MAC History
The Foreigner
February was a really busy month. Johnny Cotham, one of the original organizers of the Millennium Players, returned from Nashville to direct and star in It Runs in the Family. This was our first attempt at a British farce, which many consider difficult to do or it becomes too "silly," but this group put together by Johnny left everyone "rolling in the floor!"
By raising the door in the back and sealing the blocks at ground level we helped with water seepage, but it became apparent that repairing the roof in the dance studio was necessary and going to be very expensive.
The Foreigner came to our stage in April of 1998. Warren H. Gore played the foreigner and his one act play was presented by a group from MTSU at the Harold Clerman Theatre in NY. He attended that event. The show was plagued in another way as well; tornado warnings in Manchester caused the postponing of one show right in the middle of the show!
Russel Mobley, had a montage of outstanding camera work in the gallery from April 17 through May 5. People at least had time to see his work in spite of the crazy theatre events.
June brought (by popular demand according to a survey) Same Time Next Year. The two person show starred Erin Pyron opposite Warren H. Gore. It was directed by Karen Kirkpatrick. Karen was elected in June to be the Managing Director for MRC, replacing Todd Bancroft-Billings who had held the position for two years.
Drag-on In to Arts Camp was held in July. It featured an oriental theme with The Dubious Dragon directed by Tina Croy. She put together a show in the 3 days of the camp which filled the theatre with grandparents, parents and friends. At the end of August, the Arts Commission sent out information concerning categories of monetary participation for the 1998-99 fiscal year. This was the beginning of our VIP ticket sales. There were 17 $100 donors, with Smoot's Flowers and Gifts being a participating business. The Raise the Roof campaign netted $2,000 with Catherine Redd accounting for half of that amount, and Peoples Bank donating $500. Among those first donors were Mr. and Mrs. Lane Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers Starr, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Poff, and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gore. These same people are current supporters as well. August also saw the MAC once again hosting a Welcome Center for the City for those staying here and attending the National Walking Horse Celebration. All other visitors were welcome as well. We provided coffee and camaraderie.
