The Cemetery Club is cast and a great cast it is! We are now one week into rehearsal and I can already tell that you are going to love it!!

One is never too old to fall in love – even after the age of fifty. Some relationships are so strong that nothing could possibly break them…not even death. The Cemetery Club debuted on Broadway in 1990 and is a story about love and friendship and how they endure conflict and loss through time. The story follows the lives of three widows, Ida, Doris and Lucille, who form a "cemetery club" in which they visit the cemetery each month to talk to and remember their deceased husbands. Though they are extremely close to one another, the three women have very different personalities.

From friends in The Fantasticks audience:

"Hi Friends, Thank you for an enjoyable evening, once again. Everyone was type-cast perfectly, and the voices were great."
--Don and Cynthia

Music rehearsal is now complete, resulting in some show-stopping numbers from a vocally talented cast.  We move into full rehearsal today and things are stepping right along.  Now, we practice singing and dancing.

On the play production timeline,  we are at the place where the Artistic Director adds his finishing touches.  He also takes care of the "bits of business" from an acting standpoint.  These finishing touches round out the performance, culminating in a wonderful evening of entertainment. 

Norm & Reba

The hardest part of directing a show is the casting. If it is done properly, 80% of the director's work is finished. We have assembled a cast that is very talented, excited, able to perform, and tell this story. Now the fun begins.

We have an excellent production staff, without which, we would not be able to make this show happen.
Thanks to everyone involved,
Norm

The cast is as follows:
Macon Shirley......El Gallo
Eve Campbell......Luisa
Brad Phillis..........Matt
Jennifer Jordan...Bellomy
Marion Braden....Hucklebee
Mike Denig..........Henry
Kenny Gaylord....Mortimer
Claire Jordan......Mute

The following flyer may be copied and reproduced for publicity purposes:

In our most recent venture, CCT has added performances for the Retirement Community.  We perform free of charge to groups in local homes.  The material we perform is short plays by a local writer.  We received this note after a performance for Countryside Village:

 

Reba-

Thank you for coming to our community to perform.  You brought many smiles and laughter.  Your ministry is a blessing and I want to thank you for sharing with us.  Thank you and the Clemmons Community Theatre.

Director of Member Services

Meet Benji, who participates in the CCT Retirement Community Productions.
This handsome Westie belongs to Norm & Reba.

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Director’s Notes:
Our play tonight is about a community of women that live in the southern part of the United States. The title is "Steel Magnolias" which implies that these women are soft on the outside but strong on the inside.

I’m originally from the North, but I married a southern woman. My conviction is that if the southern woman had fought the Civil War, the South would have won. Simply because the southern woman would have fed and loved the "Yankees" to death! Just look at my girth and you can see what I am talking about. I know that I’m loved by my southern wife.

When I first read this play, it brought to mind the gentile nature of southern hospitality. Recently, I took a trip to the western part of the United States. Upon my return, we went to a restaurant and I was so pleased when we were asked it there was anything that the wait staff could do for us. I felt like I was home again.

I hope that you see from our production tonight the image of people you know in your community. The most important thing we can do as community theatre is to hold a mirror up to life. Sit back and enjoy our production of Steel Magnolias.

Cast
Truvy....................................... Carole Olson
Annelle.................................... Charis Jeffers
Clairee.................................... Jodi Stephens
Shelby.................................... Lee Ann Chrisco
M’Lynn.................................... Cheryl Ann Roberts
Ouiser..................................... Kay Shelton

Director.................................. Norm Birdsall
Producer................................ Reba Birdsall
                                In cooperation with New Hope Church
Stage Manager...............  Mallorie Grady
Asst. Stage Manager........ Caitlyn McKenzie
Light/Sound..................... Byron Emerson
Set Design/Construction... Ron West
Costumes/Hair Styles....... Terrylee West, Reba Birdsall
                                         Little Theatre of Winston-Salem
                                         Bangz Hair Studio
Props............................... Scott Cushing, Rose Cushing
Artwork............................ Rose Cushing
Box Office........................ Linda Blackburn
Marketing......................... Joan Burnette, Linda Blackburn
                                          Lee Ann Chrisco, Reba Birdsall
Lighting............................ Courtesy of Mixed Bag Productions

Carole Olson (Truvy) – Carole has worked both on and off stage with local community theatres for many years. As always, she is thrilled to be working with Norm and Reba and happy to see the success of their new venture and play a small part in it. Some of her favorite roles: Mary Frances in The Scarlett O’Hara Complex, Tom/Phyllis/Leslie in Sylvia. And Rose in God’s Favorite. She says Truvy will soon be on the list. Real life roles include: mother of two fine young men, banker, potter, and fused glass artist.

Charis Jeffers (Annelle) –Charis is a high school sophomore and has been acting since the age of twelve. Some of her previous roles include Mowgli in The Jungle Book, Beauty Lou in Beauty Lou and the Country Beast and Ruthie in I Love Ruthie. This is her second show with the Clemmons Community Theatre and her third community theatre show ever. She is delighted to be a part of Steel Magnolias and of such a wonderful and talented cast. When not performing, she loves to write and is currently working on getting her driver’s permits… so stay off the sidewalks.

Jodi Stephens (Clairee) – A native of Tobbacoville, NC, Jodi has performed with various theatre groups in the Triad area. Her theatre credits include Guys and Dolls, Music Man and Hello Dolly. Jodi is excited about making her Clemmons Community Theatre debut. She has also been a member of Sweet Adelines International for ten years, most recently singing with the Carolina Harmony Chorus in Raleigh, NC – A fifth place International Small Chorus. Jodi performs the role of Mom daily for Parker, age 6 and Wyatt, age 2. Thanks to Todd, her loving and supportive husband, and to her parents for keeping the house running and the kids tucked.

Lee Ann Chrisco (Shelby) – Lee Ann is excited to be performing in her third production with the Clemmons Community Theatre. She wishes she had discovered her love of theatre years ago. Norm and Reba have created a monster!! Leigh Ann wishes to thank her family for their love and encouragement, and for sharing her with CCT. X’s and O’s to Ellie Jordan, the angel on her shoulder.

Cheryl Ann Roberts (M’lynn) – Cheryl Ann has appeared on stage with the Paramount Acting Company, Community Theatre of Greensboro, Kernersville Little Theatre, Stained Glass Playhouse, Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, Theatre Alliance and Davie Theatre Company. She is thrilled to be making her debut with the Clemmons Community Theatre in such a wonderful role. "Any southern actress worth her salt has been in Steel Magnolias. I hope I’m worth it." She is honored to be working with a talented cast and director. Hugs and kisses to her family and friends who support her in her in her career hobby. Cheryl Ann would like to dedicate her performance to her grandfather, who watches from the best seat in the house.

Kay Shelton (Ouiser) – Kay is pleased to make her debut with the Clemmons Community Theatre although she is no stranger to the stage of many of the area theatres. She has performed in Walking Across Egypt, Oliver, and Brighton Beach Memoirs with the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, Cemetery Club and Nunsense with the Kernersville Little Theatre, The Exact Center of the Universe with Theatre Alliance and Cinderella with Stained Glass Playhouse just to name a few. Kay has performed in professional theatre for the Alhambra Dinner Theatre and Fairfax Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida. She also has credits for film and industrial videos. She is a choir director at Oak Summit United Methodist Church and a violinist with the Salem Orchestra.

L-R: Truvy, Clairee, Shelby, Annelle, Ouiser and M’Lynn

Director’s Notes:
Neil Simon is the Moliere of our age. Simon is a comedic write and understands human nature. When I read a script and laugh out loud, I know it will be a crowd pleaser. I thought to myself, how could the Book of Job be funny? Well, when a Master of the Pen decides to pursue a subject matter, anything is possible. During my career as an actor, director, and audience member, I’ve always loved a good comedy. I feel that we have done justice to the script that Mr. Simon has provided us. 

Theatre is such a collective effort. Anything can and will happen in a live theatrical production. We are blessed with a very enthusiastic, hard-working group of dedicated performers and technicians. Without their help this production would never have come to fruition. 

The subject matter of this play has a universal theme. That is "Who am I?" "Why am I here?" and "Where am I going?" These are heady questions. We may not answer them, but we hope to make you laugh at our own foibles. So sit back, relax and enjoy a look at a reflection of our culture. Take it at face value and if we have pleased you, let the cast know of your satisfaction. Thank you for coming to our production of God’s Favorite.   

Cast
Joe Benjamin............. Kevin Wendelboe
Sidney Lipton............. Ken Ashford
Rose Benjamin........... Carole Olson
David Benjamin........... Kenny Gaylord
Sarah Benjamin.......... Faith Jeffers
Ben Benjamin............. Leo Ramsey
Mady......................... Lee Ann Chrisco
Mae........................... Ellie Jordan

Director................................ Norm Birdsall
Light/Sound.......................... Byron Emerson, Jim Shofner, Kyle McKenzie
Set Design/Construction........ Mark McKenzie, Terry Deakle, Ron West Kyle McKenzie, Clayton McKenzie
                                            Dave Buterbaugh, Tom Mulnix, Teri Emerson, Kevin Wendelboe, Lee Ann Chrisco
Costumes............................ Terrylee West, Reba Birdsall
Set Pieces........................... The Red Door Consignment Furniture Gallery
Lighting................................ Barry and Deb Nelson, Dr. Brett Munn
Financial Contribution............ Ron West
Corporate Sponsors.............. Dr. Brett Munn and Dr. Gail Gordon 
                                            of Yadkin Vision Center

Meet The Cast
Ken Ashford (Sidney Lipton) – Ken is very pleased to be a part of the Clemmons Community Theatre. Past local roles include Arnold in The Boys Next Door (Stained Glass Theatre), Skipper in Gilligan’s Island: The Musical (Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance), Coach Dunbar in Footloose (Community Theatre of Greensboro), and Selsdon in Noises Off (Gallery Players). Thank you Cinberry for all your support.

Lee Ann Chrisco (Mady) – Lee Ann resides in Advance with her husband, Gerald and their three daughters, Allison, Ashley, and Aleah. She has been a fitness instructor at the Central YMCA for the past 18 years. This is her second theatrical endeavor, having played one of the townsfolk in Ephatha Theatre Company’s production of I Love Ruthie. She has recorded a commercial which aired on 107.9 in Charlotte and an informational MPEG video link for Charlotte Ophthalmology. Lee Ann attends New Hope PCA and is delighted to be part of the Clemmons Community Theatre.

Kenny Gaylord (David) – Kenny has been involved with theatre for many years. His past credits include President Roosevelt (Annie), Arnold (Once on This Island), and Linus (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown). Credits while working with the Ephatha Theatre Company include Bib (I love Ruthie) and Nat (Arm Yourself). Kenny’s credits with 4½ Street Players include Bob Cratchit (A Christmas Carol) and Mortimer (The Fantasticks). God’s Favorite is the second show that he has performed at New Hope. He would like to thank Norm and Reba Birdsall for this opportunity and his family and fellow actors for their support through the years.

Faith Jeffers (Sarah) – Faith is eleven years old and has been in several productions of the Ephatha Theatre Company, as well as the Missoula Children’s Theatre. She has two sisters and a brother. In her spare time, she is usually found playing sports or reading a fantasy book. Faith is in the fifth grade and loves watermelon.

Ellie Jordan (Mae) – Ellie was hooked on acting the first time she recited a piece in church and heard applause. As a grown-up show off she played the lady with a dog in The Cave Dwellers, Sally Cato in Mame, and Penny in You Can’t Take it With You, all of which were performed in Baltimore, Maryland. Upon moving to Charlotte, North Carolina she played Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Penny in You Can’t Take it With You and Gabrielle in Dear World. She actually got paid o do some commercials and public service announcements. She says, "You know what? I have a lot of fun showing off."

Carole Olson (Rose) - I am thrilled to work with Norm and Reba again in our newest Endeavor and I hope I and play some small part in making it a success for them. I have worked both on and off stage with local community theatres for many years. Some of my favorite roles include Loraine in The Man Who Came to Dinner, Penny in You Can’t Take it With You, and Tom, Phyllis and Leslie in Sylvia. Real life roles include mother of two grown young men, banker, potter, and a servant of a very spoiled and slightly neurotic golden retriever.

Leo Ramsey (Ben) – Leo is a fourth grader in the Arts Based Elementary School in Winston-Salem. He has performed in Arm Yourself and I Love Ruthie with the Ephatha Theater Company and loves to get laughs from the audience.

Kevin Wendelboe (Joe) – Kevin makes his stage debut with God’s Favorite (unless you count impersonating a giant in the third grade school play.) He would like to thank his beautiful wife, Aubrey, for her loving support and encouragement through this new direction in his life (could this turn into a new career? Not likely, but you be the judge.) He lives in Clemmons with his wife and two gorgeous (unavailable) daughters, Avery and Camryn.

Norm Birdsall is a native of the New York/New Jersey area and presently resides in Clemmons, NC with his wife, Reba. Norm is a well-seasoned director and performer and is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in theatre and speech communication.

Upon graduation his professional career began in New York City. From there he traveled the Barn Dinner Theatre circuit on the east coast for a number of years. Life on the road finally got the best of him and he decided to settle in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. He later moved to the Outer Banks where he performed the role of Governor White in The Lost Colony in Manteo, North Carolina for several seasons.

The love of the rolling hills of the Piedmont brought Norm back to this area in late 1992 and once again, he found himself on stage quite often at The Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro, NC. He also performs and directs in the area community theatre productions. You may even see him in commercials or movies as he is quite active in this arena also. Norm is a man of many talents.


Reba Birdsall is a native North Carolinian. She participated in both high school and college drama activities; however, most of her professional career consisted of functioning as executive secretary for a multi-million dollar trucking company. Approximately twelve years before retirement, she became associated with a personnel agency in an outside sales capacity.

Her theatre activities have included some roles in local community theatres; a few commercials and a couple of movies. She serves as Secretary for CCT and is the Executive Producer of their main stage productions.

Norm and Reba are both retired and love to travel. They are active members of New Hope Presbyterian Church. Reba has two grown children from a previous marriage and three grandchildren. Norm and Reba live in Clemmons, NC. As organizers of Clemmons Community Theatre strive to provide quality and wholesome live theatre for families in the Triad area.

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Clemmons Community Theatre, Inc. was organized in the spring of 2006 by Norm and Reba Birdsall for the purpose of providing family oriented productions of a professional caliber and an opportunity for local and professional artists to work together. We were incorporated in the State of North Carolina in September 2006 and obtained non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service in January, 2007.

CCT presently provides two theatrical productions per season. Our goal is to provide quality live theatre at a reasonable cost for families to attend, as well as providing education for students who would like to pursue a study in theatre. All productions are staged at and performed in cooperation with New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2570 Harper Road, Clemmons, NC.

Our first show was performed in December 2006 and was entitled "I Love Ruthie." This is an original play based on the book of Ruth in the Bible. The second production, which was performed in April-May 2007, was a comedy by Neil Simon entitled "God’s Favorite" based on the book of Job. Our third production was "Steel Magnolias" performed with great response in November 2007.

Acting classes are periodically conducted free of charge for anyone interested in becoming a part of the theatre company. Classes are also offered on a limited basis to schools in the area where curriculum does not include drama as an elective course. All classes provide instructions in acting, stage etiquette and scene study, along with development of confidence in front of an audience.

CCT has established an outreach program for assisted living and retirement facilities in the area. Performers go on site to the facilities and provide live entertainment for all the residents, particularly those who are unable to travel to our main stage productions. Most of the scripts for these performances are written by a local writer here in Clemmons.

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