Final Curtain?

Last week I received an email from the Kentucky Repertory Theatre. The subject line read: "Thanks for the memories."

And with those words, I learned that the little theatre in Horse Cave that could stage wonderful productions for 36 years would not have a 2013 season. The email said: "Economic pressures have made it impossible to continue."

 

The Lexington Herald-Leader's Rich Copley wrote an excellent article about the theatre's rich history last week.

I'm saddened by the news. The last play I saw at KRT was the excellent musical "Floyd Collins" in last fall. I was looking forward to a new season.

"Our theatre is not dead," the email stated. "It lives on in the memories of hundreds of thousands of patrons; in our influence on theatre in the region, state and nation; in the performers who share with the world the art they honed on our stage; and especially in the hundreds of thousands of young people who experienced live, professional theatre in rural Kentucky."

I certainly hope theatre lovers as well as those who understand the importance of the arts will rally to the aid of KRT -- and raise money so the little theatre will live on as more than a memory.

Until the next time...

Make It Special

Last weekend my wife and I attended an excellent production of “Lombardi” at the Kentucky Repertory Theatre at Horse Cave.

Greg Johnston had the role of the legendary National Football League coach and Donna Freeburn played his wife, Marie. They were superb as were the supporting-cast members. We thought it was one of the best plays we’ve seen at KRT, and we’ve attended quite a few in the past 15 years or so.

The performance, which ended July 29, had been extended an extra week because of popular demand. We saw the Saturday matinee, which didn’t attract a large audience. In fact, I counted only 14 people in the audience. I hope there were more folks in attendance for the evening performance and Sunday’s finale.

What impressed me, and the reason for this post, was the professionalism of the actors. They performed with so much verve that you would have thought it was before a packed house. They made it a special experience for this theater-goer.

As this blog is generally about writing, I think it’s important for writers to give their readers their best effort regardless of the size of the reading audience. Make it a special experience for the reader.

Until the next time…

Another Great Season

I’m looking forward to a play-full summer.

I recently purchased a pair of season tickets for the summer season of the

Kentucky Repertory Theatre at Horse Cave.

 My wife and I will attend productions of “Cotton Patch Gospel,” “Lombardi,” “Oliver,” and “Floyd Collins.” It’s an eclectic mix that I’m sure will be delightful and entertaining.

KRT is one of my favorite places for entertainment.

Horse Cave, as the name suggests, is in the heart of Kentucky's "cave country," a few miles from Mammoth Cave National Park. It's a picturesque town, located off I-65 between Elizabethtown and Bowling Green. It also home to the American Cave Museum and Hidden River Cave, only a block or so away from the theatre. The Horse Cave Bookfest will be held June 30.

KRT was formerly known as Horse Cave Theatre, when it held it first production (“Candida”) 35 years ago under the tireless and talented direction of Warren Hammack. He was succeeded 25 years later by Robert Brock (now teaching at Lindsey Wilson College), followed by Christopher Sanderson, and now Ken Hailey serves as artistic consultant.

I’ve always enjoyed live entertainment, be it plays, music, dance, readings, interviews, or re-enactments.

I’d encourage anyone in Kentucky or visiting the state this summer to drop by KRT. It’s an experience you won’t regret or soon forget.

And if you can’t attend a performance at KRT, then support theatre in your area. We all benefit from the arts. 

Until the next time...