2009 A Year in Review

Friends of Midland Community Theatre:

Now that we have closed all of our 2009 productions, it's a good time to review this past year. We had a wonderful season, including a community theatre premier (RENT) and the first mainland US community theatre to produce a show (LES MISERABLES). We also had an outstanding run of our two holiday productions - A TUNA CHRISTMAS and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Many other shows were extended, including MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS, SUITE SURRENDER and the 2008 McLaren winner KNOCK KNOCK. Shows were sold out for the Pickwicks PINNOCHIO and FOOTLOOSE . Finally, Summer Mummer broke every record for income in 2008, and we thought that the economy might hinder our fundraiser in 2009 - but it didn't happen. Summer Mummer made more money in 2009 than in 2008 for MCT. All in all, it was a great year of productions.

In addition to our work onstage, we continued to expand our educational programs. MCT has partnered with the Rays of Hope Grief Center to utilize drama therapy for those in need, and Bill and Judith have also expanded their work with the Autism Society to help kids find new (and creative) ways to express themselves. MCT continues to work with MISD to expand their drama programs in the schools, and the Pickwick Players, Theatre School and Centerstage programs continue to flourish. Education remains an important element of your community theatre.

Overall, MCT remains extremely blessed to have outstanding volunteers. Whether it be onstage or backstage, front of house or building sets, costumes or props, our staff is lucky to have so many outstanding volunteers. This past month, we were worried about auditions for our 2010 opening musical THE WIZARD OF OZ - very few scripts had been checked out, and we had not run many ads in the newspaper. To our surprise, over 150 people auditioned for the show, including 100 adults! We were at auditions until 1 a.m. each night, and this goes to show that MCT remains committed to our mission of allowing the community to participate in our productions.

In 2010, we have an exciting season of productions, starting with THE WIZARD OF OZ and ending with our 2010 holiday musical IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS. In between, we have two great musicals - GODSPELL and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE - as well as comedies - THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB, the 2009 McLaren winner VIRTUALLY IN LOVE and ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT - and drama - THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK and DOUBT. In addition, we are doing the live musical version of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the Yucca in April/May. There's something for everyone in 2010 at MCT!

To those who have supported us this year as a donor, an audience member or as a volunteer, I thank you for your support of our community theatre. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you at MCT in 2010!

NOTE: MCT will be closed from December 22nd through January 3rd.

Wizard of Oz Auditions

Last night, we had the first night of adult auditions for THE WIZARD OF OZ. Youth auditions were on Saturday, and there were 38 youth (ages 8-13) at these auditions. A good number - and lots of talented kids - but not an overwhelming number. We start auditions at 6:30 p.m., and on Sunday night at 6 p.m. - when those of us who had worked all afternoon on A CHRISTMAS CAROL returned from a quick dinner - there were already 20 people in line for auditions and by the end over 80 adults auditioned for the 2010 opening musical.

It takes a long time to audition that many people - especially since they all need to dance, sing and read scenes from the show. In the end, we completed the first night of auditions at 1 a.m., and will continue auditions tonight (Monday) along with casting the show - this could be a long evening!