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Pro-rated memberships now available

10/09/2017

What would you say if we told you we could save you some money? Well, we can! Even though our season opener, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, has closed, we are now offering pro-rated memberships for a limited time. We have a great line up for the rest of the 99th that you don’t want to miss!

Visit here to read more about our remaining shows. The information below tells you how you can save!

If you need ten or more tickets, check out the Patron and above levels here. Those tickets are interchangeable so, if you miss a show, you won’t lose any valuable tickets.

Our pro-rated memberships are listed below. Each membership gets you one ticket to each of our remaining four productions. And, it will save you money over cash box office ticket prices!

Adult 4-show membership
$70

Senior/Full-Time College/Active Duty Military 4-show membership
$65

Youth 4-show membership
$55

Pro-rated memberships are on sale NOW! Visit us online at towntheatre.com or give us a call at 803-799-2510. If you leave us a message, we’ll get back to you by the next business day.

See you at the theatre!

Pro-rated for web — Pro-rated memberships are available! MEMBERS can save MONEY!

Main Stage

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

08/31/2017

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score. The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be “Out There” observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three gentlemen vie for her attention, Frollo also embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.

Starring in the challenging role of Quasimodo is Jeremy Reasoner (Million Dollar Quartet, The Little Mermaid). His attention is focused on the entrancing Esmeralda, taken by Blakelee Cannon
(The Addams Family, Shrek the Musical) and Sheldon Paschal (Million Dollar Quartet, The Addams Family). The deceptive Dom Claude Frollo is being portrayed by George Dinsmore (Spamalot; The Buddy Holly Story) with Captain Phoebus in the hands of Town Theatre newcomer, and choir master for this production, Augie Gil. The king of the gypsies, Clopin, is being played by Will Moreau (My Fair Lady, Annie Get Your Gun).

A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic
of this truly unforgettable musical.

Director ~ Jamie Carr Harrington
Musical Director ~ Michael Simmons
Choreographer ~ Tracy Steele
Lead Costumer ~ Jillian Carey

This show is generously sponsored by:

Events, Special Events

Join Wonka as we Feed Children Everywhere

07/21/2017

FCE_Logos_Masterfile_FCE_Logo_Horiz-1 If you have been around Town during a summer show, you know that one of our favorite things to do is to give back! We are proud to partner with Feeding Children Everywhere (FCE). FCE’s mission is to activate people for a hunger-free world. Since inception, FCE has distributed 73 million meals across 50 countries using the help of
485,000 volunteers.

Willy Wonka and the gang will work to support FCE in several ways, but we need YOUR help. Grab a Wonka bar when you come to the show and be sure to bid on one of our awesome silent auction items.

All proceeds will benefit Feeding Children Everywhere.

Christmas in the Carolinas ~ Nutcracker basket courtesy of
Carolina Ballet
Family pass (2 adults, 4 children) to 2017 The Nutcracker ($150 value); Nutcracker ornaments and pencils

Dinner and a show! Opening night tickets to Million Dollar Quartet (revival show Aug. 18) and $20 to Pasta Fresca ~ seats Left N1 & N2

Tech Free Zone Basket ~ courtesy of Ms. Teavee
Paperback copies of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator; Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder; 8 DVD set of 101 classic TV show episodes; Bag of assorted snack size chocolate; Chewy Gobstoppers; Nerds candy; Box of Crunch-n-Munch

Kids’ candy delight basket courtesy of Mrs. Gloop (and a Romanian etched glass candy dish courtesy of Three Rivers Antiques for the grownups!)
All of your favorite Wonka candies! Wonkabars, Gobstoppers, Whirly pops, candy buttons ~ and MORE! Plus, a beautiful tall Romanian etched glass candy dish.

Guaranteed Spot in Fall 2017 Town Youth Theatre Class ~
Annie Jr. (production Nov. 10-12; classes begin week of Aug. 28) Does not include class tuition.

Bid before the show on the patio OR email your bid to town@towntheatre.com. We’ll notify you if you are outbid and check to see if you would like to make another offer. Auction closes on August 6th — you do not need to be present to win!

Special Events

It’s WONKAville!

06/23/2017

WONKAville teaser Saturday, July 15 will be a fun filled day at Town as we host WONKAville! Join Willy Wonka himself and get a sneak peek behind the gates of his candy factory. We’ll have a special preview of the show ~ be the FIRST to see it! And that’s not all! You can join in on the fun and learn a few steps from our Oompa Loompas, play pin the tail on the squirrel with Veruca, do a live TV interview with Mike Teavee and Phineous, make a delicious chocolatey treat with the Gloops and participate in Violet’s bubble blowing extravaganza contest! And, while you are here, bag a few meals with Charlie Bucket and our friends from Feeding Children Everywhere! Throw in a photo op with Wonka and the chance to win your own GOLDEN TICKET to see the show, and it is sure to be a Wonkaful day!

Tickets for participants ages 12 and below are $10. This includes ALL of your activities and your photo (which will be emailed to you after the event). We’re also asking for a $5 contribution for ages 13 and up ~ after all ~ it is a GREAT cause! Sign up to be a part of the 10:00 AM tour or the 11:15 AM tour. FCE_Logos_Masterfile_FCE_Logo_Horiz-1

Tickets available here OR via phone at 803-799-2510. All proceeds from WONKAville will be given to our partner, Feeding Children Everywhere, to support LOCAL hunger efforts.

Events

Thanks SCTA!

Image 06/01/2017

On May 20, we were honored to be named a 2016 Theatre of Distinction Award by the South Carolina Theatre Association. Board member Donna Saleeby accepted the award on behalf of the theatre.

SCTA award 2017

“On behalf of the Board of Town Theatre, we express our sincerest thanks. Our Executive Director, Town is so grateful to be recognized and it is particularly pleasing that this award is presented to us by Carol Baker. Carol grew up on the stage and is now working in the arts – devoting her life to helping others achieve their best as artists. We also are delighted that Carol’s mother, Anita, is here tonight as well. Anita has been a long time fixture at Town – first starting off as a volunteer and then joining the box office staff. Though she keeps trying to retire, we just cannot let her go! She assists us today by working with our volunteers – engaging them in a way that we could not do without her expertise. And, it is worth noting that Anita’s daughter, whom we refer to fondly as little Anita and her late husband, Charlie, also spent significant time on the Town stage.

Stories like the Baker family are the primary reason that we have such a strong and proud history. The very people that have come in and out of our front doors for the last 98 years – making our productions possible from front of house to curtain call – on stage and off – are certainly how we define ourselves as a theatre. To the South Carolina Theatre Association and to all of you who are involved in the arts to make our world just a little bit brighter – we thank you.”

Uncategorized

DESSERT IMPOSTERS ~ Saturdays, May 6 and 13

04/20/2017

DESSERT IMPOSTERS ~ Saturdays, May 6 and 13
Frank Jr. pulled the wool over many an eye as he made his way across the country — picking his professions as he went. As a pilot, “pie in the sky” was Frank’s dessert of choice. While making the rounds as Dr. Conners, he needed all the “brownie” points he could get (we’re serving ours with ice cream). And, in his role to solve the world’s legal problems, Frank Jr. often enjoyed a luscious lemon “bar” or two. We hope you’ll join us for some delicious deserts. All you have to do is go out to eat — and then bring us the receipt. No deception here — your dinner receipt in exchange for dessert!

On our first two Saturday shows (May 6 and 13), we want you to go grab dinner — at a restaurant of your choice — and then bring us the receipt. In exchange for your receipt, we’ll provide dessert on the patio before the show. Dessert will be served from 7:15 to 7:45 PM.
AND… to sweeten the deal (see what we did there?), one lucky participant’s receipt will be drawn at random and your dinner will be on us! (Well, the first $50 of it, anyway!)

So, on Saturday, May 6 and/or Saturday, May 13 — go #DineAroundTown, bring us the bill and enjoy dessert on the patio! Receipts must be dated May 6 or 13 with a time stamp of 4 PM or later. Don’t worry — if you run out of time to grab dinner, we’ll still serve you dessert for $3 — or choose two for $5. Water, soft drinks, beer and wine will also be available for purchase.

dessert with text

Main Stage

Town’s 99th season ~ early bird pricing now!

04/18/2017

Town Theatre is excited about our 99th season — complete with something for everyone. Beautiful music, holiday cheer, heartwarming stories, a little mystery and toe-tapping fun! Each of these shows is NEW to Town — a hard task to accomplish when you are our age! Purchase your 99th season membership BEFORE JUNE 1 and enjoy the same price that you paid for the 98th!

Purchase HERE or call 803-799-2510 12 noon to 5 PM.

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score. The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be “Out There,” observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all. A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.

A holiday classic from the writer of the musical theatre classic, The Music Man!, and based on the movie of the same name, Miracle on 34th Street features a book and score by none other than Meredith Willson. Single mother, Doris Walker, doesn’t want her six-year-old Susan’s head filled with romantic notions. Their neighbor, Fred Gailey, tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy’s, where Doris works. Doris is not impressed, but when it turns out that Macy’s Santa may, in fact, be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts. This joyous, heartwarming musical is the perfect holiday treat!

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish centers on Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, Big Fish is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre – for an experience that’s richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself.

It is December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit.

The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do! You can’t stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl’s inspiring dream to dance.

Youth Theatre

Technical Internships at Town

04/07/2017

Town Theatre Technical Internships

Town Theatre’s mission is to provide quality, live, family-oriented community theatre to the Midlands and beyond as well as to offer the foundation for those who wish to participate on stage or backstage. As such, we are offering up to four technical internship positions for the summer of 2017.

Intern Duties:
~Assist with various aspects of the technical side of theatre.
~Participate actively in preparing for the summer production of Willy Wonka.
~Work in one or more of the following areas: carpentry, stage lighting, engineering, scenic art and design.

Qualifications:
~Some experience in technical theatre.
~Should be flexible, creative, a team player, reliable, and have a good work ethic.
~Display a willingness to assist in load in/out, as artist liaison, and setup/tear down stage.

These internships are ideal for candidates who are looking to study technical theatre and/or design in high school, Governor’s School or college. Candidates should be between the ages of 14 and 19.

Time Commitment:
In general, interns will work from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday beginning June 5. We will not work the week of July 4. There may be some optional opportunities to work on weekends as well as backstage crew for the production which runs July 21 to August 6. Interns will receive at least 75 hours of scenic building, painting and lighting work on a realized production.

Other Details:
Interns will be under the supervision of Danny Harrington, Technical Director. All technical internships are unpaid. Neither housing nor transportation is provided. College credit may be granted, but must be coordinated in advance with the intern’s university/college. Interns will work primarily at Town Theatre which is located at 1012 Sumter Street in downtown Columbia and at Town’s warehouse located off of Shop Road.

To apply:
Please send a letter of interest and your theatrical résumé to Shannon Scruggs no later than April 24. Selected applicants and their parents will be scheduled for an interview with Town’s Technical Director and Executive Director.

Main Stage

Enjoy the Ride

02/27/2017

Guest blog by Chip Collins

So what do you do when you are (arguably) the lead character in a musical, but you don’t sing any of the songs?

You enjoy the ride.

When I first saw that Town Theatre was going to produce Million Dollar Quartet, I immediately thought, “I want to be Elvis.” There was a reason for this – while playing Sandy in Elvis Has Left the Building back in 2014, my character was hypnotized and “became” Elvis.

Chip Collins as Sam Phillips. Photo courtesy of Megan Moore Memories.

Seemed like a natural progression, right?

Until I read that the characters have to play their own instruments. Uh-oh. The last time I touched a guitar was when someone taught me how to play the first couple of bars of “Hotel California” in high school (no, I don’t remember how to play it now). So, after obtaining a perusal script, I discovered that the character of Sam Phillips was perfect for me. And, boy, am I glad I made it, because these fellas (and lady) that are the real stars of this show are awesome. Our directors, Shannon Wills Scruggs and Jeremy Hansard, have put together an incredible group.

Ladies first. You can’t have a bunch of men sitting around in a group without a woman to keep them straight, and Sheldon Paschal certainly keeps all the guys in line. She brings a sultriness to the studio that keeps all of the guys just a touch off center (which is where artists are supposed to be, right?), and her rendition of “Fever” brings another dynamic to the show.

I’m not the only one who was hypnotized in Elvis Has Left the Building. My partner in crime, Charlie Goodrich, had that misfortune (or perhaps, fortune?) as well. But here, Charlie has traded in the white one-piece jumpsuit for an all-black wardrobe, playing a dead-on likeness of Johnny Cash. There are times when I close my eyes and listen, and I am really not sure whether I’m listening to Charlie or Johnny, and that is a testament to Charlie’s talent.

In this show, Elvis is played by Matthew Harter, who joined us later on in the process, and I am SO glad he did. There are some people you just look at or listen to the first time, and you know they’re special. Matthew is one of those people. Even though he is the youngest person in our cast, you would never know it. His voice is just pure, and he has really channeled all of the things that made Elvis the superstar that he became.

Of the four superstars in the Million Dollar Quartet, the one I knew the least about was Carl Perkins. However, after watching and listening to Alex Cowsert play him night after night, I want to know more. When I hear Cash, Elvis, and Jerry Lee Lewis, it’s only natural to compare the people playing them to the actual person. Well, when I listen to Carl Perkins, I will forever compare him to Alex. When he is playing and singing, the boy OWNS the stage. He performs with such a conviction that you want to focus on him and have him keep playing.

Jerry Lee Lewis? The man was overflowing with energy, and Jeremy Reasoner is no different. We’ve seen his singing talent on stage in Les Miserables and The Little Mermaid, but he will blow you away when you see him on the piano. There are some people who are musically talented in just about every way possible, and he is one of those people. He’s our de facto musical director on stage, and he really keeps things together.

I would be remiss if I did not talk about our killer rhythm section/studio band. Mikey Lowrey gives us a great steadiness as our drummer (and he chews his gum on the beat, too). Caleb Everson on guitar is such a talented guy with a quiet self-confidence about him, and you never know what he may be playing during down times (personally, I’ve heard both the theme song to “Jurassic Park” and Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” – goodness knows what else he has thrown in there. And Landon Osteen on the stand-up bass and acoustic guitar really makes these songs special.

It is truly a blessing to be able to sit back and hear these folks perform. Come to think of it, I’m glad I don’t have to sing.

It lets me enjoy the ride.

Main Stage

The Story Behind the Play

01/30/2017

Guest blog by Milena Herring

It has been a dream of mine to direct You Can’t Take It With You for a long time. My love affair with this Pulitzer Prize-winning play began in 1969 when I watched, with fascination, the rehearsals of a Workshop Theatre production of You Can’t Take It With You. As an adolescent who loved everything to do with theatre, I often went to rehearsals with my mom when she was in a show. This was before Workshop had a home theatre of its own.

The play was rehearsed and performed in one of the wonderful old theaters on the base at Ft. Jackson. I was enchanted by the ‘30s style and setting, and I thought it was the funniest play I’d ever seen. And no wonder- – it was directed by Mary Arnold Garvin and starred some veteran Columbia actors including Jim E. Quick, Bette Herring (my mom), Tinka Tiemann, Malie Bruton Heider, Johnny DeHart, David Smoak, and Gene McKay, to name a few.

Flash forward 14 years to 1983. I was a young twenty-something, newly settled in Manhattan, trying to find work as an actress and director. One of my dear friends in New York was a fellow Columbian, Karl Allison, who had been in the city for a decade and was making his mark as a successful producer of Broadway and off-Broadway plays.

His most recent production, still in previews, was a revival of You Can’t Take It With You on Broadway. Directed by Ellis Raab, it starred Jason Robards, Colleen Dewhurst, James Coco, and Elizabeth Wilson. Karl invited me to be his date on opening night at the Plymouth Theatre and to the cast party afterward at the Rainbow Room. After quickly accepting his invitation, I spent the following weeks searching for an elegant dress to buy and expensive jewelry to borrow.

After being introduced to numerous bold face actors and celebrities on the way into the theatre on opening night, I worried I wouldn’t be able to focus on the play. But as soon as the curtain rose I was immediately transported to the comfortable, eclectic home of the Sycamore family in 1936. The production was marvelous with outstanding performances by Robards as Martin Vanderhoff, Wilson as Penny, and Dewhurst as the Grand Duchess who wrung a laugh out of every line she uttered. The play was as hilarious and joyful as I remembered from my youth but the biggest impact of the production on me was that the director and actors created real people out of what could have been just zany stereotypes. Moreover, the director knitted the entire ensemble into a big, lovable family that anyone would be proud to call their own. The show ended with the audience and the actors singing “Good Night, Sweetheart.”

Then it was off in a limousine to the cast party. Stepping off the elevator on the 65^th floor of the NBC building into the iconic Rainbow Room, we were greeted by a waiter with flutes of champagne. A full band was playing music from the 1930s at the other end of the room. Karl led me to a table beside the famous revolving dance floor. Suddenly, I found myself sitting next to Robards at a table that included, off and on throughout the evening, Lily Tomlin, Dewhurst, George Hamilton, Coco, Meg Mundy and many, many other actors and industry people. Everyone was in high spirits since it was clear the show was a big success. The rest of the night is a blur but the next morning, Frank Rich, theatre critic for the NY Times, highly praised the production in his review and declared it “A family to adopt.”

Directing the Town production of You Can’t Take It With You brings my love affair with this play full circle. This cast is truly a dream team and is complemented by an equally talented crew and production team. Danny Harrington, Town’s technical director, has created a beautiful set and Jillian Carey’s costumes perfectly match the characters and the era. It has been a privilege to work with everyone at Town Theatre again this year. This play has been with me since the beginning of my life in the theatre. And it is an honor to say it has never been a disappointment.