Had a very nice time tonight at an unusual setting, the North Shelby County Library. Tonight was the official opening performance of the Alabama Stage Door, a brand new community theater company organized by friends and catering to the talent in Birmingham, but particularly, North Shelby County.
Expected to enjoy a little light Christmas fare tonight, with low expectations. Instead, was treated to a night with some very heavy-hitters in talent, and a show that zipped by oh-too-quickly.
Yes, it had moments of home-spun, "we're family, and we're kinda putting this together as we go along." But all in all, just a great bunch of people, with some extraordinary voices and talents being shared to put all in the Christmas Spirit--and hopefully, give a nice boost to Alabama Stage Door and their goal of their first full-fledged show in June, 2010.
As usual, my blog wouldn't be complete, it seems, without a reference to my children. And today was no exception, as Rachel had the distinct honor of being the first performer ever to perform for the fledgling company, as she took center stage with her sweet rendition of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Yes, she just got music this afternoon for it. No, she did not rehearse it until today. Yes, she gave Donner a son in Santa's team, as she mentioned Donner twice (Sr. and Jr.?) and sat Comet out for this ride. But proudly went front and center in a small room (is there any more nerve-wracking?) and did a terrific job.
Her friend Casey (Colin-The Secret Garden; Chip-Beauty and the Beast Annie-Annie, Jr.) was in the show and did a great job, too. But the show wasn't a "kid's show," although there were a frew sprinkled here and there. Great Birmingham adult talent, emceed by Mike Bridges, was wonderful. I don't mean to leave anybody out, but will mention a few--Susan Cook, who we met when she played the lead role in Beauty and the Beast with Rachel and Casey, had a couple of numbers that were excellent. An acapella group of seven--the Augmented Seventh, a group of UAB Singers, were tremendous. David Coker and Tommy McDowell did a duet of "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" that would do broadway and the big screen proud. The show ended with a flourish, with "Santa Baby" from Susan Cook, "Merry Christmas, Darling" from Emily Lunsford and "I'll be Home for Christmas," sung a capella by the powerfully-voiced Clay Boyce, was a terrific way to end the show. My apologies to all of the other wonderfully talented performers who contributed to the show as well.
I especially enjoyed Mike Bridges and a "special guest" in which he and Kermit the Frog sang, "I'll have a Green Christmas." I remember him doing that way-back-when my oldest child--now a junior in college--was in middle school or so. Haven't seen it since then, but it was as good as I remembered, and a big hit with the little ones in the audience.
Terrific show, certainly got the money's worth, a mere pittance of a donation for 2 hours of live entertainment at 1/4th to 1/3rd the cost of a typical show.
I wish Alabama Stage Door the very best. Good people involved, including Donna Corneil, who has such a great part in insuring successes of shows at OLV, and now Alabama Stage Door, Kathy Ellis, MikeBridges, Dava Fant and others. Community theater is tough, and right now may be especially tough. But if somebody can make it work, these people can. Support your local theater groups the best you can, all of them, but keep your eyes out for Alabama Stage Door. They can use a little extra special boost to get started. Then again, can't we all?
Will have another post tomorrow. Stay tuned--more music and performance stuff.
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