SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga Community Playhouse announced Nemak will be a Designer’s Circle Producer for the upcoming production of The Secret Garden in April 2019.
The Secret Garden is a literary classic coming to life for the Sylacauga community. It is a story of Mary Lennox, a difficult child who is sent to live at her uncle’s estate in England after her parents pass away. Misselthwaite Manor turns out to be a gloomy fortress. Her uncle is rarely home, and his young son, Colin, never leaves his room, convinced he is an incurable invalid. To her surprise, Mary discovers a strange walled garden that has been locked for years. Mary brings the garden back to life with the assistance of the gardener’s apprentice Dickon, who can communicate with animals. The garden seems to have a wonderful, magical effect on all who come into it, allowing Mary to help restore Colin to health and reunite him with his father.
SCP board member Amy McDonald was thrilled when John Parrish, Nemak’s Human Resources Operations Senior Specialist, notified her of the $1,000 gift. “We are so pleased to have Nemak as a community partner to provide the opportunity for students in the area to be part of live theater,” said McDonald.”Many of the students who have come to a Sylacauga Community Playhouse production have gone on to audition for a later production.”
Three of the eight performances of The Secret Garden will be productions for the students of Talladega County. Nemak’s sponsorship will help fund these, allowing more than 1,500 students to attend the show. Opening night for the public will be April 4 and end with a matinee performance Sunday, April 6. The shows for the students will take place April 9 through April 11.
The Sylacauga Community Playhouse seeks to provide theatrical education, experiences, and quality entertainment throughout the community by creating theater arts opportunities for all ages. The SCP started in the late 1970s by board members Lois Fields, Maxye Veazey, and Dollie Roberts. In December 2014, the SCP was incorporated into a 501 (C)3 organization.
This year’s performances include The Mafia Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR, and Tom Sawyer. This year’s board members include Sherry G. Vickers as President, Janie Giddens as Vice President, Jodi Courington as Treasurer, Matt Crocker, John Davidson, Amy McDonald, and April Sargent.
Advanced tickets for The Secret Garden will be available for purchase Dec. 1 for $10 and can be found on the SCP website. Tickets will also be available at the door for $12. If you are a teacher or school administrator and would like your students to attend one of the school showings, please contact Amy McDonald at (256) 369-3003.
