April 27, 2011 was one of the darkest times for Franklin County and the one-year anniversary no doubt brings back many of those sad memories for residents, but Northwest-Shoals Community College’s theater department is hoping to lift some spirits this weekend with a production that tells a story of perseverance through hard times.
On April 26 through April 28, the NW-SCC Theater program will present their spring musical, “Mame,” at the Lou B. Bevill Fine Arts Center on the Phil Campbell campus.
According to Jeff McAlister, NW-SCC Theater co-director, all proceeds from ticket sales on Friday, April 27, will be matched by the college and placed in a special scholarship fund for tornado victims.
“When we were thinking about what we wanted to do for our spring production, we chose ‘Mame’ because of the kind of production it is,” McAlister said. “Not everything in the main character’s life is always perfect but she makes the best out of each situation and keeps moving forward. It is a happy story and we hope to make a lot of people smile and laugh and at the same time honor the victims of last year’s tornados.”
McAlister said “Mame” is the story of a wealthy, single lady who loves living life. The story is set in the 1920s and chronicles Mame’s life after she is granted custody of her orphaned nephew and how she tries to put a positive spin on the situations she endures.
“The show has some really great jazz music in it and the orchestra is outstanding,” McAlister said.
The Jerry Herman score includes “If He Walked Into My Life,”  “We Need A Little Christmas” and the title song, “Mame.”
The cast includes members of NW-SCC’s theater department. Participants from Franklin County include: Hodges – Whitney Glover; Phil Campbell – Fei Armstrong, A.J. Barnes, Hannah McDougal and Caitlin Stancil; Russellville – Alex Crittenden, Daniel Domingo (crew), Chase Gilmer, Josh Graham (crew), Martez Hill, Jesse Kimbrell (crew), Tyler Kitterman, Tyler Long (crew), Megan Pearson and Montana Sewell.
The show also features two elementary and middle school-age actors from Russellville, Hunter Butler and Gavin Taylor.
Each performance on Thursday, April 26, through Saturday, April 28, will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $8.
For ticket availability and reservations, contact the NW-SCC cashier’s office at (256) 331-6382. Tickets can be purchased in the college cashier’s office on the Phil Campbell campus.
Any remaining tickets (if available) may be purchased at the door.