The Bay St. Louis Little Theatre has announced its new 2017-2018 season. The Little Theatre Guild meets throughout the year and reviews plays to develop a season of shows. This new season includes a Broadway classic, a comedy, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, an adaptation of an iconic movie, the annual tribute to Tennessee Williams, a Valentine show, and the annual re-enactment of the Christmas Nativity. The Theatre Board of Directors approved the Guild’s selection earlier this month.
The Little Theatre opens with the adaptation of the iconic movie classic comedy “Nine to Five” on September 15th. This show is certain to be an audience pleaser. The movie is in the top twenty of the highest grossing comedy films ever produced and is in the top 100 of the American Film Institute list of the best comedies ever made. The story is about Violet, who is at her wit’s end because she is stuck in a dead-end job under a boss that she trained. But when the boss’ good-natured secretary, Dora Lee, and a new hire, , decide that they’ve had enough, the three women’s revenge fantasy becomes hilarious reality in a scheme that spins wildly out of control.
The next show is a comedy by John Patrick who wrote “Teahouse of the August Moon.” Each Guild member loved “Enigma” because it is full of laughs. “Enigma” was first hailed for its success in summer theatre. This is a fast-moving, hilarious comedy-fantasy that deals with the predicament of a young man who imagines that there is a tiger living with him, a young girl who has a similar problem with a gorilla, and their doubting friend—who, ironically, ends up with a rather strange companion himself.
In celebration of the Christmas season, the Little Theatre will perform a live Nativity Re-enactment Show in the Depot District on December 16th. This event has become a beloved community tradition.
The season includes “Side Man” winner of the Tony Award for Best Play. “Side Man” was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It is a poignant memory that unfolds through the eyes of Clifford, the only son of Gene, a jazz trumpet player. It depicts the family life of a side musician in the jazz band. “An atmospheric memory play, “Side Man” spans three decades in the life of a Manhattan musician. Playwright Warren Leight, whose father was a sideman, incisively captures the pulse and climate of the New York jazz scene…..The joy and despair of the musicians is skillfully illustrated.” – Variety.
The popular annual Valentine dinner show will be held on February 10th. The program is an evening of romantic songs, dramatic readings of love poems, romantic comedy skits, and catered dinner. The Little Theatre will once again be transformed into a dining/stage setting.
Returning by popular demand is the new show venue that started last year for the Tennessee Williams’ Tribute. “Mississippi Writes Original” sold out and was extremely successful. This year it will be a two-weekend event with the same format. Writers from all over Mississippi will be invited to enter their original one-act plays for the show. Four of these plays along with a one-act play by Williams will be performed. The writers will, once again, be invited to the event and be recognized throughout the shows.
The season will end with the popular Broadway classic “Harvey.” The famous story of Elwood P. Dowd and his imaginary friend, a six-and-a half-foot tall rabbit named Harvey. “Harvey” is a 1944 play by the American playwright Mary Chase. Chase received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work in 1945. It has been adapted for film and television several times, most notably in a 1950 film starring James Stewart. This is a truly lovable comedy that the entire family will enjoy.
BSLLT Season of Shows 2017 – 2018
The Little Theatre has chosen a season of variety, quality, and excitement that the community will enjoy. The shows present a broad range of theatrical experience in a non-traditional, diverse theater setting. Season memberships are on sale now at www.bsllt.org/join. For more details call 228-467-9024.
Bay St. Louis Little Theatre Guild members meet to choose the Theatre’s 72nd season of shows. Seated L to R: Sylvia, Schneller, Christina Richardson, Clayton Pennylegion, and Bernie Cullen.