Steel Magnolias Auditions

Arts in McNairy will be holding open auditions for Steel Magnolias 6:00-8:00 PM on February 22 & 23 at the Selmer Community Center. Production dates are April 9-11 and all shows will be staged at the McNairy Central High School Little Theatre. The show is based on Robert Harling’s original stage play that first appeared Off Broadway in 1987 and was later popularized by the 1989 Tri Star Pictures release. Tom Cook will return to the director’s chair for his second show with Arts in McNairy. Tom directed the memorable 2008 production of A Christmas Carol and has been seen on stage in numerous roles over the last several years. As fans of Steel Magnolias will recall, there are six strong female leads and everyone is welcome to read for auditions regardless of theatre experience.

Community Band

Meets January 28

The first community band meeting of the year has been schedule for Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. The band will be practicing a bit and discussing plans for the upcoming year. If you have friends who play, bring them along too. Everyone who can provide their own instrument and has any level of musical skill is welcome. There are no participation fees.

The rehearsal will be at the Selmer Middle School Bandroom. Drive around the front of the building to the back parking lot (next to the city park basketball court). The door to the bandroom should be open by 6:30 p.m. Look forward to seeing everyone there!

2010 Reading List
Announced

The Arts in McNairy Literary Committee just announced the new book list and book club dates for 2010. The eclectic reading list has 11 titles (the club does not meet in December) some new and some more familiar. So, there is sure to be something to suit every interest and taste.

Book Club meets at 7:00 PM on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the conference room of the Jack McConnico Public Library in Selmer. There are no fees to join the discussion and participants are encouraged to check available titles out at county libraries or purchase their own.

Read the suggested title prior to the meeting and come prepared for a lively and informative discussion. Members and the occasional guest speaker moderate the discussion and light refreshments are usually served. Come out and enjoy book club. You'll be glad you did!

2010 Book Club Reaing List

2/18 Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
3/18 The Painted House - John Grisham
4/15 The Plague of Doves - Louise Erdrich
5/20 Crazy Ladies - Michael Lee West
6/17 The Secret Holocaust Diaries - Nonna Bannister
7/15 The Chili Queen - Sandra Dallas
8/19 The Red Tent - Anita Diamant
9/16 The Reader - Bernhard Schlink
10/21 In Cold Blood -Truman Capote
11/18 Skipping Christmas - John Grisham

Contact Arts in McNairy, Literary Arts Chair, Leanne Emmons at (731) 646-3851 for further details.

Cast List!

Thanks to everyone who auditioned for the upcoming show. Mother Goose and Friends, as many of you know was a working title. The play has been narrowed down to two great, one act, sketches; The Emperor's New Clothes and The Reluctant Knight, both of which deal very differently with "royal clothing." The show will therefore be titled, Tale of Two Tailors.

Congratulations to everyone for two great nights of auditions. It was great to see many familiar faces as well as plenty of new comers. The cast list is posted below.

Please note that the first cast meeting and rehearsal will be 6:00 PM, Monday January 18 at Eastside Church of Christ, 1366 Poplar Ave. in Selmer. The whole cast and crew are required to attend this meeting and bring at least one parent. Rehearsal schedules will be available at that time and the directors will be going over the AiM rules of theatre and other information that everyone needs to know.

Congratulations again! It is going to be a great show and we look forward to working with all of you.

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Father: Zach Martin
Roland (the Son): Logan Mitchell
Mary: Michaela Chambers
Sarah (Mary’s little sister): Molly Grace Chambers
Esther: Mara Campbell
Henrietta: Danielle Harstin
The Page: Ryleigh Hilliard
Minister of Fashion: Dillon Rorie
Sultan of Style: Andrea Channell
Duchess of Dressing Up: Laren Alexis Whitley
Grand Poobah of Toiletries: Brianna Wilson
Overlady of Overdressing: Dianna Moss
Underlord of Underdressing: TBA
The Emperor: TBA
Townspeople: Ruth Harstin, Janie McClanahan, Sarah Rininger, Abby Rininger, Faith Rininger, Bailey Whitley

The Reluctant Knight

Bobbin (the Tailor): Konner Davis
Stitch (Tailor's Apprentice): Noah Wallace
Lord Chamberlain: Dillon Rorie
Conn: Sammy Bakeer
Cerdic: Chaseten Donahoe
Cadal: Payden Donahoe
The King: Zach Martin
The Queen: Makena Parrish
Princess Petunia: Jessica Campbell
Princess Rose: Ana Grace Ashe
Princess Lily: Lily Beth Durbin
Abigail: Raines Parrish
Hannah: Megan Stevens
Ulric the Giant: Ezra McKenzie
Town Crier: Mary Logan Yancey
Messenger: Mary Anna Tucker
Townspeople: Autumn Shackelford, Katie Jo Davis,
Kelsey Mardis, Jewell Cooper, Destinee Wilson,
Mikaylin Donahoe, Gracen Donahoe, Allie Pitts,
Abigail Ashe

Mother Goose and
Friends Auditions
Jan. 11 & 12

Open auditions for Mother Goose and Friends will be held January 11 & 12 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Selmer Community Center. Several lead and support roles are available for students ages 6-18 and everyone is encouraged to audition regardless of theatre experience. Production dates are scheduled for February 19-22 at the McNairy Central High School Little Theatre and school shows are likely to be announced at a later date. Rehearsal schedules and more information will be available at auditions. Don't miss the fun!

Sounds of Christmas
December 3

The Arts in McNairy Music Committee is proud to present the annual holiday concert entitled, "The Sounds of Christmas." This year's concert is being held at Selmer First Baptist Church and features the AiM Holiday Choir, the AiM Community Band, the Selmer Elementary Children's Bell Choir with special guests, Chelsea Rhodes and vocal group 4-Joy. Directors will be Guy Grimstead, Gene Hebert, Bryan Essary, Pam Stackhouse and Ronnie Brooks. The concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd at 6:30 PM. The Selmer Christmas Parade is scheduled for 7:30 the same evening so holiday revelers can take advantage of both events. Come out and get yourself in the holiday spirit with the great annual event!

November 21 Artisan Trail Maps Now Available!

Just point and click on these two images, print them off and you are on your way to visiting some of the finest artisans in southwest Tennessee. Join them in their studios 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday, November 21 for the annual AiM Artisan Trail holiday tour. It will be a great time to pick up unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, decorative items for your home and tree or just soak up some of the great rural atmosphere. Come home to McNairy County, cultural crossroads of Southwest Tennessee!

White Christmas
Nov. 20-24

Arts in McNairy is proud to announce five upcoming performance of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, November 20-24, 2009 at the MCHS Little Theatre. All show times are 7:30 PM nightly with the exception of the Sunday performance which will be a 2:00 PM matinee. Tickets are available at the door for $8.00 (Adults) and $5.00 (Students). A group rate of $7.00 and reserved seats are being offered to groups of 15 or more. Please contact Crystal Reece to reserve seats at 731-645-9243.

The show is based on the beloved Paramount film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney and the book by David Ives and Paul Blake. The screenplay was written by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Franks. It features seventeen original Irving Berlin tunes including the holiday favorite and title track, White Christmas. Other recognizable selections include: Happy Holiday/Let Yourself Go, Blue Skies, Sisters, Let Me Sing and I’m Happy, I Love a Piano and I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.

White Christmas in under the direction of AiM Performing Arts Chair, Bryan Essary. Musical Director is Sarah Lemons and the show is choreographed by Jennifer Threadgil. It is a wonderful, heartwarming show with a great cast and it will be enjoyed by the whole family. What a great way to kick off the holiday season! Don't miss it!

Photo Show Winners

The 5th Annual Arts in McNairy Photography Contest
and Show, once again, drew great interest and more than 200 stunning, amateur photos from around the region. A well attended reception, awards ceremony and exhibit opening took place Sunday Oct. 18 at the UTM center in Selmer. "The show just keeps getting better every year," commented contest coordinator Mark Boehler. "I would put it up against any amateur show, anywhere, as far as the quality of the artistry is concerned," he added.

Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN (Left) captured Best in Show honors as well as several other awards. Winners in each category are listed below. The show will be on display through November 20 during the Center's normal hours of operation. Much thanks to Boehler, George Souders and the AiM Visual Arts committee for another great photography contest and show!

Category: Natural Landscape
First - Brandy McClain of Selmer, TN. with "Make A Wish"
Second - Nick D'Acquisto of Finger, TN. with "The Beauty of Life"
Third - Cindy Smith of Walnut, Miss. with "Cypress I"
Honorable Mention - Charles Randolph of Bethel Springs, TN. with "Heavenly Sight"

Category: McNairy County
First - Cindy Smith of Walnut, Miss. with "Big Hill Pond"
Second - Debbie Harbin of Adamsville, TN. with "A Rose for a Legend"
Third - Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Dad and Boo"
Honorable Mention - Janet Holley of Guys, TN. with "Summer Days"

Category: Black & White
First -- Asa Black of Bolivar, TN. with "New Mexico - Land of Enchantment"
Second - Anita Nichols of Ramer, TN. with "Window to Tomorrow"
Third - Nick D'Acquisto of Finger, TN. with "Shadows at Play"
Honorable Mention - Lorie Null of Walnut, Miss. with "Peek-A-Boo"

Category: People
First - Michael Edwards of Corinth, Miss. with "Portrait of Claire"
Second - Brandy McClain of Selmer, TN. with "Always my Angel"
Third - Lisa Wilbanks of Corinth, Miss. with "Oh-Wow"
Honorable Mention: -- Virginia Williamson of Jackson, TN. with "Last Tango"

Category: Architectural Landscape
First - Lisa Wilbanks of Corinth, Miss. with "Heat of the Night"
Second - Karen Barclay of Tupelo, Miss. with "Rainbow Bodies"
Third - Daniel Patterson of Selmer, TN. with "Barn by the Lake"
Honorable Mention - Amy King of Bethel Springs, TN. with "Floating Market

Category: Pets and Animals
First - Anita Nichols of Ramer, TN. with "Mama G and Company"
Second - Steve Vetter of Bethel Springs, TN. with "Blue India Bunting"
Third - Karen Barclay of Tupelo, Miss. with "The Ancient One"
Honorable Mention - Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Peek-A-Boo"

Category: Digital Manipulation
(All Categories) Best of Show - Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Self Portrait"
First - Kala Mercer of Pocahontas, TN. with "Blue Beauty"
Second - Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Mirrored Fence"
Third - Brandy McClain of Selmer, TN. with "Dragon Fly Resting on a Toad Stool"
Honorable Mention: Nathan Harrison of Michie, TN. with "Sketch Compass"

Community Band Goes Online

The Arts in McNairy Community Band now has it's own website! The new site just went live this week thanks to band member John Weeks who has designed and customized the content to reflect the needs of the growing organization. Band members can check updated rehearsal schedules and visitors will find information about upcoming performances. There are also photos from past events and information about requirements for joining the band. A million thank to John for his hard work on the site and to band member Fran Yount for providing many of the photos. Check out the community band website at: www.aimcommunityband.com

White Christmas Cast and Crew Announced!

Congratulations to everyone for two great days of auditions. We are proud to be among the first arts organizations in the country to present White Christmas! This is a great cast and crew and it will be a great show. We are also proud to have the McNairy Central Jazz Cats joining us for some ensemble parts and even a few smaller roles. Though we have always had a great working relationship with area schools, this marks the first time we have attempted a collaboration of this scale with two performing arts groups coming together for one show. Much thanks to Sarah Lemons for being the unifying force in this effort and for everything else she does to improve the arts in our community. Director Bryan Essary will be in contact soon with rehearsal schedules.

Cast
Bob Wallace - James Strachan
Phil Davis - Thomas Elam
Betty Haynes - Kelly Gilson
Judy Haynes - Tonya Freeman
General Waverly - Brad Woolworth
Martha Watson - Christi Charmack
Susan Waverly - Autumn Shackelford
Ralph Sheldrake - Tom Cook
Rita - Allie Pitts
Rhoda - Courtney Wilson
Mike - Dillon Rorie
Tessie - Mary Ann Pope
Cigarette Girl - Diana Moss
Ed Sullivan (Announcer) TBA
Ezekiel - Zach Martin
Seamstress - Mary Ann Pope
Assist. Seamstress - Julie Martin
Ensemble - Kelley Johnson; Emily Pitts, Julie Martin, Glenda Doles,
Sybil Dance, Linda Dixon, Molly Woolworth, Mara Campbell, Jessica Campbell, Dillon Rorie,
Dianna Moss,

Production Team
Director - Bryan Essary
Assistant Director/Stage Mngr. - Joanna Pitts
Assistant to Directors - Crystal Reece
Musical Director - Sarah Lemons
Assistant Music Dir./Accompanist - Jennifer Chambers
Choreographer - Jennifer Threadgill
Costumer - Barbara Tennyson
Prop Mistress - Patty Cook
Lighting - Alexis Carter
Sound - Jared Walters
Set Construction - Scotty Ashe
Box Office - Lynda Walters