The Acting Edition

Season 18 Line-Up

2011-06-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

JOHN PATRICK’S
THE CURIOUS SAVAGE
AUGUST 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21
DIRECTED BY KYLE HADLEY
Mrs. Savage has been left ten million dollars by her husband and wants to make the best use of it, in spite of the efforts of her grown-up stepchildren to get their hands on it. These latter, knowing that the widow's wealth is now in negotiable securities, and seeing they cannot get hold of it, commit her to a "sanatorium" hoping to "bring her to her senses." The self-seeking stepchildren are driven to distraction by their vain efforts to browbeat Mrs. Savage, but she preserves her equanimity and leads them on a merry chase.

NOEL COWARD’S
BLITHE SPIRIT
OCTOBER 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
DIRECTED BY BARB HARFORD
The fussy, cantakerous novelist Charles Condomine, re-married but haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, the clever and insistent Elvira who is called up by a visiting "happy medium", one Madame Arcati. As the (worldly and un-) personalities clash, Charles' current wife Ruth is accidentally killed, "passes over", joins Elvira and the two "blithe spirits" haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity.

GHOSTS OF RUSSELL COUNTY
OCTOBER 29
Featuring authors of the macabre Roberta Simpson, Dr. Lynwood Montell and Nash Black, authors of the Brewster County Mysteries, Ghosts of Russell County explores the line between folklore and reality.

THE DANCE SHOPPE IN
THE NUTCRACKER
DECEMBER 3, 4, 9, 10
DIRECTED BY MARTI SALLEE
In the classic ballet brought to life, at a gala Christmas Eve party, Clara's godfather presents her with an amazing Nutcracker in the form of a wooden soldier. Too excited to sleep, she suddenly finds the Nutcracker brought to life. He tells her he is a prince, under the wicked enchantment of the Mouse King, and she joins him in a series of adventures in strange lands as he seeks to regain his throne. When she wakes, she finds the Nutcracker gone. Was it a dream or not?

THE CHILDREN’S THEATER IN
ALADDIN
FEBRUARY 18, 19, 25, 26
DIRECTED BY GARY McGOWAN
Romance, mystery, and more fun than a magic carpet ride - that's what makes this richly imaginative version of the story of Aladdin such a winner. You'll love all the colorful characters, including Yahoo and his pet snake, who serve as narrators; the evil magician, El Kahsid; the beautiful Princess Celestia; the spoiled, obnoxious Gorgan, who wants to marry the Princess; the lamp and ring Genies and their "wish-granting associates"; the poetic cave creeps; and finally Aladdin himself, who starts out as a lazy, insolent boy but proves himself to be a prince.

100TH ANNIVERSARY
TITANIC
APRIL 21, 22, 28, 29
DIRECTED BY MARY McGOWAN
Sail to the depths of the ocean on the most famed and largest ocean liner. Follow the last few hours of the life of the Titanic and witness a dynamic struggle for survival and the escape of young love. Featuring many special effects to re-create the sinking of the Titanic, you will be literally transported aboard the liner back to April 1912 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of her sinking.

NEIL SIMON’S
THE ODD COUPLE
JUNE 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, JULY 1
DIRECTED BY TODD WILSON
This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assembled for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean-freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.

HELP KEEP OUR THEATER ALIVE!

2011-05-25T14:43:00.001-07:00

HELP KEEP OUR THEATER ALIVE! BUY AN AD IN OUR PROGRAM! Have you ad or message given to everyone who attends a show during the whole season. We will print 2,500 copies. Ads begin at $25. That's a penny a copy! Email kylehadley@startheater.org.org for more info.

This Weekend Last Chance to See 'Hillbillies'

2011-04-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Auditions Coming Soon

2011-03-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

Auditions for “James and the Giant Peach” will be held Saturday, March 26th at 2 pm in the Norfleet Gallery Annex, located next to the Star Theater on Main Street Russell Springs.

There are 17 speaking roles available for teens or adults. Children ages 12 and under will be needed as extras with the exception of the “James” character. Everyone auditioning will need to bring a photo of themselves for callback purposes. Other areas of help needed: stage hands, costumes, lights, and sound.

Show Dates are June 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26th

Alice in Wonderland Concludes This Weekend

2011-02-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

A Caterpillar. A Mad Hatter. A Red Queen. A White Rabbit. A girl named Alice hopelessly lost in Wonderland. Follow Alice in all her adventures as she meets some curious characters in Alice in Wonderland. The show concludes with performances on the 25, 26, 27. Tickets are $7 for Adults and $4 for Children 12 and Under. You'll want to be sure to see this Wonderful story. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Grider Drug on Main St.

We're Back to Blogging!

2011-02-21T21:02:00.000-08:00

We are back to blogging after going on a hiatus with our blog for a while. Also be sure to check out our new flash website at www.startheater.org

Star Theater to Open Season with ‘Classic’ Story

2010-07-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

Star Season Seventeen will officially open this August ushering in an impressive series of plays and musicals beginning with the classic stage version of the Lousia Mae Alcot novel, Little Women.

Louisa May Alcott published Little Women: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, the first volume of her now-classic book, in 1868. That story's instant success prompted the second volume, Little Women: Good Wives. This spritely adaptation, commissioned by DreamWrights Youth and Family Theatre of York, Pa., is based on that first volume, along with "The Battle of Beaumanoir," a later Alcott story containing obvious echoes of Jo's penchant for swashbuckling tales and her touching friendship with their neighbor, Laurie.

Under the guidance of their beloved mother, the four young March sisters -- tempestuous Jo, motherly Meg, shy Beth, and spoiled baby Amy -- struggle to keep their family going while Father's away in the Civil War. In this beautifully dramatized adaptation of the classic novel, even as privation, illness, and sibling rivalry cast their shadows, each girl strives to find her true self.

“I am very proud of the hard work this cast has put into "Little Women", from the smallest part to the bigger parts their hearts are truly there.” says director Barb Harford, who will be directing this play with Mary Beth Warner.

Little Women will debut on Friday August 6th with performances on the 7th and 8th. The play will conclude the following weekend with performances on the 13th, 14th, and 15th. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7PM and Sunday Matinees at 2PM. All times are central standard. Tickets for this family friendly tale are $7 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.

“Come not only to see this wonderful story put into a play but to also support your community theater." adds Harford.

Following Little Women will be a busy season of plays that include show stopping dance numbers in Snoopy! the Musical, the classic horror play of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, a spirited Christmas production of Miracle on 34th Street, the fun Alice in Wonderland, a return to high school in Disney High School Musical 2, the fruity adventures of James and the Giant Peach. October 1st will bring a special visit from the SyFy Channel’s Keith Age and other ghosthunters in a one night event brought to residents of Russell County with the cooperation of the Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Updated information can be found on these shows by visiting the soon-to-be updated website www.startheater.org or on the Star Theater Facebook page. Specific show times and prices may be found by calling 270-866-STAR.

Arriving this Weekend: The Foreigner

2010-06-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

Tilghman, GA—Residents of Tilgman County are gathering by the numbers to witness what some call, “The most amazing show,” at Betty Meeks’ Fishing Lodge. Once owned by the late Omer Meeks, this house has been adapted into a true Georgia getaway for all types of folks. With fishing and swimming on the guests’ lists, you can also find some good ol’ southern cookin’ by Betty herself. With eggs and grits on the menu for breakfast and some fried chicken for supper, she can delight any type of folk from any type of place.

Although this sounds fine and dandy, and like a good place to visit, not even Meeks herself could gather the crowds that have been seen peering in the window just to catch a glimpse of what is going on inside. Rumor has it that more crowds are expected this weekend. But what are these folks so excited about? Haven’t they ever seen an old lady, perhaps an ex-debutante and her slow-witted brother? Could it be a scheming reverend and his not so smart vengeful friend? A visiting British military man could be the reason, but no wait the answer is “The Foreigner.” A brilliant comedy created by Larry Shue.

That’s it! That’s clearly why these local folks have been peering in through that tiny window witnessing all the clever mayhem created by this seemingly exotic man! Just a mere British man, who is just afraid of small talk and possesses a lack of personality, creates this monstrosity of a character that bewilders every guest at the lodge. All thinking the man knows no English, they exchange some deep personal secrets in front of him, not knowing what’s in store. Betty (Debbie Bell) amazed with a foreigner, Catherine (Holly LaFavers) who shares every personal detail with him, Rev. David (Fletcher Bell) not so impressed by the man, Owen (Jonathon Gosser) despises the man, Ellard (Tyler Flatt) attempts to teach him English, and Froggy (Todd Wilson) who brings the man to Georgia, all learn an important lesson from Charlie (Kelvin Bailey), the foreigner.

You too can witness “The Foreigner” and perhaps learn a thing or two as well, while enjoying the clever and comedic story directed by Todd Wilson. The show is set to take place at the Historic Star Theater. You are just a local townsperson peering into that one window to witness it all. The Curtains will be open June 18-19-20-25-26-27, 2010. The story takes place at 7pm CST on Fridays and Saturdays and 2pm CST on Sundays. Tickets will be sold for $7 at the box office which opens one hour before show time. Tickets are also available at Grider Drug on Main Street. At request of the director, children 4 and under will not be admitted.

‘FOREIGNER’ SET TO INVADE RUSSELL COUNTY

2010-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Scandals, secrets, diabolical plans – all confided to a foreigner who doesn't speak English . . . or does he? Hilarity ensues when Englishman Charlie Baker, self-proclaimed “world’s dullest man,” takes a vacation at a rural fishing lodge with his eccentric army buddy, Froggy LeSuer.

The title character, Charlie (Kelvin Bailey) has come from England with his friend Froggy (Todd Wilson), a British military demolition expert who stays at a rural Georgia fishing lodge while training U.S. soldiers at a nearby Army base.

Charlie believes himself to be boring and without any personality, and when he arrives at the lodge, he dreads having to speak to anyone. Froggy explains Charlie’s silence to the lodge owner, Betty (Debbie Bell) by claiming that Charlie is from an “exotic” country and cannot speak English.

Betty and other lodge visitors assume that Charlie doesn’t understand what they are saying, and in his presence they openly discuss matters intended to be private.

The characters who unintentionally spill their most embarrassing secrets to Charlie include wealthy heiress Catherine (Holly LaFavers) and her fiance David (Fletcher Bell), a minister; Catherine’s slow-witted brother Ellard (Tyler Flatt), who attempts to teach Charlie to speak English; and Owen (Jonathon Gosser), a county property inspector scheming to take the lodge away from Betty.

This play is a winner of two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production. An inspired comic romp, equal in inventive hilarity to the author's classic comedy The Nerd, the present play enjoyed a sold-out premiere in Milwaukee before moving on to a long run Off-Broadway. Based on what the NY Post describes as a "devilishly clever idea," the play demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters must deal with a stranger who (they think) knows no English.

Larry Shue’s the Foreigner will be the final show of the historic Star Theater’s 16^th season and will play June 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7PM and Sunday matinees at 2PM. All times are CST. Tickets are expected to go on sale soon at Grider Drug on Main St. for $7 per seat. At the request of the director, children 4 and under will not be admitted to the show.

2010-03-15T10:31:00.001-07:00

2010-03-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

‘CRAZY LADIES’ RETURNS TO THE HISTORIC STAR

2010-02-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

Those Crazy Ladies in the House on the Corner makes a hilarious comeback as the February mainstage production at the historic Star Theater located in downtown Main Street in Russell Springs, KY. This play marks an impressive season of shows that that have been bringing many back to the old Main Street. For those who remember the building when it was a movie theater, February of this year marks the 60^th birthday of the building that houses the theater. Since re-opening as a community theater in 1994, the Star Theater had mounted hundreds of shows and became one of the best community theaters in the region.

What do you do when you have three geriatric sisters as patients and all they want to do is sit at home and talk to one another all at the same time? You move another person in with them. At least, that's what Doc Lomax does when he has a new nurse needing a place to live—a nurse with a secret, that is. The hard part is convincing the sisters they need a roomer. In no time, however, Nurse Jean has them planning parties, pulling Halloween pranks and wearing jogging suits while they race each other to the corner. But when the nephew shows up with a plan to sell the family house, things seem to get complicated again, especially with Christmas just around the corner. This heartwarming piece is loaded with wisecracks and one-liners that keep the laughter flowing. ‘Crazy Ladies’ is directed by Debbie Bell, who directed this play several years ago.

The crazy ladies of the title are three widowed sisters living together in the family home. Dora Miller is the bossy one, Maggie Brown is getting forgetful and absent-minded, and Lydia Van Horn is the practical one who keeps the household running. Dora is played by Mary Susan Judd, who returns from the original cast. Maggie is played by Lea Turner and Lydia is played by Barbara Harford.

The sisters share closeness and affection, as well as sharp tongues and various outlandish behaviors. Above all, each one loves to talk. When the three of them get going, the dialogue overlaps until they are all chattering at once, very often about different subjects. Dora, Maggie and Lydia can be strong-willed and difficult, each denying that they have any medical problems. This is a trial to Doc Lomax (played by Wendell McGowan, who also returns from the original cast), the local small-town physician, who decides to help them out.

Knowing the sisters will resist any sign of weakness or need of medical help, he introduces them to Jean Mitchell, a nice young single woman who wants to rent a room. Little do they know that Jean is a registered nurse. Jean moves in with the crazy sisters, and the fun begins. Jean is played by newcomer to the Star Dawn Robertson.

Jean seems to fit right in with the non-stop conversations, and adds a sense of new life to the aging sisters. With visits from the local delivery girl Blue (played by Renee Daffron), Jean makes sure the right pills are taken at the right time, and gently keeps the peace when possible. Her boyfriend Calvin (played by Jonathon Gosser) comes for a visit and the sisters try to turn into matchmakers. They celebrate Halloween in a unique way, and two of the sisters even take up jogging.

Then Phillip, Lydia's son (played by John Thompson), arrives with a plan to move the sisters to a retirement facility and sell the family house to be converted to a bed and breakfast. What now? Will the newly revitalized seniors lose their home and their sense of fun? By Christmas, when it seems things can't get any worse, a solution is found to settle everyone's future.

‘Crazy Ladies’ will play the last two weekends of February 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7PM and Sunday shows at 2 PM. All times CST. Tickets for this event will be $7, which will be available at the Box Office, which will open one hour before showtime. Tickets may also be purchased in advance from Grider’s Drug on Main St. For the latest and most up to date information, visit www.startheater.org.

Promotional Trailer for Crazy Ladies

2010-02-04T19:54:00.001-08:00

Last Weekend for A Christmas Carol

2009-12-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend will be the last weekend for Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Historic Star Theater in Russell Springs, Ky. Click Here for Cast Photo

2009-11-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

Scene from a Christmas Carol Click to Enlarge

A Christmas Carol Returns to the Star

2009-11-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

I have endeavored in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humor with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.

Their faithful Friend and Servant, Charles Dickens December, 1843.

The holiday spirit returns to the historic Star Theater this Christmas with Charles Dickens’ immortal classic A Christmas Carol. After a 6 year absence from the stage, the play makes a return like you have never seen it before. Featuring many of the folks that have presented the play in the past, a Christmas Carol is directed by Ginger Smith and features David Smith as the miserly Scrooge.

This is the timeless story of an old, bitter miser—Ebenezer Scrooge—and the chance for his redemption through the visitation of three timely ghosts and a partner from the past who learned his lesson too late. With traditional carols creating the proper atmosphere, the world of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and old England comes alive, igniting the holiday spirit for young and old alike.

The book was first published in December 1843 with illustrations by John Leech, and quickly met with commercial success and critical acclaim. The tale has been viewed as an indictment of nineteenth century industrial capitalism and has been credited with returning the holiday to one of merriment and festivity in Britain and America after a period of sobriety and somberness. A Christmas Carol remains popular, has never been out of print, and has been adapted to film, opera, and other media.

The tale begins on Christmas Eve seven years after the death of Ebenezer Scrooge's business partner Jacob Marley. That night seven years later, the ghost of Jacob Marley appears before Scrooge and warns him that his soul will be bearing heavy chains for eternity if he does not change his greedy ways, and also predicts that a series of other ghosts will follow. Three Christmas ghosts visit Scrooge during the course of the night, fulfilling Marley's prophecy. The first, the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge to the scenes of his boyhood and youth which stir the old skinflint's gentle and tender side. The second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, takes Scrooge to the home of his nephew Fred and to the humble dwelling of his clerk Bob Cratchit to observe his Christmas dinner. The third spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, harrows Scrooge with dire visions of the future if he does not learn and act upon what he has witnessed. Crippled Tiny Tim does not die as the ghost foretold and Scrooge becomes a different man, treating his fellow men with kindness, generosity, and compassion, and gaining a reputation as a man who embodies the spirit of Christmas

A Christmas Carol will play the first two weekends in December with shows on the 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7PM and Sunday shows begin at 2PM. All times CST. Tickets for A Christmas Carol are $7 per seat. There is a special group rate available for tickets purchased in a group of 10 or more. Tickets are currently on sale at Grider Drug on Main St. in Russell Springs or they may be purchased at the Box Office, which opens one hour before showtime.

The Man Behind the Invisibility

2009-09-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

Tickets can be purchased at Grider's Drug on Main St. for $7.

For more information visit www.startheater.org

Russell County Arts Council has invited you to an Upcoming event

2009-09-15T19:52:00.001-07:00

Russell County Arts Council has invited you to an event posted on Upcoming!

Event Details: (http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4410466/?invitation=9810805cf8)

The Invisible Man
Friday October 23, 2009 - Sunday November 1, 2009 (7:00PM - 5:00PM)
The Invisible Man will become visible in an updated 1950's version of the H.G. Wells' classic where a family running a quiet motel confronts a mysterious scientist who has found the secret of becoming invisible. The young boy, Jim, discovers that people are not always what they seem, science and discovery bring us all sorts of ethical questions—and even intelligence and imagination can be dangerous two-edged swords. The play is spooky, thoughtful, and funny. Drive-in movies! Nuclear power plants! Special effects!! INVISIBILITY!!! The Invisible Man is directed by Kyle Hadley, Barb Harford and Todd Wilson and will play October 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and November 1.

Venue Details:
Star Theater
546 Main Street
Russell Springs, Kentucky 42642

For more details about this event, including maps, comments, and other attendees, visit the event page at http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4410466/?invitation=9810805cf8

Invisible Man promotional materials released

2009-08-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Click on an image to view it full size. Right click to save to your computer.

Dance Shoppe to present All You Need is Love; Proceeds Donated to Home of the Innocents

2009-08-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

RUSSELL SPRINGS, KY—Since opening its doors in 1982, Marti Sallee along with many of
her dancers have raised over $125,000.00 for charities including The American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, The Star Theater Renovation Fund and the Home of the Innocents. This August, the Dance Shoppe will present a special program entitled All You Need is Love, and the proceeds will be donated to The Home of the Innocents, a Louisville based charity.

According to the website, www.homeoftheinnocents.org, the Home of the Innocents has been our region's open arms to kids in crisis since 1880. In its early years, the Home was known as a place that received young children and infants when their families were unable to care for them due to poverty, illness, or other overwhelming circumstances. Over the years, these services transitioned to primarily serving children who had experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In 1975, Home of the Innocents assumed the responsibility of caring for another vulnerable
population, the medically fragile children housed at the Jewish Home for Convalescent Children, which operated from 1908-1975. Today, the Home continues to provide services to medically fragile children, as well as abandoned, abused, neglected, and homeless children; children with autism; and their families at its children's village located on Market Street in Louisville, Kentucky. More information about this fantastic organization may be found on their website or
by calling 502-596-1000.

“Donating their time while using their talents to entertain others is quite rewarding for the dancers, their parents, and families. Dancing becomes a deep and meaningful experience when you can help others along the way. The Dance Shoppe has achieved that goal” said Salle, who operates the Dance Shoppe.

The show features many of the Beatle’s songs from the Dance Shoppe recital, which was
recently preformed at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset, KY. Several of the songs are sung live by Brandon Roush, who is lead singer in the band No Tale Lights.

A remarkable cast of over 50 brings to life the Beatles music. Some of the songs include Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help from my Friends, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Come Together, Can’t Buy Me Love, Hey Jude and many others.

All You Need is Love features the Dance Shoppe directed by Marti Sallee and will play August 8 and 9. The Saturday show will begin at 7PM and the Sunday show at 2 PM. All times CST. Tickets for this event will be $7 which will be available at the Box Office, which will open one hour before showtime. For the latest and most up to date information, visit our newly reopened website at www.startheater.org, check our blog at www.actingediton.blogspot.com, or give us a call at 270-866-STAR.

Elvis Wows Star Audience

2009-08-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

Over 110 people attended last Saturday's Elvis show at the Star. Memorable moments from it include roses being given to audience members as scarfs.

Music and Dance Set to Take Center Stage at Historic Star Theater in First Shows of the Season

2009-07-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

RUSSELL SPRINGS, KY—Star season 16 officially kicks off with shows this weekend at the historic live community theater located in downtown Russell Springs. Two different shows will be presented during the first two weekends of August, one showcases the hits of the King of Rock and Roll performed by Elvis Tribute artist Caleb Brown and other features the Dance Shoppe performing to the music of the Beatles.

On August 1, Caleb Brown will make an appearance as Elvis on the Star’s stage. Caleb began his career as an Elvis tribute artist in 2002. Today, Caleb is still performing and helps keep the magic of Elvis alive. Caleb, who is a resident of Columbia, has preformed at many places including Gun Town Mountain, Branson in Missouri, Nashville and at the Dale Hollow State Park. Caleb specializes in 70’s era Elvis, but his act also includes 50’s and Elvis gospel.

Those who have seen Caleb perform have compared his show to seeing Elvis in real life. Not only does he look very much like Elvis, but also sounds and dances just like the King. This one night event will take place on August 1 at 7 PM CST. Tickets for this show are $7. To find out more about Caleb and his show, you may visit him on the web at www.calebbrowntcb.com.

The second weekend in August will see All You Need is Love, which features many of the Beatle’s songs from their recital, which was recently preformed at the Center for Rural Development. Several of the songs are sung live by Brandon Roush, who is lead singer in the band No Tale Lights.

Some of the songs include Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help from my Friends, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Come Together, Can’t Buy Me Love, Hey Jude and many others.

All You Need is Love features the Dance Shoppe directed by Marti Sallee and will play August 8 and 9. The Saturday show will begin at 7PM and the Sunday show at 2 PM. Tickets for this event will be $7 and the proceeds will be donated to The Home of the Innocents, a Louisville based charity.

Tickets for both events will be available at the Box Office, which will open one hour before showtime. For the latest and most up to date information, visit our newly reopened website at www.startheater.org, check out blog at www.actingediton.blogspot.com, or give us a call at 270-866-STAR.

Arts Council Presented with Genevive Wilson Print

2009-07-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Local authors Irene Black and Ford Nashett recently presented the Russell County Arts Council with a rare Genvieve Wilson print entitled "Waiting for the Star to Open".

Star Announces 16th Season

2009-07-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

All great recipes have a variety of ingredients which range from the sweet to the savory and that’s exactly what makes the menu for the 16^th season at the Historic Star Theater so delicious. Lots of entertainment can be found for the whole family in this exciting lineup that features the return of several Star Theater favorites and some thrilling new plays that you won’t want to miss. This year, in order to offer smaller special events throughout the season, the specific dates for shows will not be released until approximately nine weeks prior to the performance.

Star season 16 will officially open with the 15^th Anniversary Variety Show which will be a celebration that involves many of the Star Theater performers and directors. The show is truly a variety show and will feature dance from the Dance Shoppe, music from a score of local performers from the Dream Depot and surrounding counties and a return of several of the Carol Burnett skits under the direction of Debbie Bell. And that’s just for starters. There a number of ‘surprises’ that you will only see if you come to the show. This event will take place on July 18 and 19. The Saturday show will begin at 7PM and the Sunday show at 2 PM. Tickets are $7 per seat and will be available only at the Star Box Office, which will open one hour prior to showtime.

The first Saturday in August, Caleb Brown will make an appearance as Elvis on the Star’s stage. Caleb began his career as an Elvis tribute artist in 2002. Today, Caleb is still performing and helps keep the magic of Elvis alive. Caleb, who is a resident of Columbia, has preformed at many places including Gun Town Mountain, Branson in Missouri, Nashville and at the Dale Hollow State Park. Caleb specializes in 70’s era Elvis, but his act also includes 50’s and Elvis gospel. This one night event will take place on August 1 at 7 PM CST. Tickets for this show are $7. To find out more about Caleb and his show, you may visit him on the web at www.calebbrowntcb.com.

The second weekend in August will see a return of the Dance Shoppe in All You Need is Love, which features many of the Beatle’s songs from their recital, which was recently preformed at the Center for Rural Development. All You Need is Love is directed by Marti Sallee and will play August 8 and 9. The Saturday show will begin at 7PM and the Sunday show at 2 PM. Tickets for this event will be $7 and the proceeds will be donated to The Home of the Innocents, a Louisville based charity.

A special one-night event entitled Saturday Night at the Star is currently under development. This will be a sketch comedy program in the style of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and is expected to take place in September. More information on this production will be made available in the weeks to come.

In October, The Invisible Man will become visible in an updated 1950’s version of the H.G. Wells’ classic where a family running a quiet motel confronts a mysterious scientist who has found the secret of becoming invisible. The young boy, Jim, discovers that people are not always what they seem, science and discovery bring us all sorts of ethical questions—and even intelligence and imagination can be dangerous two-edged swords. The play is spooky, thoughtful, and funny. Drive-in movies! Nuclear power plants! Special effects!! INVISIBILITY!!! The Invisible Man is directed by Kyle Hadley, Barb Harford and Todd Wilson and will play October 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and November 1.

The Star will visited by ghosts this December in a return of the classic production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This is the timeless story of an old, bitter miser—Ebenezer Scrooge—and the chance for his redemption through the visitation of three timely ghosts and a partner from the past who learned his lesson too late. With traditional carols creating the proper atmosphere, the world of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and old England comes alive, igniting the holiday spirit for young and old alike. A Christmas Carol is directed by Ginger Smith and will star David Smith who has portrayed Scrooge in past productions.

Hilarity returns in February with Those Crazy Ladies in the House on the Corner. What do you do when you have three geriatric sisters as patients and all they want to do is sit at home and talk to one another all at the same time? You move another person in with them. At least, that's what Doc Lomax does when he has a new nurse needing a place to live—a nurse with a secret, that is. The hard part is convincing the sisters they need a roomer. In no time, however, Nurse Jean has them planning parties, pulling Halloween pranks and wearing jogging suits while they race each other to the corner. But when the nephew shows up with a plan to sell the family house, things seem to get complicated again, especially with Christmas just around the corner. This heartwarming piece is loaded with wisecracks and one-liners that keep the laughter flowing. ‘Crazy Ladies’ is directed by Debbie Bell, who directed this play several years ago.

April will bring about a completely original main stage production written by longtime Star writer/director/actor Gary L. McGowan. More information on this production will be made available in the weeks to come.

In June, the scene will be a fishing lodge in rural Georgia in ‘The Foreigner’. It is often visited by "Froggy" LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base. This time "Froggy" has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. So "Froggy," before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should—the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; the fact that the minister's pretty fiancée is pregnant; and many other damaging revelations made with the thought that Charlie doesn't understand a word being said. That he does fuels the nonstop hilarity of the play and sets up the wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry for the "bad guys," and the "good guys" emerge triumphant. This show will be directed by Todd Wilson.

To keep up to date on all Star productions you can visit the Star website at www.startheater.org, which will be up and running in full capacity in August, or call 270-866-STAR. For photos and more in depth information, visit the Star blog at www.actingedition.blogspot.com.

Last Weekend to See You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

2009-06-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Next weekend will be your last chance to see our production.

CHARLIE BROWN LEAPS OFF THE PAGE THIS WEEKEND

2009-06-14T17:00:00.001-07:00

STAR THEATER—Bright colors, fun songs, sparkling dance numbers—all make up the very exciting, and family oriented musical that will make its debut this weekend at the historic live Star Theater in downtown Russell Springs. Just in time for the summer, an Charlie Brown and other members of the Peanuts gang will leap off the comic book page this weekend enchanting both children and adults in the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

For the past few months, the all teenager cast has been practicing very hard to bring the musical to life. Charlie Brown stands alone as his friends give their various opinions of him, each overlapping the other. Today everyone is calling him a "good man". Charlie Brown is happy and hopeful as usual, but he nevertheless wonders if he really is what they say. He decides to find out how he can really become a good person.

Who hasn’t grappled with insecurity when trying to work up the courage to approach a crush, like Charlie Brown with his little redheaded girl? Or found it difficult to give up the comfort of a safety net, like Linus with his beloved security blanket? Even the boldest of us wrestle with inner demons, as Lucy does when she can’t bulldoze her way into sensitive Schroeder’s heart, no matter how she tries!

Audiences will laugh along as the show captures the poignant moments in the lives of the Peanuts gang. Valentine's Day, the trials of baseball season, Lucy as psychiatrist, Schroeder on piano, Snoopy and his adventures – they’re all here in a single vivid day that veers from wild optimism to utter despair, from bright uncertain morning to hopeful starlit evening.

That night, Charlie Brown is sad that he still has not discovered what it means to be a "good man". He proudly displays a pencil which had been dropped by the Little Red-Haired Girl (his perennial crush). As he examines it, he discovers that "there are teeth-marks all over it . . . she nibbles her pencil . . . she's HUMAN!" With that realization, he concludes that today hasn't been so bad, after all, and he's done a lot of things that make him happy. As Charlie Brown expresses what makes him happy, everyone, touched by his love of life, begin to express what makes them happy as well. Right then, Charlie Brown realizes that being a "good man" means trying your best and making the most of the things you've been given in life. As his friends leave the stage, Lucy walks over and puts out her hand, making him shrink back. As he reaches out, she shakes his hand firmly, then tells him, "You're a good man, Charlie Brown."

Played by an exceptional group of talented local teens, every actor is a unique member of the Peanuts gang, each performing in their own memorable role. Each actor brings a certain ambience to the role due in part to their extensive acting histories. Brandon Roush is lead singer for the local band No Tale Lights and has starred in many productions including High School Musical and Footloose. Zach Grider began dancing at eighteen months and has gone on to star in productions like The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, The Velveteen Rabbit and Footloose. Zach Sales had been in several Star plays that include The Music Man and the leads in Pinocchio and Peter Pan. Whitley Cottrell is no stranger to the Star stage either; she has been in numerous plays that have included The Walton’s and The Crucible. She is also an active member of the Lake Cumberland Children’s Theater in Somerset. Cheyenne Popplewell has appeared for years in Star productions such as Oklahoma, The Sound of Music and the Velveteen Rabbit and had even sung at Renfro Valley. One of the newest members of the Star Theater family is Tyler Flatt who has appeared in several plays including High School Musical, It’s a Wonderful Life and Corn County.

The show is directed by Kelvin Bailey and Barb Harford with choreography by Marti Salle. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown will June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7PM CST and Sunday matinees at 2PM CST.

“This show is a bit different from what's been offered at the Star. A small cast, familiar characters, fun music, dancing, lots of colors –what's not to love?!?” says director Kelvin Bailey “There's an energy involved in live theater that you don't get anywhere else. For the audience, knowing that what you're watching is happening in real time. The cast is a wonderful group of kids that energize me and that makes the show about having fun.”

“The show is very family oriented,” says Barb Harford, one of the directors for the musical “The sets are very appealing, with so many colors that pop.”

“The show is very entertaining, never a dull moment and I’m very excited for the audience to see it!” adds Zach Grider, who portrays Snoopy.

Tickets are $8 per seat and are available at Grider’s Drug on Main. Anyone wishing to attend the show is advised to purchase their tickets in advance. Remaining tickets will go on sale at the box office approximately one hour before showtime. For more information please call 270-866-7827 or email info@startheater.org. This summer much of the Star’s website will be down for updates, so for the latest new, photos and so much more visit the Star’s blog at actingedition.blogspot.com.

CHARLIE BROWN OPENS THIS FRIDAY

2009-06-13T18:53:00.001-07:00

The musical opens this weekend. Don't forget to get your tickets early. You won't want to miss this one. For more information, see the posts below.

Charlie Brown Set to Open

2009-06-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

STAR THEATER—It’s time to once again get animated about the highly anticipated upcoming production at Russell County’s historic live Star Theater. Just in time for the summer, an all teenager cast will bring to life Charlie Brown and other members of the Peanuts gang in the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The show opens in less than two weeks and tickets are beginning to move. Around the county, you will find many fliers that tell of the upcoming production. On the front line, there is a cast that is very excited to be a part of such a lively performance.

“It brings a classic comic strip to life before your very eyes and how often can you see a Broadway quality musical in such a small town?” tells Tyler Flatt, who plays the piano playing Schroeder “A live show is more challenging and possibly requires more talent than a movie because you can't say cut and start over. The audience gets to see the cast fix their mistakes even if they do not realize it.. This is by far the most challenging play I have ever done, because I am not this perfect singer/musician nor do I claim to be (even though my character I play is). But with a lot of hard work and help from great people I am more confident in my performances!”

Featuring the hopes, dreams, and wild optimism of Charlie Brown (Brandon Roush), Snoopy (Zach Grider), Lucy (Whitley Cottrell), Linus (Zach Sales), and the whole lively gang, including Schroeder (Tyler Flatt) and Sally (Cheyenne Popplewell), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown The Broadway Musical is bright, fun, and full of laughs. Played by an exceptional group of talented local teens, every actor is a unique member of the Peanuts gang, each performing in their own memorable role. Each actor brings a certain ambience to the role due in part to their extensive acting histories. Brandon Roush is lead singer for the local band No Tale Lights and has starred in many productions including High School Musical and Footloose. Zach Grider began dancing at eighteen months and has gone on to star in productions like The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, The Velveteen Rabbit and Footloose. Zach Sales had been in several Star plays that include The Music Man and the leads in Pinocchio and Peter Pan. Whitley Cottrell is no stranger to the Star stage either; she has been in numerous plays that have included The Walton’s and The Crucible. She is also an active member of the Lake Cumberland Children’s Theater in Somerset. Cheyenne Popplewell has appeared for years in Star productions such as Oklahoma, The Sound of Music and the Velveteen Rabbit and had even sung at Renfro Valley. One of the newest members of the Star Theater family is Tyler Flatt who has appeared in several plays including High School Musical, It’s a Wonderful Life and Corn County.

“The show is very family oriented,” says Barb Harford, one of the directors for the musical “The sets are very appealing, with so many colors that pop.”

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown follows the Peanuts gang through life’s trials and tribulations, as experienced within the most widely-read comic strip of all time. These colorful and distinct characters are not mere cartoons; they explore deep, universal struggles with humor and heart. Who hasn’t grappled with insecurity when trying to work up the courage to approach a crush, like Charlie Brown with his little redheaded girl? Or found it difficult to give up the comfort of a safety net, like Linus with his beloved security blanket? Even the boldest of us wrestle with inner demons, as Lucy does when she can’t bulldoze her way into sensitive Schroeder’s heart, no matter how she tries!

“The show is very entertaining, never a dull moment and I’m very excited for the audience to see it!” adds Zach Grider, who portrays Snoopy.

It's Curtains for You.....I Mean Blankets

2009-05-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

The cast of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown pratice the "Blanket Dance" for the upcoming musical at the Star Theater. It will play the last two weekends in June. Tickets can now be purchased at Grider's Drug on Main St. for $8 per seat.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Coming to the Star

2009-05-28T17:19:00.001-07:00

RUSSELL SPRINGS —Bring the whole family to this lighthearted musical, based on cartoonist Charles M. Schulz's legendary Peanuts comic strip! Featuring local teens, the Russell County Arts Council presents You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7PM CST and Sunday matinees at 2PM CST. Tickets are $8 per seat and may be purchased at either Grider Drug #1 on Main St. in downtown Russell Springs .

Audiences will laugh along as the show captures the poignant moments in the lives of the Peanuts gang. Valentine's Day, the trials of baseball season, Lucy as psychiatrist, Schroeder on piano, Snoopy and his adventures – they're all here in a single vivid day that veers from wild optimism to utter despair, from bright uncertain morning to hopeful starlit evening.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown follows the Peanuts gang through life's trials and tribulations, as experienced within the most widely-read comic strip of all time. These colorful and distinct characters are not mere cartoons; they explore deep, universal struggles with humor and heart. Who hasn't grappled with insecurity when trying to work up the courage to approach a crush, like Charlie Brown with his little redheaded girl? Or found it difficult to give up the comfort of a safety net, like Linus with his beloved security blanket? Even the boldest of us wrestle with inner demons, as Lucy does when she can't bulldoze her way into sensitive Schroeder's heart, no matter how she tries!

Played by an exceptional group of talented local teens, every actor is a unique member of the Peanuts gang, each performing in their own memorable role. Each actor brings a certain ambience to the role due in part to their extensive acting histories. Brandon Roush is lead singer for the local band No Tale Lights and has starred in many productions including High School Musical and Footloose. Zach Grider began dancing at eighteen months and has gone on to star in productions like The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, The Velveteen Rabbit and Footloose. Zach Sales had been in several Star plays that include The Music Man and the leads in Pinocchio and Peter Pan. Whitley Cottrell is no stranger to the Star stage either; she has been in numerous plays that have included The Walton's and The Crucible. She is also an active member of the Lake Cumberland Children's Theater in Somerset . Cheyenne Popplewell has appeared for years in Star productions such as Oklahoma , The Sound of Music and the Velveteen Rabbit and had even sung at Renfro Valley . One of the newest members of the Star Theater family is Tyler Flatt who has appeared in several plays including High School Musical, It's a Wonderful Life and Corn County .

The show is directed by Kelvin Bailey and Barb Harford with choreography by Marti Salle. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown will play at the historic Star Theater in downtown Russell Springs , KY June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7PM CST and Sunday matinees at 2PM CST. Tickets are $8 per seat and can be purchased at Grider's Drug on Main Street or at the Box Office one hour before showtime. For more information please call 270-866-7827. This summer much of the Star's website will be down for updates, so for the latest new, photos and so much more visit the Star's blog at actingedition.blogspot.com.

Dancing to the Music

2009-05-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

The cast of the upcoming musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" in a recent dance rehearsal. The show will play the last two weekends of June. Tickets can now be purchased at Grider's Drug on Main Street for $8 per seat.

It's a Dog's Life

2009-05-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

Snoopy (Zach Grider) sits atop his dog house and ponders things such as the meaning of life and whom he should bite. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown will play the last two weekends in June. Tickets are expected to go on sale as soon as next week at Grider's Drug #1 on Main Street. Tickets are $8 all seats.

New Feature on Blog

2009-05-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

We have added a countdown timer to our blog. It can be found in the upper right hand corner above the Star Theater logo.

The Doctor is....In

2009-05-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Lucy (Whitley Cottrell) gives Charlie Brown (Brandon Roush) some advice in a recent practice for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The show is set to open in a little more than a month. Tickets can purchased for $8 at Grider's Drug on Main St. in downtown Russell Springs.

Cast Announced for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

2009-05-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

1 Minute Update-LOCAL TEENS BRING BROADWAY SHOW TO COMMONWEALTH

2009-05-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

Featuring the hopes, dreams, and wild optimism of Charlie Brown (Brandon Roush), Snoopy (Zach Grider), Lucy (Whitley Cottrell), Linus (Zach Sales), and the whole lively gang, including Schroeder (Tyler Flatt) and Sally (Cheyenne Popplewell) You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown The Broadway Musical is bright, fun, and full of laughs—the perfect choice for family summertime fun! This updated version of the show is the Tony Award-winning 1999 Broadway revival and features brand new songs that will thrill children and adults alike. One of the most popular musicals in history, a major Broadway revival of “Charlie Brown” was undertaken in 1999 by composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa and director Michael Mayer. With the blessing of comic strip creator Charles Schulz himself, seventeen original scenes were deleted and 21 new ones were added; seven of the original 14 songs were revised and two new ones were added. The result is a brand new experience for a whole new generation of theater goers. Directed by Kelvin Bailey and Barb Harford. The show will play at the historic Star Theater in downtown Russell Springs, KY June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7PM CST and Sunday matinees at 2PM CST. Tickets are $8 per seat. For more information please call 270-866-7827 or visit us on the web at www.startheater.org.

2009-05-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

2009-04-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

A Great Review for the Outsiders

2009-04-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

Click on Image for Larger View

'Outsiders' Concludes this Weekend

2009-04-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Outsiders will conclude this weekend with performances on Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday show will begin at 7PM CST and the Sunday at 2PM CST. Tickets can be purchased at Grider's Drug on Main St. in Russell Springs for $5 or may be purchased at the Box Office for the same price.

Outsiders Opens this Weekend

2009-04-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

S.E. Hinton's classic 'The Outsiders' opens this Saturday at the historic Star Theater. The play will play April 18-19-25-26. Saturday shows begin at 7PM CST and Sundays at 2PM CST. Tickets are $5 and will be avaiable at the door.

Outsiders Coming Soon

2009-04-03T18:42:00.001-07:00

Tickets will be available at the door for $5 per person. Please direct questions to Gary McGowan at 270-343-6634.

Star Loses Friend

2009-03-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Those of us at the Star Theater were shocked when we heard the news of one our dear friends passing. A few moments ago I returned from placing the words “We Miss You Jerry” on the marquee of the Star Theater with Arts Council Vice President Todd Wilson. This is one of the highest honors the Star offers.

Jerry Gibson came to the Star several years ago, and was an active member until he departed in fall of 2007 to work on his many other projects. During his tenure Jerry helped us implement many changes that resulted in the Star Theater that has helped us grow. He was a master at working with the lights and sounds and personally taught many of us what we know. During his time with us he acted in many plays with his favorite being Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace. He would run the lights and sound in many of our shows. During that time, he also created our first ever Star Theater website and handled all the publicity. One of the greatest achievements he held was he encouraged us and helped us set our regular season of shows.

But his time with the Star does not define him. Jerry was active with the local paper, The Times Journal. He laid out the front page for them and often contributed stories. For years he took many of the pictures in the paper. Those he knew during his time at the paper are sure to miss him.

But his time with the Times Journal does not define. Jerry was also very instrumental in development of the web community. He was administrator of the popular website, LakeCumberland.com. He also created several websites for the city of Russell Springs, the Times Journal and the Star Theater.

But all that he has done does not define him. If you spent very much time with Jerry you would know that he had played in a rock band and also been a radio disc jockey for several years. He lived a full life, traveled, and did what he loved. For those of us who knew Jerry, we are left with a hole in our lives. When one person can do so much and affect so many people, that person has lived a full life.

As the news spread, many of us went in search of answers, but reality struck when we saw the touching thread on his beloved LakeCumberland.com. At the time of writing this, the thread has had over 60 replies and 3,000 views. In his last post Jerry left us with his magnificent wisdom “I think we're all better off with a sense of humor and a reduced level of argumentiveness.” Whether you knew his as Cumberline, coworker, webmaster, administrator, Arts Council member, colleague or just Jerry, we can all call him friend.

The Outsiders Returns to the Star

2009-03-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Several years ago the Star Theater in downtown Russell Springs presented a play that many celebrated as one the bests in the now fifteen year history of the theater. And the good news is that it is back. The Russell County Arts Council is proud to announce that S.E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders” will make a return to the stage this April.

According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs. A soc (short for "social") has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he's always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers--until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy's skin, causing his world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser.

S.E. Hinton, who wrote this modern classic when she was 16 years old, comments: "The Outsiders, like most things I write, is written from a boy's point of view. That's why I'm listed as S.E. Hinton rather than Susan. (I figured most boys would look at the book and think 'What can a chick know about stuff like that!') None of the events are taken from life, but the rest—how kids think and live and feel—is for real. The characters—Dallas, who wasn't tough enough; Sodapop, the happy-go-lucky dropout; Bob, the rich kid whose arrogance cost him his life; Ponyboy, the sensitive, green-eyed Greaser who didn't want to be a hood—they're all real to me. Many of my friends are Greasers, but I'm not. I have friends who are rich, too, but nobody will ever call me a Soc—I've seen what money and too much idle time and parental approval can do to people. Cool people mean nothing to me—they're living behind masks and I'm always wondering "Is there a real person underneath?" This entirely practical stage adaptation deals with real people, seen through the eyes of young Ponyboy, a Greaser on the wrong side of life, caught up in territorial battles between the have-it-made rich kids—the Socs and his tough, underprivileged "greaser" family and friends. In the midst of urban warfare, somehow Ponyboy can't forget a short poem that speaks of their fragile young lives:

Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief,
so dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.

"Robert Frost wrote it," Ponyboy tells Johnny. "I always remembered it because I never quite got what he meant by it." Cherry, a beautiful Soc, comes to share a special sensitivity with Ponyboy as she discovers that he remembers poems and needs to watch sunsets. At the same time, Cherry's attracted to the older, tougher Dallas, and in a sense she's caught in the violent space between the Greasers and the Socs. While the Socs appear to have everything, the only thing a Greaser has is his friends. As these young people try to find themselves and each other, as the sadness of sophistication begins to reach them and their battles and relationships reach a resolution, Ponyboy's dying friend, Johnny, sends him a last message … I've been thinking about the poem that guy wrote. He meant you're gold when you're a kid, like green. When you're a kid everything's new, dawn. It's just when you get used to everything that it's day. Like the way you dig sunsets, Pony. That's gold. Keep it that way. It's a good way to be. This is a play about young people who are not yet hopeless about latent decency in the midst of struggle.

“The Outsider” will play April 18, 19, 25, 26. Saturday performances begin at 7PM CST and Sunday matinees at 2PM CST. Seating begins 45 minutes prior to show time. Tickets are expected to go on sale soon.

Little Shop of Horrors concludes at Barn Lot Theater

2009-03-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Barn Lot Theater of Edmonton, Ky is wrapping up their season opener this weekend with productions of Little Shop of Horrors. Several members of the Star have been to see the show and were impressed. It is the same version that was done at the Star in October 2007 and will feature Greg Blair, who has been in several shows at the Star, as Mr. Mushnik. Show show will continue with performances on the 20, 21, and 22 with a showtime at 7PM. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling 270-432-Barn. You may visit them on the web at www.barnlottheater.org.

Also, a special encore performance of their popular last season production of Jesus Christ Superstar will be performed on April 9, 10, and 11 at 7PM. Since it is only three nights the theater recommends making reservations as soon as possible.

Auditions for the musical "Your a Good Man Charle Brown"

2009-03-11T14:22:00.001-07:00

Directors: Kelvin Bailey and Barbara Harford

Based on Charles Schulz's Charlie Brown comic strips, this show is bright, fun, and adorable.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (REVISED) opened on Broadway in 1999. It is a fresh approach to the all-time 1967 classic. Sally Brown joins Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder and Snoopy in this version. Two new songs, Beethoven Day and My New Philosophy, have been added to the twelve wonderful numbers of the original version, such as My Blanket and Me, The Kite, The Baseball Game, Little Known Facts, Suppertime and Happiness.

1999 Tony Award
Best Featured Actor in a Musical
Best Featured Actress in a Musical

1999 Drama Desk Award
Outstanding Revival of a Musical
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Be prepared so sing a song acapala besides reading a part in the play.

Audtions are this Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th from 2 - 4 PM CST at the Star Theater in Russell Springs. Go to http://startheater.org/directions.html for directions. For questions email info@startheater.org

Auditions will be held in the lobby so please enter in the front of the theater. Age range from 15 & up.

Shawn Samuell & Friends Returns Saturday

2009-03-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 14th at 7:00 PM CST
$6 All Seats

Shawn Samuell has one of the most amazing voices and stage presences in the region, and he'll be performing with other great singing artists in a night of songs ranging from pop hits to show tunes to gospel music.

Many who attended his previous musical shows were amazed at the talent and full range of entertainment the night gave.

This one-evening-only performance will begin at 7 PM CDT. The box office will open approximately one hour before showtime.

Final Weekend of Pinocchio offers Good Omen for Season Remainder

2009-03-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

This afternoon's show marked the final show of the successful play "The True Adventures of Pinocchio". Over 250 patrons attended the first weekend and over 400 showed up the second with the last show nearly selling out. The cast feels that overall the attendance was very good (especially considering the weather and other goings on in the community). This could mean good news for the upcoming shows as the theater gains in popularity. For the month of February the Star's website received nearly 2,000 hits which means that people are interested in the shows and want to find out more. With two large shows and a highly anticipated concert later this month, one thing is sure, there is plenty of entertainment to be found at the historic Star Theater.

Shawn Samuell and Friends Returns this March

2009-02-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

This show has sold out in the past because it is a must see of spectacular musical performances from one the area's greatest performers. Featuring Shawn, his students, members of the Dream Depot and many, many more. Ticket prices to be announced later.

Highlights from The True Adventures of Pinocchio

2009-02-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

Last Weekend for Pinocchio at the Star Theater

2009-02-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

The True Adventures of Pinocchio wraps up this weekend at the historic Star Theater in Russell Springs, Ky with performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information see previous posts or go to www.startheater.org .

Last Show for the Weekend on Sunday

2009-02-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

The cast of The True Adventures of Pinocchio wraps up weekend of shows Sunday at 2PM. The play concludes next weekend.

Opening Night Success

2009-02-20T20:36:00.000-08:00

Pinocchio opened tonight with a crowd of 81 persons (which was very good considering there was a highschool basketball home game and two new movies opened up). The play has a runtime of approximately 2 hours including a 15 minute intermission. Pinocchio continues this weekend and conludes next weekend. For more information see previous posts.

Special Effects take Show from Amazing to Spectacular

2009-02-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

One of the many special effects used in "The True Adventures of Pinocchio" is the black light effect. Others include several lighting effects such as gobos and gels along with chases; dry-ice fog and smoke, snow machines and many many more. They make it a must see for everyone.

Pinocchio Revealed

2009-02-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

Zach Sales as Pinocchio as Kelvin Bailey as the Old Man in a scene from the Sunday dress rehearsal of "The True Adventures of Pinocchio". The play opens this weekend at the Star Theater in downtown Russell Springs, Ky. Photo by Barb Harford.

Pinocchio Comes Alive This Weekend

2009-02-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

Many children’s stories begin with “Once Upon a Time”. Now for the first time, from a new adaptation of an old story comes “Once Upon a Piece of Wood” in The Star Theater’s newest mainstage production of Carlo Colloid’s classic story of the wooden puppet who wanted to become a real boy. Magic, beauty, and some very important life lessons for the young audience, wrapped up with some really neat characters, amazing special effects and the hope that we all may become “real”. Bring your friends, bring your family and don’t’ forget to bring yourself because “The True Adventures of Pinocchio” is a must see for all ages.

The story that you will see is similar, but quite different from the classic Disney movie that we have all seen. Instead, you will witness a faithful adaptation of the original novel that inspired the movie. The play has been updated to relate to audiences with following dialogue and lots of laughs along the way. A troupe of actors, escaping through the mountains from a civil war are caught in a violent winter storm and seek shelter in an abandoned puppet theatre. The eccentric old puppeteer who lives in the theatre gives the acting troupe refuge overnight. During the night, while the adults are asleep, he tells the two restless children the story of Pinocchio. When one of the children asks: "Is it a true story?" the old man replies: "It's more than true, it's real. I mean, when I tell it, it happens." Thus begins the well-known tale of the wooden boy who must learn some hard lessons before he can become real.

Along the way Pinocchio meets many interesting characters that include the humble Old Man, the mischievous Cat and sly Fox, the wise Talking Cricket, the powerful Fire Eater and his band of puppets, the crooked Rag Man, the magnificent Blue Fairy, the Ringmaster and his sinister Circus, the hilarious Undertaker Rabbits, the wise-cracking Doctors and many, many more. Through each encounter Pinocchio learns a valuable lesson that helps him become a real boy.

Full of special effects, “The True Adventures of Pinocchio” will take your and your loved ones on a journey that transcends the ages. From the magic beginning in the old puppet theater with live puppets, to the dark and scary forest to and to the innards of the Great White Shark, to the Field of Miracles and a to a powerful conclusion that will have you in tears everyone will find something truly entertaining.

The play features an all-cast of Star Theater veterans. Playing Pinocchio is Zach Sales, who is most noted for his role at Peter Pan in the February 2007 production. Fox will be played by Jonathan Gosser and Cat will be played by Barbara Harford. Kelvin Bailey will be portraying the old man Geppetto and Lea Turner will be playing the Talking Cricket. Becky Taylor and her daughter Tiana Taylor will be playing the Blue Fairy. The cast is joined by Willie Rodgers, Taylor Spring, Mary Beth Wariner, Wendell McGowan, Megan Voils, Alzonah Nichols, Dorsey Franklin, Sommer Melson, Renee Daffron, Ambria Hites, and Shawn Samuell.

Adding more enchantment to the show, the Dance Shoppe under the direction of Marti Sallee will be performing several dances during the show such as the Dance of the Blue Fairy, the Puppet Show and the Circus, to name a few. The Dance Shoppe has presented several shows over the last decade including “The Nutcracker”, “God Bless America Show”, and “Christmas Extravaganza” and have paired with the Star to present shows such as “Footloose”, “High School Musical” and “The Secret Garden” amongst many others.

“The True Adventures of Pinocchio” will play the last two weekends in February of the 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and March 1. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 PM and Sunday shows at 2 PM. All times CST. Tickets are now on sale at Grider’s Drug on Main St. for $8 per seat. Remaining tickets will go on sale at the Box Office one hour prior to the beginning of each show for the same price. Due to the cost of the show, the Star Theater is not offering advance ticket prices, but however, are offering a special group discount rate. For ticket sales of 10 or more tickets, the price per ticket will be $6. The tickets may be for different dates, but all tickets must be purchased at the same time.

For the latest in Star information, upcoming productions, ticket prices and so much more visit us on the web at www.startheater.org or call 270-866-STAR . For specific questions and information about productions or about becoming involved email us at info@startheater.org. If you are interested in sponsoring a play or would like to volunteer to usher or help with the front during Star shows email us at operations@startheater.org.

Night of One Acts Concludes Tommorrow

2009-02-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

The highly entertaining Night of One Act Play will conclude with performances on Sunday February 15 at 2PM CST. It will feature the Russell County High School Drama Class in The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf.
Is the Wolf villain or victim? The Three Pigs: innocent or at fault? The Jurors (Miss Muffet, Bo Peep, Cinderella and Humpty-Dumpty, to name a few): solid citizens or characters with a past? And what about Judge Wise O. Al? Is justice on his side—or does he have a secret to hide? Then there's the media—reporters, newscasters and town criers. Have they come to accurately report the proceedings—or to turn the courtroom into a media circus? And who is that surprise witness at the end? The answers to these profound questions and even more are revealed once and for all in this rollicking, fun-filled, action-packed trial-of-the-century. Just as he did in the widely produced Trial of Goldilocks, Joseph Robinette examines the guilt, or innocence, of the accused from different points of view and comes up with a surprising, yet eminently satisfying, conclusion in which no one escapes unscathed. And, as a bonus, a lesson or two is learned along the way. It all ends happily ever after, of course, with the newly bonded Wolf and Pigs along with the fairy-tale jury and all the others heading for a post-trial party at the castle of Old King Cole.

The Children's Theater under the direction of Gary McGowan present The Elves and the Shoemaker where Lockhart Cobblestone, the shoemaker, has a kind heart but little money in his pocket. Moved by the plight of an old beggar woman, he gives her his last pair of shoes. Poor Lockhart has leather enough to make only one more pair of shoes and sets it out to work on the next morning. Then, the fun begins! Out pop five weird, endearing little elves: Mortz, Schwartz, Hazel, Gracie and Studebaker, who whip up the most fantastic and magical shoes the town of Clankbottom has ever seen. Here's an upbeat, fast-paced retelling of an old favorite, filled with delightfully wacky characters and clever dialogue. This upbeat, whimsical romp of a fantasy also holds a gentle message about the nature of kindness.

The Children's Theater also presents Jack and the Beanstalk directed by Katelyn Dotson. All the familiar characters from the classic fairy tale are here but with a little bit of a modern-day twist, including gullible, inquisitive Jack and his poor mother; a smart, determined cow; the magical egg-laying goose; and a not-so-scary Giant and his wife. Children will be laughing out loud when Jack's cow refuses to be sold and is constantly chased across the stage, first by the bean seller and then additional characters from other fairy tales! The smart aleck Narrator almost gets into a fight with the Mother about the magical qualities of the beans and the Giant's wife insists he mow the grass.

The True Adventures of Pinocchio to Debut Next Weekend

2009-02-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

Magic and the beauty of childhood will be present in the Star Theater’s latest main stage production of one of the most beloved children’s stories of all time, “The True Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi, adapted from the orginal story by Louis Lippa. As suggested by its title, “The True Adventures of Pinocchio” is not your average Pinocchio story, and is great fun for the entire family because the play leaps off the stage at various points and the audience actually becomes part of the play. “The True Adventures of Pinocchio” will be directed by Todd Wilson who had directed past shows including “The Sound of Music”, “The Music Man”, “Little Shop of Horrors” and last October’s production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.”

“The “frame” of this invention is purely my own invention and not part of the original story of Pinocchio written by Carlo Collodi. I have taken the liberty to call this play the “true” adventures of Pinocchio to distinguish it from the Disney version, which children today believe to be the original version. I don’t mean to imply by its title that my version is completely faithful to Collodi’s original story; but I like to think it is more so than Disney’s. Perhaps I should call it the “truer” adventures of Pinocchio” says playwright Lippa.

A troupe of actors, escaping through the mountains from a civil war are caught in a violent winter storm and seek shelter in an abandoned puppet theatre. The eccentric old puppeteer who lives in the theatre gives the acting troupe refuge overnight. During the night, while the adults are asleep, he tells the two restless children the story of Pinocchio. When one of the children asks: "Is it a true story?" the old man replies: "It's more than true, it's real. I mean, when I tell it, it happens." Thus begins the well-known tale of the wooden boy who must learn some hard lessons before he can become real.

Along the way Pinocchio meets many interesting characters that include the humble Old Man, the mischievous Cat and sly Fox, the wise Talking Cricket, the powerful Fire Eater and his band of puppets, the crooked Rag Man, the magnificent Blue Fairy, the Ringmaster and his sinister Circus, the hilarious Undertaker Rabbits, the wise-cracking Doctors and many, many more. Through each encounter Pinocchio learns a valuable lesson that helps him become a real boy.

Full of special effects, “The True Adventures of Pinocchio” will take your and your loved ones on a journey that transcends the ages. From the magic beginning in the old puppet theater, to Dodoland and the innards of the Great White Shark, and to the Field of Miracles everyone will find something truly entertaining.

To make the show even more entertaining, the Dance Shoppe under the direction of Marti Sallee will be performing several dances during the show such as the Dance of the Blue Fairy, the Puppet Show and the Circus, to name a few. The Dance Shoppe has presented several shows over the last decade including “The Nutcracker”, “God Bless America Show”, “Christmas Extravaganza” and have paired with the Star to do “Footloose”, “High School Musical” and “The Secret Garden” amongst many others.

“The True Adventures of Pinocchio” will play the last two weekends in February of the 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and March 1. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 PM and Sunday shows at 2 PM. All times CST. Tickets are expected to go on sale soon at Grider’s Drug on Main St. for $8 per seat. Remaining tickets will go on sale at the Box Office one hour prior to the beginning of each show for the same price. Due to the cost of the show, the Star Theater is not offering advance ticket prices, but however, are offering a special group discount rate. For ticket sales of 10 or more tickets, the price per ticket will be $6. The tickets may be for different dates, but all tickets must be purchased at the same time.

For the latest in Star information, upcoming productions, ticket prices and so much more visit us on the web at www.startheater.org or call 270-866-STAR . For specific questions and information about productions or about becoming involved email us at info@startheater.org. If you are interested in sponsoring a play or would like to volunteer to usher or help with the front during Star shows email us at operations@startheater.org.

Night of One Acts to Debut this Weekend

2009-02-13T12:49:00.001-08:00

The Children's Theater and High School will present "A Night of One Act Plays" Friday and Saturday at Norfleet Gallery beside the Star Theater. The show will feature 3 one-act plays: "The Elves and the Shoemaker", "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf". Tickets are nearly sold out but may be purchased for $5. The show will play at 7PM CST Saturday and 2PM CST Sunday. To inquire about tickets contact Mary McGowan at 270-343-6634.

Welcome to Our Blog

2009-02-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Our Blog about the Star Theater. Here we will post about the ongoings of the Star Theater in Russell Springs, Ky. Directors of current plays will be encouraged to join in and share their thoughts on upcoming plays and such. Reviews and summaries of plays will appear after opening weekend. Casting calls will be announced. Playtimes and ticket prices will be announced on this blog as well. Periodically we may choose to upload pictures from practices and the shows. This blog will hopefully serve as a new medium of communication between the Arts Council and the world.