FROM KRISTY MEANOR, WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS
The Wetumpka Depot Players launch 40th Anniversary Season with a Birthday Bash and revival of beloved musical, Big River.
Wetumpka, Al- For 40 years now, the Wetumpka Depot Players (WDP) have been a dynamic theatre voice in the River Region. A nationally recognized and award-winning community theatre that offers unique and unassuming theatre experiences with entertaining and engaging productions, they are kicking off 2020 with a 40th Birthday Bash and the revival of a beloved classic, Big River. Based on Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn combined with the music of country music icon, Roger Miller, the production runs February 6-22.
“The WDP have spent the past 40 years enriching the arts tapestry of the River Region,” said Depot board president, Jeff Langham. “From our first performance in the historic train depot behind the First United Methodist Church to the more than 200 productions WDP has staged in our current location at 300 S Main St., in the Watt Jones Auditorium, the theatre has been a cornerstone of the Wetumpka community. With our 40th Season landing in 2020, we plan to build upon the legacy of our founders and confidently step forward into the next 40 years!” said Jeff Langham, Wetumpka Depot board president.
“Our 40th Anniversary Season is not only going to be a year-long salute to some of our beloved past shows, but we will also be launching new works, community projects and expanding and improving our facility. We are excited to share this celebratory season with our audiences and supporters!” said Kristy Meanor, Wetumpka Depot Players artistic director and Big River director. “When we presented Big River on our stage ten years ago, the audience support for the show was phenomenal. People fell in love with the music, the story and presentation. It was a natural choice to begin our season with a show that so many of our patrons still cherish as a theatre experience they will never forget. I directed the show here the first time around and while I’m not a huge fan of repeat shows, this is one I happily make an exception for. It’s an endearing and soul stirring evening of theatre.”
In addition to inviting the public to get rickets to Big River, Langham and Meanor also invite any current and past supporters (actors, designers, ushers, concessions, crew, sponsors) to attend the 40th Birthday Bash on Saturday February 8 at 7pm. RSVPS are requested by Feb 5 by emailing kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com
The WDP is located at 300 S Main Street in historic downtown Wetumpka. Box Office hours are Wednesday- Friday 9-3. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by calling 334.868.1440 or visiting wetumpkadepot.com
Kristy Meanor
Executive Artistic Director-Wetumpka Depot Players
President-Alabama Conference of Theatre
Region IV Rep-American Association of Community Theatres
334.868.1440
