Lights, camera, action!
EXAMINER PHOTO BY CONNIE CLEMENTS: Members received a sneak preview of “The Sugar Bean Sisters,” a “Southern Gothic comedy of romance, murder and alien abduction.” Examiner photo by Connie Clements
Metaphorically speaking, the curtain lifted at the Navasota Theatre Alliance’s Season Reveal and Members Meeting Saturday, Aug. 21. Wine, refreshing teas, hors d’oevres, decadent desserts, a silent auction and door prizes added to the excitement of reopening, but it was NTA president Joyce Yorek who best expressed the thoughts of many after its long absence.
Brushing back tears, Yorek talked about her love of NTA which she called her “happy place,” and how difficult the pandemic had been for the NTA family. Yorek also shared remembrances of Cissy Smith, retired Navasota educator and tireless volunteer in many organizations, including NTA, who died Jan. 2, 2021.
Yorek pointed out that despite not being able to perform, the NTA team didn’t let the down time go to waste. The lobby received a facelift via a new coat of paint and new flooring, and much needed roof repairs were addressed.
Vice president Jane Brewer expressed her disappointment that the pandemic prevented NTA for celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2020 but looks forward to celebrating the 40th in style.
According to Brewer, there will be a few changes. In an effort to curb printing costs, NTA will provide its theatre programs in a new format. Joining the digital age, programs will be accessible through patron’s cell phones and a QR code.
2021-2022 season
Members were treated to a sneak preview of the long-awaited performance of “The Sugar Bean Sisters,” directed by Chaz Pittman. The play which debuts Sept. 3, features Janice Kerlee and Laura Vaughn as the Nettles sisters “in this Southern Gothic comedy of romance, murder and alien abduction,” where the Nettle sisters “are determined to escape spinsterhood.”
Performing with Kerlee and Vaughn Saturday were Gigi Greene as Videllia Sparks and Grant Holt as Bishop Crumly.
Oct. 20-23 will feature the annual “Lanterns and Legends” tour at Oakland Cemetery. This year’s theme is Artists in Residence, paying homage to the many artists of all kinds at rest at Oakland.
The family-friendly “The Man Who Wanted to Be Santa Claus,” begins Dec. 2 - “From singing messengers to lovesick reporters this holiday comedy goes a long way to prove things aren’t always what they seem to be, especially for one old gentleman.”
“Silent Sky” which begins Feb. 11 is based on a true story - “When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea.”
Just in time for Mother’s Day is “Motherhood the Musical,” beginning May 6 which gives a “funny, yet loving look at being a mom at any age.”
For complete information on audition and/or performance dates or purchasing tickets, visit www.navasotatheatre.org, or email ntamemberships@gmail.com, or call (936) 825-3195.