Mac history
A New Century
Cellular Concepts, Inc. sponsored The Murder Room, a mystery/comedy co-directed by Noel Clements and Tina Croy. This show ran April 14-16 and April 20-22. It had only one matinee which was April 16,2000. The works of Leon Leak were displayed in the Martin Gallery. He received a BFA from Columbia University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Alabama Mr. Leak was the father of Rev. Sidney Leak. April also saw the beginnings of what we now call Wee Actors Guild.
John and Kamilla Wright sponsored KID, a 6 week class for students in grades 4-6 which culminated in a production called The Fairy Godmother's Assistant. There were those who supported the show even though they had no one involved in the show. May brought a TAG comedy/mystery Whodunit directed by TAG member Liza St. John who has gone on to do television in NY and LA.
Thanks to Mayor Coy Noblitt and Kenneth Poff along with James Threet money was raised for the parking lot behind the building. In accordance with State Law, Senate Bill #3156, both boards, Manchester Arts Commission and Manchester Municipal Arts Commission were expanded to 10 members.
A new season began in August of 2000 and there were brochures for the first time promoting the season. Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund presented Baby, a new musical which was directed by John Wright and Warren H. Gore. It was considered very daring for a small community theatre group to do, so much so that it warranted a positive editorial in the Manchester Times commending us for being willing to take on this play.
In December Peoples Bank sponsored Oliver directed by John Wright. This was the first time that Courtney Cox appeared on stage, and she starred as Oliver. She was even willing to cut her long hair in order to play a boy. It was also a first time on stage for Karen Lewis who played a bawdy lady. Her voice was fantastic and this would be the first of several appearances on stage both at the MAC and other theatres as well.
First National Bank sponsored Steel Magnolias in February. It was directed by new- comer Gary Mitchell and it was the first time that a dramatic/comedy sold out several shows. This was the first time on stage for Lisa Peterson, but certainly not the last. It also introduced Kinda Young to the MAC as Anell. She went on to play the wicked witch of the West in a later production, much to the delight of her first grade students.
