BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER

News Observer photos/Dub Joiner

First Picture:
Chris Albreckt, left and Rick Tullis compare notes at the Business After Hours, sponsored by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. More than 75 chamber ambassadors and others attended the event.

Second Picture:
Pat Webb, left, Bobby Don Bloodworth and Lynda Thompson chat during the Jan. 22 Business After Hours at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. The event is sponsored by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce to allow chamber ambassadors and members of the local business community to meet and share information. More than 75 people attended the event.

Third Picture:
Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Emily Dunn, left, shared information with Christy Shull at the Jan. 22 Business After Hours at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. More than 75 people attended the event sponsored monthly by the chamber as an opportunity for chamber ambassadors and members of the local business community to get together and network.

Page 9, THE NEWS OBSERVER, February Happenings

THEATER OPENS SEASON
By Joe DiPietro, Staff Writer

The Blue Ridge Community Theater will offer several performances of Ken Ludwig's comedy "Lend Me a Tenor." Here, cast for the play are, from left, front, Sophia Swain, Norma Bean, Beth Inman and Denver Clark; back, Micah Stuart, Daniel Parrish, Wayne Roshaven and Mike Lacy. The show is a fast-paced comedy that is full of slapstick.

The Blue Ridge Community Theater is set to open its production of Ken Ludwig's comedy "lend Me a Tenor," in February.

The show will run from Feb. 22 until March 16, with various show times.

The play is a lighthearted story set in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1934.

In the story a world famous opera tenor comes to Cleveland to perform. What follows is a hilarious series of events that include drugging the tenor and a performance given by another character in the play.

"It's a farce comedy that involves a mistaken identity and lots of innuendo, and slapstick," co-director and actor Mike Lacy said.

There is also a romantic undertone throughout the play, Lacy said.

While the play is appropriate for most, Lacy said he'd rate it PG-13 due to a few slight sexual innuendoes. "It's appropriate for 12 and up," he said.

"Lend Me a Tenor," is being directed by Sonia Smith. Cast members include Sophia Swain, Norma Bean, Beth Inman, Denver Clark, Micah Stuart, Daniel Parrish, Wayne Roshaven and Lacy.

The show is full of comedy and includes lots of fast action, Lacy said. "it's just hysterical," he said. "It's a very fast and physical show. There's hardly a moment that stands still."

From the perspective of a director and actor, it's a lot of fun to take part in the production, Lacy said.

For more information on show times or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 706-632-9223.

Page A3, THE NEWS OBSERVER, January 15, 2008

SUNNY D HOLDS AUDITIONS

News Observer Photo/Joe DiPietro

The Sunny D Children's Theater at the Blue Ridge Community Theater held auditions over the last week for its upcoming children's production of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Here, young actors, from left, Heather Fillingham, Kendra Harris, Abigail Anderson, Alice Holden, Katie Gent, Bobby Whitley, Alicia Prittchett, Jessie Turner and Rachel Thompkins listen to instructions from director Tina Maslankowski. The production is set to run from March 28 until April 6, with multiple shows on each weekend.

Page 4, THE NEWS OBSERVER HAPPENINGS, January 2008

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER OPENS SEASON FEB. 22
By Dub Joiner
Staff Writer

Audiences are in for a delightful and amusing treat when the Blue Ridge Community Theater opens its 2008 season Feb. 22 with Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor."

the production is billed as clever and wildly entertaining and includes confusion, mistaken identity, innuendo and slapstick comedy.

Sonia Smith and Mike Lacy will direct the production that begins Friday, Feb. 22, and continues weekends through March 16.

In May, the theater will produce "The Foreigner" by Larry Shue.

The comedy involves a plot to turn a fishing lodge two hours south of Atlanta into a meeting place for the KKK. When the scheme is discovered, the owner of the lodge, assisted by several guests, conspires to interrupt the plot with some zany comedy antics.

"The Foreigner" will be followed Aug. 29 by Thornton Wilder's "Our Town."

The "Our Town" production shows glimpses of several days in the life of Grover's Corners, in the early 1900s.

In the show, the characters seem barely aware of the miracle of their lives and even less aware of how fleeting a lifetime can be.

"Our Town" will run weekends Aug. 29 through Sept. 21.

The final show of the 2008 season is "Greetings" by Tom Dudzick that begins Nov. 7.

The production is a comedy, a domestic drama and a fantasy involving five characters and a simple plot.

A young man brings home his Jewish atheist fiancé to meet his very Catholic parents on Christmas Eve.

However, a truly incredible event takes place that will make everyone realize that there is a bond between them and they must face the truth about what ties them together.

The production begins Nov. 7 and runs weekends through Nov. 30.

Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

For tickets call the theater at 706-632-9223.

Page 6A, FANNIN SENTINEL, November 15, 2007

Theater Review
SEEING STARS IN DIXIE
by John P. Nichols

"Seeing Stars in Dixie" is enjoying a four week run at Hampton Square in Blue Ridge, November 9 through December 2, 2007, as part of the Blue Ridge Community Theater's ongoing annual productions. The public can take pride in another great opportunity to enjoy local live theater of such high quality. Directed by Shannon and Mike Fleeman, the play is set in Clemmie's Tea Room, Natchez, Mississippi, in 1956. Hollywood and some of its brightest stars have arrived to film a major motion picture. Competition for a small role in the movie brings out the best, and worst, of the town's memorable characters. Local actor and actresses Eileen Kerr, Wayne Roshaven, Carol Smith, Mendy McGuffey Roebuck and Elizabeth Hornsby turn in talented performances in a play with few twists and turns in its plot.

To experience enriching live theater at Hampton Square in Blue Ridge, call the box office at (706) 632-9223 for ticket information. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Page A6, THE NEWS OBSERVER, November 9, 2007

EXCITING WEEKEND IN BLUE RIDGE

To The News Observer:

We'd like to thank the many people we met and worked with recently, while we were there with our one-man show, "BYRON: His Life Loves."

May we also congratulate Blue ridge on the exciting things happening over that festival weekend, including the festival itself, the art exhibit, and - of particular importance to us - your delightful Blue Ridge Community Theater.

Almost a year ago we walked into the building and immediately hoped it would be possible sometime to do a show there. Ian, the English actor, and Bill, the American playwright, have both developed a nose for recognizing the atmosphere of a venue and the dedication of the people working it it. That's no surprise, since we've toured with our several shows through Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and Greece - and, of course, throughout the U.K. and at least 35 of the United States.

It was a great experience to bring our biography, "BYRON: His Life & Loves," to the Blue Ridge Community Theater, and we would like to thank Patricia and Joe Webb for inviting us and our audience for their enthusiastic reception. We were especially happy that they forgave Lord Byron, "mad, bad, and dangerous to know," sufficiently to give his story an standing ovation!

Again we congratulate Blue Ridge on this excellent, committed, and forward-looking theater venture. A theater is nothing without a loyal audience, and it is heartening that the theater-going habit is already established so well there. We hope the BRCT will go from strength to strength. Lord Byron, Ian and Bill all send their warmest wishes to those "Stars in Dixie" in the theater's next production!

Ian Frost and Bill Studdiford
St. Petersburg, Fla.

Page C1, FANNIN SENTINEL, November 1, 2007

TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN...

Tellabration 2007! originated in 1988 as a means of building grass-roots community support for the age-old art of storytelling. The worldwide event is coordinated by the National Storytelling Network, headquartered in Jonesborough, Tenn.

Blue Ridge will again join in the global Tellabration'! spirit. The Blue Ridge Mountains Storytellers, in cooperation with the Blue Ridge Community Theater will produce the local event on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 PM. The events will take place at the Blue Ridge Community Theater, Hampton Square, 11 E. Mountain St., Blue Ridge, GA. This will be the eleventh annual TELLABRATION'! in Blue Ridge.

"We have a terrific lineup of storytellers who are donating their talents in support of this local event," says Sue Canady, spokesperson for the storytellers. "And we have an exciting program of stories. Listeners will hear tall tales, folk tales and stories that touch the heart." Storytellers who will perform are all members of the Blue Ridge Mountains Storytellers. On Saturday night, you will hear Kim Cheves, Bill Jefferson, Keith Jones, Mark Johnston, Earl Key and Betty Wilson; Sunday afternoon will be Betsy Doty, Tracy Walker, Gene Curry, Joyce McManious, and Bill and Sue Canady. And, we have a special treat before the tales begin, the Note Crackers Barbershop Quartet of the High Country Harmonizers will sing for us at both performances."

Tickets are available at the Blue Ridge Community Theater, from any member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Storytellers or by calling Sue Canady at 706-374-5156. Tickets will also be available at the door. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Sunny D Children's Theater Workshops.

Page 4, THE NEWS OBSERVER, Happenings November 2007

TELLABRATION RETURNS TO BLUE RIDGE
By Joe DiPietro, Staff Writer

The Blue Ridge Mountain Storytellers will host their 11th annual storytelling celebration, better know at Tellabration 2007, over the course of two days in November.

The event will take place on Saturday, Nov.3 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at the Blue Ridge Community Theater on East Mountain Street.

The local celebration of the art of storytelling is part of a worldwide celebration organized by the National Storytelling Network, Blue Ridge Mountain Storytellers member Sue Canady said. "Tellabration takes place in places all over the world in November," she said.

This year's Tellabration is titled "Tales from the Hills" and will feature a variety of stories, Canady said. "We chose that as a theme because we're telling tales and we're in the hills," she said.

Storytellers featured on Saturday include Kim Cheves, Keith Jones, Betty Wilson, Mark Johnston and Earl Key.

On Sunday, Betsy Doty, Bill Canady, Tracy Walker, Sue Canady, Joyce McManious and Gene Curry will be telling tales.

Prior to the storytelling each day, there will be a vocal performance by the Note Cracker Quartet, a division of the local barbershop chorus, the High Country Harmonizers.

Canady said the involvement of the audience in storytelling is one of her favorite aspects of it. "I like the fact that the audience gets involved, because you can't tell a story without an audience," she said.

The goal of the event is to inspire interest in storytelling in others, Canady said. "It's really an effort to get more people aware of the art of storytelling," she said.

Tickets for Tellabration 2007 are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Blue Ridge Community Theater's Sunny D Children's Theater Workshops.

Page 4, THE NEWS OBSERVER, Happenings November 2007

The Blue Ridge Community Theater will offer several performances "Seeing Stars in Dixie" by Ron Osborne. Here, the cast for the production are, from left, seated, Elizabeth Hornsby, Mendy Roebuckand Carol Smith; standing, Wayne Roshaven and Eileen Kerr. The play will run from Nov. 9until Dec. 2, with performances each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"SEEING STARS IN DIXIE" OPENS NOV. 9
By Joe DiPietro, Staff Writer

Rib-tickling Southern humor can be found in the upcoming production of "Seeing Stars in Dixie," at the Blue Ridge Community Theater in November.

"Seeing Stars in Dixie," will open on November 9 and run through Dec. 2, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and a Sunday matinee performance at 2 p.m.

The play was written by Ron Osbourne and is set in Natchez, Miss., in 1956.

Movie producers have come to the small town to film a portion of the movie "Raintree County" and townspeople from all walks of life quickly begin to compete amongst themselves for an open, walk-on role in the film.

"It's definitely very Southern and easy to latch onto," director Shannon Fleeman said of the play. "There's a lot of funny lines an colloquialisms in this play. Every character has funny lines and each one is well-developed. They're all big, funny characters."

Much of the action in the play takes place in a tea room in Natchez where the localsinteract. There is also a romantic subplot through the play between a few of the characters.

Despite the funny tone of the production, it has a "heartwarming" moral to it, Fleeman said. "It's all about finding out who you are and overcoming obstacles," she said.

Actors in the play are local residents and include Wayne Roshaven as "Glease," Eileen Kerr as "Clemmie," Carol Smith as "Tootie," Mendy Roebuck as "Marjorie," and Elizabeth Hornsby as "Jo Beth."

"Seeing Stars in Dixie," is a funny play that is appropriate for families to attend, Fleeman said. "Come out and expect to have a wonderful and memorable experience," she said. "It's just a heartwarming and hilarious show."

For more information and to reserve tickets call the box office at 706-632-9223.

Page C1, FANNIN SENTINEL, October 18, 2007

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS: LORD BYRON 
Featuring Ian Frost on Saturday, October 20th @ 7:30 PM

The Blue Ridge Community Theater is very proud to announce the performance of "Byron: His Life and Loves" starring British actor, Ian Frost.

Ian Frost's one man shows have been performed in New York City, in London, at the Edinburgh and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals, at the Luxembourg National Theatre, on tours of major cities in the U.S., the U.K., Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Greece, and for Cunard in the Mid-Atlantic, the Caribbean, and twice through the Panama Canal.

After training at the Bristol Ol Vic Theatre School and the Royal Court Actors Studio, Ian appeared with leading repertory theatres in England, including seasons at Plymouth, Perth, Farnham, Colchester, Birmingham and Coventry. His many television credits include "Z Cars', 'Dr. Who', 'The Poet Herrick', 'Ivanhoe' and, for BBC Open University, Rousseau in 'Dinner at Holbach's' and Guardiano in 'Women Beware Women': from a man with too many principles to one with none at all! Productions in the London Fringe include 'The Sitwells', 'Plague Wind', 'Pythagoras' and 'The Provoked Wife'. During a break in the one-man show performances, he returned to London to appear on stage in the premiere of 'Screamers' and in the TV sitcom 'Girls on Top'.

Ian's professional association with Lord Byron began several years ago. A founder-member of ATC-London, he created the part of Byron/Narrator in its award-winning production of 'Don Juan' at the Edinburgh Festival. The company then toured extensively through England and Scotland and was invited to the Avignon Festival. The Byron connection continued with 'Byron: In Words & Music' for the British Council in Amsterdam and at the Edinburgh Festival, and the BBC Radio series, 'Byron's Last Letters'. Ian then decided his next Byron project must be a solo performance: both the man and the poet had so much to say abut life, love and the human condition that this was the only way to attempt to do justice to such a remarkable character.

Ian Frost is coming to Blue Ridge for one night only!

Reserve your seats now! General Admission is $15. Call the Blue Ridge Community Theatre at 706-632-9223.

Page B3, THE NEWS OBSERVER, October 12, 2007

BRCT PRESENTS SEEING STARS IN DIXIE

The Blue Ridge Community Theater announces the cast for the last main stage show of the season, "Seeing Stars in Dixie," a story of small-town life in Natchez, Miss. the action occurs in Clemmie's Tearoom during the filming of Raintree County, the popular 1956 movie starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift.  Clemmie's, the local gathering place, is brimming with talk of star sightings in town. The scene turns to mayhem when the regular gals learn a walk-on role is available. The competition begins. Glease, a shy man more comfortable in the company of women than in the company of macho men, is surrounded by the engaging antics of the competing women. Sides are drawn, and the fun begins. This is a delightful show full of laughs, surprises and a heartwarming conclusion. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., Nov. 9 through Dec. 2. Call the box office to reserve seats at 706-632-9223. Seated, from left, are Elizabeth Hornsby, Mandy Roebuck, Carol Smith; standing, Wayne Roshaven and Eileen Kerr.

Page 2, THE NEWS OBSERVER HAPPENINGS, October 2007

COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS "BYRON: HIS LIFE & LOVES"
By Joe DiPietro, Staff Writer

The Blue ridge Community theater will present a performance of "Byron: His Life & Loves" for one night in October.

the show will be performed on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m.

The production was written by Bill Studdiford and is a biographical exploration of the life of English poet Lord Byron.

The production's only role is that of Byron and will be filled by internationally acclaimed actor Ian Frost.

Frost has been a longtime scholar of Byron and has appeared in a number of roles related to, and including, Byron.'

In the past, Frost's one-man shows have been performed in theaters across the world including New York City, London and Luxembourg.

Some of Frost's television credits include "Z Cars," "Dr. Who" and "Ivanhoe."

For more information call the Blue Ridge Community Theater box office at 706-632-9223.

Page 5C. FANNIN SENTINEL, September 20, 2007

Page A5, THE NEWS OBSERVER, September 18, 2007

KEEP BRINGING GOOD ENTERTAINMENT TO THEATER

To The News Observer,

We had the pleasure of attending the Blue Ridge Community Theater for the performance of "Nunsense" and I must say it was one of the best afternoons that we have spent in a long time.  The house was packed--in fact it was sold out.

The audience just laughed and cried.  It was hilarious and just showed that nuns are real people after all.

Hopefully they will consider bringing it back next year.  All the plays we have seen have been great.  To the Blue Ridge Community Theater we say thank you and keep it up and keep bringing us good entertainment.

John and Lois Garnier, Blue Ridge

Page 1B, FANNIN SENTINEL, September 13, 2007

ONE MORE WEEKEND FOR LAUGH AFTER LAUGH
By Joan Crothers
Towns Sentinel Editor

I don't do play reviews as a rule, but this is one play too good to pass over. Doctors have said a good belly laugh is so healthy for us. So do yourself a favor and have an evening of belly laughs while seeing "Nunsense" at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. The laughter is tempered with good singing, a little dancing, and audience involvement.

Joanne Leone (you've seen her at the concerts on the square) not only stars in the play as Reverend Mother, but is director as well. Voices and talent are non-stop from the cast of Delilah Davenport, Sophia Swain, Norma Bean and Beth Inman.

More like an old-fashioned vaudeville show with more than a little slapstick comedy, the story line is a big laugh also. The four nuns and the Reverend Mother are trying to raise money to bury four of their deceased nuns that are presently in the freezer. But you really need to hear the whole story from them.

Shows are Friday and Saturday nights, plus Sunday afternoon. Call the box office at 706-632-9223 for reservations. Tickets are $15 and $13.50 for senior citizens.

Page A12, THE NEWS OBSERVER, March 2, 2007

SHAKESPEARE COMES TO BLUE RIDGE

by Brian K. Finnicum, Editor

A 55-minute, fully scripted version of William Shakespeare's "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream" will be presented in Blue Ridge by the Georgia Shakespeare Touring company Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m.

The free performance will be held at the Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center.  The Georgia Shakespeare Touring company was already scheduled to perform for the Fannin County High School students on Tuesday, and for grades 3-5 on Wednesday, March 7.

A third performance was scheduled with the main emphasis of allowing the middle school and younger grades to participate.  By opening to the public, it will also allow parents to see the play their child studied and saw at school.

"This performance is the result of a donation of $550 received to allow middle school students to attend this production at no cost," said middle school Prinipal Angela Berrong.  "I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for our students and hope all will be able to attend."

The performance fee to the Georgia Shakespeare Company was donated by the Blue Ridge Community Theater's Sunny D Children's Theater and the Sustainable Arts Society, said Blue Ridge Community Theater President Joe Webb.  Superintendent of schools Sandra Mercier donated the use of the Performing Arts Center, he said.

Page B4, THE NEWS OBSERVER, February 27, 2007

CHILDREN'S THEATER ANNOUNCES PLAY

Sunny D Children's Theater announces the cast for the spring play "The Prince Who Wouldn't Talk".  Pictured, from left are Jesie Turner, Katie Gent, Brandon Lynch, Erica Turner, Connor Jones, Dylan Linch, Madison Upshaw and Julia Vorpahl.  The directors in front are Sonia Smith and Lisa Lacy Avery.  Performances are March 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and April 1 at 2 p.m. and on April 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m  Ticket prices are $8 for adudlts and $5 for children 12 an under.

Page A9, THE NEWS OBSERVER, January 19, 2007

HAMPTON SQUARE FEATURED IN CALENDAR

By Cynthia Maude, Staff Writer

News Observer photo/Cynthia Maude

Hampton Square, home to eight small businesses in downtown Blue Ridge, is featured in the 2007 Appalachia Rural Entrepreneurship calendar.  Of all the things in Hampton Square, owner Glenn Berns said he is "most proud of the Blue Ridge Community Theater."  Berns, front, is shown with the calendar in hand at the theater as Norma Bean, back to camera, Lisa Lacy-Avery and Katie Jenkins rehearsed the one act play, "Eleemosynary."

The paragraphs below concerning the Blue Ridge Community Theater are excerpted from the article accompanying this picture...

But of all the things in Hampton Square, Berns said he is "most proud of the Blue Ridge Community Theater.  I look at the theater as being one of those things that changes people's - especially young people's - lives, " Berns said.

The kids in the children's theater "are quiet little meek children when they come in and go out as young people who can express themselves," he said.

Page 5, THE NEWS OBSERVER, HAPPENINGS, January 2007

"ELEEMOSYNARY" OPENS THEATER SEASON JAN. 12

By Joe DiPietro, Staff Writer

Going to see a live thater production is a great way to be entertained and avoid the cold weather in January.

The Blue Ridge Community Theater will begin its 2007 season of "Act One" plays with a production of "Eleemosynary."

The play, written by Lee Blessing, centers around the sensitive family relations between three generations of women.

The three main characters in the play are a grandmother named Dorothea, a mother named Artemis, and a daughter named Echo.

Echo was abandoned by her mother as a young girl and left in the care of Dorothea.  Artemis, an intellectual genius, leaves her family because she can't stand to be tied down by the responsibilities of caring for her mother and daughter.  However, when Dorothea suffers a stroke, Artemis and Echo start to reconnect and gradually build a life together.

"It's a great wintry piece with an uplifting ending," said Lisa Lacy-Avery, director of the production.  "Through the show we find out how the women work through their complex relationships to come to some sort of peace with one another."

This production takes a minimalist point of view.  It contains very few props, no costume changes and has simple black-box sets, said Lacy-Avery.

"It allows the audience to really focus on the language and the characterization of the women in the play without any distractions," Lacy-Avery said.

The play will run fro Jan. 12 through Jan.14, beginning at 7 p.m.  Tickets for the show are currently on sale at the theater's box office.

For more information, contact the theater box office at 706-632-9223.

Page A7, THE NEWS OBSERVER, December 19, 2006

CHILDREN'S THEATER TO PERFORM DEC. 21

The Sunny D Children's Theater will be singing Christmas carols in the community on Thursday, Dec. 21.  the "JINGLES" write original advertising jingles to thank our sponsors to the tune of Christmas carols.  They will sing the "jingles" and traditional Christmas songs at the sponsoring Blue Ridge banks and Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta Restaurant.

The "JINGLES" will be singing at BB&T at 11 a.m., United Community Bank at 12 p.m. noon and Blue Jeans at 12:30 p.m.  They will make short stops at Blue Ridge Law, Sycamore Crossing Antiques, ETC and John Foster Realty, who also sponsor the Children's Theater.

They will end the day at Fannin Regional Hospital caroling for staff and patients.

Page B3, THE NEWS OBSERVER, October 27, 2006

Pictured left to right front are Director Mike Lacy, Betty Ratcliffe, Lisa Avery, Micah Stuart and Wayne Roshaven.  Second row:  Kristie Lindstrom, John Kuder, Jessica Warren and Director Sonia Smith.

"MOON OVER BUFFALO" ENDS SEASON

The Blue Ridge Community Theater presents its final show of the 2006 season, Moon Over Buffalo By Ken Ludwig from Nov. 17 to Dec. 10.

Moon over Buffalo is a madcap farce that takes a zany look at life and love in the theatre.  Moon is told with typical twists, turns, collisions, mistaken identities, ridiculous miscommunications, slapstick antics, some terrifying swordplay, and a stage set with six doors.  Add to all that a hostile, near-deaf mother-in-law, a couple of love triangles, an overly square weatherman, and a chance at stardom if  Frank Capra, movie director, comes to see the play and chooses George and Charlotte Hay for Hollywood roles....  WELL, you have a side splitting evening of raucous fun.

Tickets are 415 for reserved seating.  Reservations are recommended!  Call the box office for more information at 706-632-9223.

THE NEWS OBSERVER, Friday, August 4, 2006, B2

BOARD POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT THEATER

The Blue Ridge Community Theater, now in its seventh year, is in the process of board member rotation in an effort to enrich its board and abide by the leadership renewal plan in its bylaws.

Over the next three months the board of directors of the Blue Ridge Community Theater will be electing a new president, vice president of the children's theater, secretary and artistic director.

In addition, vacant positions on the board will be filled with community-focused individuals who would have an interest in leading the overall marketing for the theater or its volunteer recruitment and management effort.

Interested individuals should contact one of the nominating committee members --Meyer Birnbaum, Mike Lacy or Joe Webb--by calling 706-632-9223, or visit the theater website at www.BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com to learn more about the positions.

All positions are volunteer and offer an opportunity to be a part of a growing and valuable resource to the community and region.  Come out and play--the experience is both rewarding and fun!

What began as a small, meager effort of a few individuals with a passion to produce "Curious Savage" and "Love Letters," utilizing the local school cafeteria, has grown into a top-notch production group inhabiting its own 128-seat black-box theater.

BRCT is now a "real" theater; designed, built and paid for by the generous contributions of volunteers, community businesses, a dedicated board of directors and the loyal support of an enthusiastic theater audience.  From a 100 percent volunteer effort, the theater has grown to now support two paid positions with a budget in excess of $120,000.

The hope is to eventually grow to a size requiring a full-time executive director.  Don't be mistaken though, as a non-profit organization BRCT still relies 100 percent on the efforts of its dedicated volunteers.

In addition to a Main Stage Production group, the Blue Ridge Community Theater also includes the Sunny D Children's Theater.  The children's group hosts a two-week summer camp, a spring performance and a Christmas performance on the main stage each year.

This summer's camp enrolled 75 students with 35 volunteer instructors.  The theater offers scholarships for camp and, this year, 43 kids were able to participate who otherwise could not have.

The camp has become a significant experience in the lives of the children in this community by helping to develop better self esteem and creativity, both characteristics that can positively impact a child for a life time.

The board of directors is looking for individuals dedicated to the improvement of the community through the production of top-quality theatrical performances for adults young and old, teenagers and children.  It can be a lot of work but there is a great payoff with the success of every show.

The board is looking for individuals to help guide the direction and strategy of the theater as it evolves into a regionally recognized theatrical venue.

Executive officer terms are for two years; individuals may serve on the board up to six years.

Anyone who has ever been involved with community theater knows the key to the experience is "community."  From the casts of actors who are assembled from everyday people, who may or may ot have ever had any experience on stage, to the crews of retired and semi-retired carpenters, painters, seamstresses, and publicists, it is truly a community that comes together to create what is often described as a little bit of magic.

To find out how to be a part of the magic that is community theater, visit www.BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com or call 706-632-9223 and become involved as a volunteer or board member.

Page A11, THE NEWS OBSERVER, July 11. 2006

THEATER SELECTS "FOXFIRE" CAST

The Blue Ridge Community Theater has announced the cast for the upcoming production of "Foxfire."  The cast includes, from left, BobbyDon Bloodworth, Chris Colbert, Betty Wilson, Tina Maslankowski, Dan Norton, Katie Jenkins and Bill Canady.

Blue Ridge Community Theater leaders have announced their cast for the upcoming show, "Foxfire."

"Foxfire" is an odd lichen that glows in the dark on decaying trees; it is also the name of a series of books on Appalachian life and is the name of a play that actor Hume Cronyn and writer Susan Cooper shaped around the anecdotes revealed in these tales of vanishing folkways.

Filled with compassion, quirkiness and insight, "Foxfire" focuses on widow Annie Nations (Betty Wilson) who is spunky, sensitive and witty with a spirit as expansive as the mountains.  She is forced to confront changes taking place in her own life and in the world she has known throughout her 79 years.  Central to her predicament is the question of whether to remain on her hilltop farm, alone and out of touch with her family and life, or leave behind all that she's ever known. 

Pressures to leave come from a real estate hustler, "Prince," (Chris Colbert) who offers to buy the land, and her country music star son, Dillard (BobbyDon Bloodworth), who is fearful for her well-being.

Pressure to remain on the farm comes from the argumentative, yet somehow comforting presence of her husband, Hector, (Bill Canady) who is vibrantly alive in Annie's mind even though he is five years dead.  Vivid flashbacks recount events throughout their lives, and reveal the growing alienation between Hector and Dillard.

The play boasts delightful and touching country-folk music throughout and two other memorable characters in the Doctor, (Dan Norton) and the local "girl next door" Holly (Katie Jenkins).

Page B7, THE NEWS OBSERVER, June 9, 2006

THEATER TO PRESENT "THE WAR OF THE WORLDS" JUNE 9-11

The Blue Ridge Community Theater will present the stage play "The War of the Worlds" June 9, 10 and 11.  The play was originally performed as a radio play under the direction of Orson Welles based on the science fiction story by H.G. Wells.  Shown are the cast, from left, Rod Chamberlain, Elizabeth Hunt, Steve Smith, Kristy Lindstrom, Joe Webb, Patti Vick-Lee, Bill Alexander, Ross Alexander, Sarah Alexander, Lorrie Ross and Mike Lacy.

The Blue Ridge Community Theater will present "The War of the Worlds" June 9, 10 and 11, with director Bill Alexander and a cast of 10.  Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $8 general admission ($5 for members).

On Oct. 30, 1938, The Mercury Theatre, a young drama troupe under the direction of Orson Welles, preformed a radio play called "The War of the Worlds" on WABC, New York, and over the Columbia Broadcasting System network coast-to-coast.

Based on a science fiction story by H.G. Wells, the play entails Martians landing in New Jersey to take over the world.

The broadcasted imagery produced through sound effects and acting was so powerful, it caused mass hysteria.  Thousands of listeners panicked nationwide, not realizing it was just a radio play, even though disclaimers were announced before and during the production.

Following the original production, United Press reported "The Federal Communications Commission investigated a radio program which caused thousands of persons in every part of the country to believe that the eastern United States had been invaded by creatures from the planet Mars in the first engagement of a 'war of the world.'"

Expressing profound regret that his dramatic efforts should cause such consternation, Welles said,"I don't think we will choose anything like this again."  He hesitated about presenting it, he disclosed, because "it was our thought that perhaps people might be bored or annoyed at hearing a tale so improbably."

For more information, call the box office at 706-632-9223.

Page 13, THE NEWS OBSERVER, Happenings June 2006

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER SPONSORS SUMMER CAMP

By Dave Koerner, Staff Writer

Students and staff took a break from last year's summer camp for the Sunny D Children's Theater workshops.  This year's fifth annual camp will be held June 12-23 at the Kiwanis Club Fairgrounds in Blue Ridge and will have "Explore the Magic" as its theme.

If you're at least 5 years old and want to "explore the magic," then the fifth annual summer camp for the Sunny D Children's Theater workshops might be the ticket.

The camp, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Community Theater, will run June 12-23 at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds in Blue Ridge, from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.

Fees are $125 for a two-week session and $65 for one week.

The camp is open for children entering grades 1 through 12.

And this year's theme is "Explore the Magic," with participants developing skills in speech, expression, improvisation and performance.

There will be a workshop for ages 5-8 on storytelling, with emphasis on creating characters and stories.  Participants will dress up, explore emotions and use facial expressions to become characters they create.

Ages 9-11 will study characterization.  The group will create a set, use props and learn about costumes and makeup.  In addition, scene study, improvisation and monologues will be included.

Th