“COMMAND PERFORMANCE” // THEATRE TUSCALOOSA CELEBRATES 15-year ANNIVERSARY OF BEAN-BROWN THEATRE

“COMMAND PERFORMANCE” // THEATRE TUSCALOOSA CELEBRATES 15-year ANNIVERSARY OF BEAN-BROWN THEATRE

Theatre Tuscaloosa is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Bean-Brown Theatre with a special fundraising event called “Command Performance” on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at the Bean-Brown Theatre.

Since its first production in the Bean-Brown Theatre, My Fair Lady (October 1998), Theatre Tuscaloosa has produced more than 85 plays and special events in its home venue.  Paul Looney, Theatre Tuscaloosa Artistic Director Emeritus, helped guide the construction of the Bean-Brown Theatre and has directed many of the productions since its opening.

“The Bean-Brown Theatre started out on a drawing board in my office back when Theatre Tuscaloosa was at Stage Center downtown,” Looney said.  “The architects took those drawings and translated them into the finished product.  Thanks to a partnership between Theatre Tuscaloosa and Shelton State, funds were raised to turn those drawings into reality.”

The theatre was named in response to a major gift from Mr. A. H. Bean.  Bean chose to dedicate the theatre to the memory of both his wife, Josephine May Bean, and his daughter, Dr. Billie Sue Bean Brown.  Their portraits hang in the lobby of the theatre, and serve as a reminder to audiences at every production.

Theatre Tuscaloosa polled audiences last summer to find out which of its performances have become favorites.  The results of that poll have informed the formation of “Command Performance.”

“So many people have come across the stage of the Bean-Brown Theatre over the last 15 years,” said Theatre Tuscaloosa Executive Producer Tina Turley.  “I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to see many of them returning to share highlights and memories that we have created together.”

Turley has lead the organization since 2006 and has directed a majority of the productions over the last eight years.  She has assembled an experienced team to create “Command Performance.”

“Ray Taylor, a member of our board of directors and a legendary Theatre Tuscaloosa performer, is serving as the leader of this exciting endeavor,” Turley said.  “He’s assisted by me, musical director Leslie Poss, Theatre Tuscaloosa board and staff members, and community volunteers.”

The cast of “Command Performance” includes Stacy Alley, Sara Mason Avery, Drew Baker, Clifton Baker, Justin Barnett, Ava Buchanan, Cole Cabiness, Anna Kate Campbell, Kathryn David, Matthew Eubanks, Beth Stomps Feller, Brent Jones, Lindsey Jones, Wheeler Kincaid, Emily McGuire, Mary Kathryn Mathews, Doff Procter, Charles Prosser, Dave Rogers, Wesley Rorex, Jenny Ryan, Destiny Schatzline, Ray Taylor, Lisa Waldrop, Jake Whipple, Laura White, Willie Williams, Jeff Wilson, Kathy Wilson, and Gary Wise.

Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2013-14 Season: Cheers to 15 Years! is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and is sponsored by The City of Tuscaloosa and Jamison Money Farmer and Co.

“Command Performance” will be presented one night only, Saturday, May 17, 2014, in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus, 9500 Old Greensboro Road.  A reception in the Wilson Carr Rehearsal Hall will begin at 6:30 p.m.  The performance will begin in the Bean-Brown Theatre at 7:30 p.m., followed by a special celebration in the Wilson Carr Rehearsal Hall.

Tickets are $50 each and include admission to the pre-show reception, a reserved seat for the performance, and admission to the post-show celebration.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatretusc.com or call 391-2277.