'Conecuh People' will be performed four times

"Conecuh People” will be performed at the Red Door Theatre in Union Springs April 24, 25, 30, and May 1..

This year’s production promises to be the familiar poignant story of a country boy’s youth told in a fresh, new way. Under the leadership of Fiona Macleod, recently retired director of Huntingdon College’s theatre program, the production has experienced a new vision and focus. “The actors have done such a great job accepting Fiona's directions, even when it meant unlearning something some of them had been doing for a number of years,” said Tourism Council Production Coordinator Charlotte Jinks. “It has been wonderful to watch the actors working so conscientiously to bring a new perspective and depth to their characters. It is a joy to see Fiona's eyes twinkle as she watches them discover how to be more comfortable and believable in their character's skins.”

Besides Ms. Macleod, the cast has several new members that provide a truly regional influence including Steve McCary from Selma, Betty Hubbard from Comer, Roy Royster from Valley, Summer Rice from Pike Road and Terrence Thomas and Todd Jeffries from Montgomery.

Nominated as the Alabama Tourism Event of the Year in 2004 and selected as one of the state’s 50 “Must See” Cultural Art Events by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel in 2007, “Conecuh People” has enjoyed sold-out performances the past several years. This original production, written by Clayton native son Ty Adams, tells the story of real-life Dr. Wade Hall’s adolescence in rural Bullock County in the 1950’s and the two events—one good and one bad—that shaped his life.

Besides the play, visitors have an opportunity to attend the numerous activities known collectively as “Conecuh People…the Experience.” The other events include a quilt exhibit in several of the town’s beautiful old churches, a self-guided tour of historic buildings, an art exhibition, a chance to explore one of the oldest jails (c.1897) in Alabama, a first-hand look at a recently retired rolling store and an old-fashioned church dinner. As dusk falls, guests may wander through the centuries-old cemetery found directly behind the theatre. The “Experience” climaxes with the performance of the play “Conecuh People” at the Red Door Theatre located in the town’s 100 year old, former Trinity Episcopal Church (1909). After an evening at the theatre, visitors may choose to spend the night and enjoy a Southern breakfast at one of the hunting lodges located nearby.

For information and tickets, contact conecuhpeople@knology.net or (334) 738-8687.

What: “Conecuh People…the Experience” includes an original play, quilt exhibit, tour of churches and other historic sites, art exhibition, seated dinner, and overnight accommodations.

When: April 24, 25, 30, and May 1, 2009. Historic sites and exhibits open 4-6:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. (reservations required). The play is at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Union Springs, Alabama at various locations throughout the town.

Cost: Play-$15, Dinner-$15 (reservations required), Packages that include dinner, play, and overnight accommodations with breakfast for 2-$160.

Information: Call 738-8687 or email conecuhpeople@knology.net .