Greensboro: The Play
This release came in today's e-mail:
"The Greensboro Historical Museum announced it is commissioning the Touring Theatre of North Carolina to present a historical play for Greensboro's bicentennial celebration. Based on staff research for the Greensboro: A Crossroads for Many Voices exhibition, the play will span 300 years of local history and resonate with the voices of those of the past. Significant events which have contributed to the city’s growth will also be highlighted, while period music will further underscore the emotions of the times.
"The idea to present a play arose from conversations among museum staff while brainstorming programming ideas for Greensboro’s 200th birthday. Therefore the museum approached Brenda Schleunes, the Producing and Artistic Director of Touring Theatre of North Carolina because of her expertise in creating new works from historical documents.
"She was absolutely thrilled by the idea," said Fred Goss, museum director.
The play is an excellent idea, but, of course, not without potential conflict, since some of history's lessons can be painful.
Will it, for instance, note Nov. 3, 1979?
As an "Andy Griffith Show" fan (who isn't?) I'm reminded of the episode about a big play revisiting the historic Battle of Mayberry (Episode 188).
Turns out the town wasn't quite ready for the truth as revealed by Opie in a school paper.
And even in the land of Andy, Aunt Bee and Goober, it got ugly, folks..
Comments (4)
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Don't worry, Allen, the bi/tri-centennial play will distill Greensboro history into the dramatic equivalent of white bread. The only people it will offend will be the poor schoolchildren who will doubtlessly be herded in droves to see it. If a play resonating with both "the voices of the past" and period music underscoring "the emotions of the times" isn't a sure-fire snoozer, it will be a miracle on the order of the virgin birth.
Posted on August 7, 2007 2:56 AM
You get Vig Rhaymes to play Hinson, Florence Henderson to play Flo Gatten, James Brolin for the Mayor, and Whoopi to play Bellamy-Small and I'm there.
Posted on August 7, 2007 2:17 PM
Drama:
Inspired casting, especially Rhames. Don't know about Whoopi as TDBS, though.
Posted on August 7, 2007 2:22 PM
If you haven't seen "Waiting for Guffman" you need to rent it.
Posted on August 8, 2007 6:18 PM