This column appeared in the March 29, 2006 edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper as well as in the March 30, 2006 edition of the Kings Bay Periscope.
Much of what I have been writing about for the past few weeks comes to fruition in Camden County this week and during the month of April. Before April tests its tenderness against daunting spring breezes and chilly nights, more than 80 Camden County High School artists will overpower you with their enthusiasm, their energy and their fearlessness. And, before the merry month of May arrives, we will see a project that has been bubbling in the caldron of creativity for nearly four years receive the breath of life from the throats of your neighbors and friends. In that order, here are some details.
Last November, teachers and directors at Camden County High challenged their charges. The aspiring artists responded with fervor. “Everybody cut ‘Footloose’,” they shouted at the top of their lungs! And they began to rehearse. Practicing almost daily since before their winter holiday break, these wonderful kids are ready for you. They are begging you to come see this story that is almost as heart-warming as the performers themselves.
“Footloose” features the title song, plus other hit songs such as “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” and “Almost Paradise.” The play is based on a real event that happened in the small town of Elmore, Oklahoma, where, ever since the town’s founding in 1861, dancing had been illegal. (No one knew why, it had just always been that way.) In 1980, some local teens protested, town leaders and church elders battled them and eventually, after 120 years, the town had its first dance. The event made the national news, and ultimately, became a movie.
The movie opened as a box office smash in 1983, and in the 90’s, it was re-imagined for the Broadway stage with new songs, story line changes and stage choreography to capture the energy of the cast and the audience. The stage production is funnier, with a lighter brand of teen pathos than the movie. It also allows audiences to more deeply appreciate the efforts of concerned parents to protect their children.
“Footloose” cast members include Peter Anderson as Ren McCormack, Brittany Bingham as Ariel Moore, Greige Lott as Willard Hewitt, Becky Kuitems as Rusty, and Hampton Dixon as Reverend Shaw Moore. The show also features members of the CCHS Top Cats Dance Team in its high energy dance numbers, as well as a cadre of CCHS teachers in the opening number as members of the church choir. The student musicians are from Camden High’s award winning instrumental music program. Tickets are $5 in advance at the high school Auditorium or $6 at the door day of show.
Next up in April and continuing into May is “Crooked Rivers’ Sisters Three.” The homegrown, historical play is slated for three weekends beginning Thursday (April 20). The performances dates are: April 20, 21, 22, 23; April 27, 28, 29, 30; and May 4, 5, 6, 7. Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 7:30 pm. Sunday performances begin at 2:30 pm. All performances are scheduled at Crooked Rivers State Park, which is seven miles north, at the end of Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy (or Spur 40). Tickets are available by calling (912) 729-3154 beginning April 1. Also, some area merchants will be making “Crooked Rivers” tickets available in their stores soon (that list is not quite complete yet – I will get it for next week). Put this on your calendar now!
Opportunities for this week and the future: string virtuosos from the No. 1 world album, Celtic Woman, TUC, Mar. 30, 8 p.m.; 70s hit makers The Lettermen and The Association at the TUC, Mar. 31, 8 p.m.; Oceanfront Music Festival’s “Springing the Blues,” March 31-April 2, Seawalk Plaza, Jax Beach; 150 artists and musicians live at San Marco Art Festival, San Marco Square, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free; do not miss Cirque du Soleil’s “Delirium” at Veteran’s Memorial Arena, April 6 & 7.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
3.29.06
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