JONESBOROUGH REPERTORY THEATRE

Maggie’s getting married his February.

And Kathleen Buttolph is hoping everyone will want to attend.

The wedding — Jonesborough Repertory Theatre’s new production of “Maggie’s Getting Married” — will open Feb. 6 in Jonesborough, with Buttolph as director.

“I really want it to be a success,” Buttolph said.

“Maggie” marks not only the first play produced by JRT for more than a year, but also the first play Buttolph has solely directed.

“This is my first chance to take something on as my own,” said Buttolph, who has worked in the Lees-McRae theater department in North Carolina and has been responsible for various college and church productions. “This truly has been my baby from the get go.”

Filling the role perfectly as a February Valentine’s production, “Maggie’s Getting Married” is a comedy about a well-to-do family, the Duncans, who are hosting a party for Maggie’s wedding rehearsal.  When Russell, the groom, finally arrives at the party, characters hidden agenda are revealed amid the ensuing chaos.

Show times will be Feb. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., Feb. 8 at 2 p.m., Feb. 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $9 for students and adults age 65 and older. The play’s content is considered PG-13.

“It’s a test for me,” Buttolph said. “I think the play is hilarious.”

Adding to the challenge has been the play’s role in the company’s resurrection — though that has brought its own energy.

“The cast is very enthusiastic — being in the first part of this revitalization,” she said.

Everyone hopes, she added, that “Maggie” will give the audience a glimpse of the potential of Jonesborough’s theater.

To that end, the cast has been rehearsing, volunteers have been painting and preparing sets and Buttolph has been directing — and spreading the word.

She has been thrilled, she said, with the warm reception she has received from everyone, and the help that has been freely given to the theater group.

“You’re pretty much starting from scratch,” she said of JRT’s return. “I’ve learned a lot and the town has just embraced me.

“There has been a lot of local help and support.”

Buttolph cites as example Yankee Salvage, which loaned JRT such props as a countertop, sink and three doors, and Surplus Brokers in Johnson City which met other needs.

Once “Maggie” is complete, plans are already in the works for “Toward the Setting Sun” and “Grace and Glorie” in March and April.

In the meantime, however, there’s “Maggie.” And while Buttolph dreams of a never-ending season for the new JRT, she has one greater wish for its first 2004 production.

“Number one I want them to have good time,” she said.

Article courtesy of johnsoncitypress.com

Home     Upcoming Events    Tickets    Classes     About the Theatre    Getting Here     Contact Us