Casting has been completed and rehearsals have begun for Macon Little Theatre’s next production.

“Showtime at First Baptist” is the sequel to the popular “First Baptist at Ivy Gap” which was presented during the 2007-2008 season. Directed by Kim Cooper, “Showtime” takes up where “Ivy Gap” left off. First Baptist of Ivy Gap’s 100th anniversary picnic was a smashing success, except for one little thing: a bolt of lightning destroyed the sanctuary. To raise spirits (and funds), six of the church’s leading ladies plan a talent show. Change is in the air as these diverse women challenge each other on an inspiring journey filled with laughs, loss and lots of love.

“Showtime” premiered at the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia on June 11, 2009 to rave reviews. Macon Little Theatre will be the first community theatre in the United States to produce “Showtime”.

The cast includes: Dee Whidby as Edith, Ann Voss as Vera, Kitty Knight as Mae Ellen, Laura Bechtel as Olene, Pamela Norton as Lucille and Julie Ivey as Annie.

SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDE FORD LINCOLN MERCURY

The following are excerpts from a review of “Showtime at First Baptist”:
‘A Comedy With Some Bite’
Thomas Bryant, A! Magazine for the Arts
They’re back! The ladies who first debuted in “First Baptist of Ivy Gap” return for another episode: Edith, Vera, Mae Ellen, Olene, Lucille, and Annie. During Barter’s first production with this group, the ladies were helping with the WWII effort. This time it’s the Vietnam War that serves as a backdrop for the events in their lives.
It would have been easier for the playwright to focus solely on the comedic encounters, of which there are many, but Ron doesn’t shy away from the more serious issues that act as dramatic thread throughout the play. Don’t misunderstand; it is a comedy first. But it is a comedy with some bite, and those moments of seriousness make the funny moments even funnier, whereas comedy for the sake of comedy often becomes slapstick.
When the show begins, the ladies are giddy over the success of the church picnic — a picnic celebrating the 100th anniversary of the church. A bolt of lightning, ironically, destroys the steeple, the organ, and sends the pastor, Edith’s husband, to the hospital. In order to raise money to rebuild, and perhaps as a way to preoccupy themselves, the ladies come up with the idea of having a big “show” for everyone. Lucille is adamantly opposed to the idea since it is, of course, of the devil, but the rest of the group moves forward. And it is that movement forward that, while funny, sets up many of the more interesting themes in this play.