HCPAC press release
In 1964, Athens Little Theatre did its first Musical. Beginning Oct. 16, the Henderson County Performing Arts Center will be paying tribute to “All Those Musicals: A 50 Year Musical Revue,” as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary Season. The records are a little fuzzy as to which musical was first, “Fiddler on the Roof” or “Showboat,” but it was the beginning of a fine tradition. In that time at least 60 musicals have been produced at HCPAC. Starting in 1988 the Youth Summer Musicals were added to the lineup.
All Those Musicals honors ‘all those musicals’. Presented in a revue, this show will bring back fond remembrances from shows like “Singin’ In the Rain,” “The King and I,” “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma,” “My Fair Lady,” “Cinderella,” “West Side Story” and more current ones like “Curtains,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “All Shook Up.” If those in the audience now attended even a few of these remarkable musicals, they are going hear some of the most memorable songs brought back for their nostalgic enjoyment.
Many in the cast are current or former performers at HCPAC who were in some of the past productions. A few of the cast are brand new to this theatre. All have the opportunity to showcase their considerable talent.
One performer in particular, Carol Wilson, is coming all the way from Abilene, where she is currently living with her husband, Don, who is the former pastor at the First Christian Church of Athens. Carol and Kyle Henderson, pastor at the First Baptist Church, will reprise some of their songs from “The Sound of Music,” in which they performed in 2002.
Two actor/singers who go back to some of the earliest productions are Hank Skelton and Doug (Sonny) Humble. Their talents were utilized quite often on the HCPAC stage in those early days both in musicals and straight plays.
A few of the more current musical regulars such as Fran Bardwell, Savannah Joblin, Katrina Johnson, Gordon Mayhall, Gary McDonald, Maria Ogburn, Rae Priestley, Mark Roberts, Bob Schoonover and Cassandra Schwantes will lend their vocal talents to the show. All of these fine singer/actors have appeared in numerous HCPAC musicals.
Athens Little Theatre produced some fine singer/actors who started out in the Youth programs, grew up and then have been away from the theatre while they were busy working and being parents. Kara Catugal, Laken Lloyd, Kristin Paul and John Swindle fit into that category. Their abilities have only improved over the years.
Then, there are the newcomers who have brought their talents to HCPAC for the first time. Leona Bruce, Father Matthew Frick of St. Matthias Episcopal Church and Amy Sherwood, whose husband is the new minister at the First Presbyterian Church, are new to the stage here but certainly not to performing. They will be rounding out the cast with their considerable contributions.
All Those Musicals runs Oct. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m. There is a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 19. Reservations may be made by calling 903-675-3908 or online at www.hcpac.org. The Henderson County Performing Arts Center is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization located at 400 Gibson Rd., Athens, Texas.