Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Hilarity ensued as soon as the lights hit the stage Thursday evening for the opening night of The Hallelujah Girls production at the Millbrook Community Players Theater.
With a cast of only eight and a crew of just nine for the whole production, the scene was set to Eden Falls, Georgia in a town where old grudges die hard, feisty friendships never end and dreams can come true.
“The support I’ve received from the cast and crew has been amazing and I look forward to watching them shine on the stage. The Hallelujah Girls is a hilarious show and will keep the audience laughing from start to finish and will remind you that life is too short and everyone should follow their dreams. I encourage the local community to come out and see this show, you will not be disappointed,” Director Cheryl Phillips said.
The story takes place in an abandoned church turned day spa where life-long best friends and southern comedy grips the audience in their seats. The cast and crew not only worked together to turn this play into a production, but many had multiple roles bringing the production together.
“I certainly got bitten by the theater bug and have enjoyed every moment. Even if acting isn’t your thing, there are many more opportunities to serve on the stage crew, lighting and sound, costumes as well as helping actors as needed between scenes. It’s so much fun. I’ve been able to meet some of the most amazing people since getting involved in my first production, Willy Wonka last summer,” actor Jamie Brown said.
Community theater is meant to be an inclusive environment where everyone, from all walks of life, is allowed to pursue their artistic side, Phillips stated. Actors, stage crew, lights and sound, the director, set design and even working concessions are one big team with a common goal of providing quality and family friendly entertainment to the community.
“Lifelong friendships are developed through community theater, and it is very rewarding to watch children and adults develop self-confidence from participating in a show whether on stage or backstage,” Phillips said.
The Hallelujah Girls will have showings through April 28th, which started Thursday April 18th. Showtimes at 7:30 p.m. each evening, Thursday through Sunday of each weekend.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online, on the Community Players website or they can be purchased on site.
