Red Room dedicated in honor of long-time patron

EASLEY — On Saturday, June 18, members of the board of directors at Foothills Playhouse honored Dr. Sandra W. Lamberson by dedicating the recently redecorated Red Room in her honor.

The Lamberson Red Room is a spacious sitting area where patrons may relax and purchase concessions during intermission. Dr Lamberson, a local dermatologist, has been a faithful patron of the theatre since its humble beginnings in 1981. Over the years, Dr. Lamberson has attended almost every play the theatre has presented, often bringing friends and family members with her to the performances. “Once in a while, a special person comes along who goes the extra mile, who gives generously to causes they care about, and who encourages the arts in their community by supporting it with their presence and their finances. Dr. Lamberson is such a person,” stated current Board President Amanda Gunter. A plaque which will hang in the Red Room in her honor and a Lifetime Member Code were presented to Dr. Lamberson at the ceremony.

Lynne Gibson/photo

The board of directors at Foothills Playhouse honored Dr. Sandra W. Lamberson by dedicating the recently redecorated Red Room in her honor. Pictured is the presentation of the plaque to Dr. Lamberson by Amanda Gunter, president of the Foothills Playhouse board of directors.

During the event, Dr. Lamberson was treated to a private reveal of the coming theatre season. Main stage shows for the 2016-2017 season include: The Beverly Hillbillies – written by David Rogers, published by Dramatic Publishing, directed by Jennifer Ouellette; September 2-11

All’s Well in Roswell (Isn’t It?) – written by Michael Druce, published by Dramatic Publishing, directed by Lynne Gibson; October 21-30

The One and Only Santa Claus – written by Pat Cook, published by Pioneer Drama Service, directed by Lynne Gibson; December 2-11; pictures with Santa will be available for purchase after each performance

Nunsense (Musical) – written by Dan Goggin, published by Samuel French, directed by Maurice Reed; January 27-February 5

The Diary of Anne Frank – adapted by Wendy Kesselman, published by Dramatists Play Service, directed by Scott Gibson; March 17-26

The Story of Velveteen Rabbit (children’s musical) – written by A. Larson, published by Pioneer Drama Service, directed by Jennifer Ouellette; April 28-May 7

The B-Side line-up has been totally re-vamped this season. The B-Side is designed to be lesser-known shows that are less expensive to produce and can, therefore, have a lower ticket price. It is also an opportunity to give directing experience to individuals who desire to try their hand at directing a show. “Last season we got off track a little,” admitted Gunter. “Some of our show choices were not typical of the family-friendly fare people expect from Foothills Playhouse, and although the plays were well-acted and had good stories or important messages, it just wasn’t what our audiences are used to. This season’s B-Side was chosen with our core audience in mind.”

The theatre has also give their Youth Board an opportunity to do a show in July as part of the B-Side. This is a unique opportunity for the young people who normally usher and sell concessions. “The Youth Board is often viewed as the kids who hand out playbills or work stage crew and occasionally act in children’s shows. We’re trusting ours to take on more than that. We’re letting them direct and produce their own show (see Rememberin’ Stuff” below). B-Side Tickets are only $5 each.

B-Side shows for the 2016-2017 season are:

Spirit –written by Peg Kehret, published by Pioneer Drama Service, directed by Carl Gingola; June 24-26 (Get your tickets now!)

Rememberin’ Stuff – written by Eleanor Harder, published by Pioneer Drama Service, directed by Ryan Oliver and Haley Kreft; July 22-24

Operation Redneck – written by D. M. Larson, available on freedrama.net, directed by Chuck Chapman; November 4-6

Those Crazy Ladies in the House on the Corner – written by Pat Cook, published by Dramatic Publishing, directed by Korbin Frazier; February 17-19

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery – written by D. McGilvary & W. Zelin, Jr., published by Samuel French, directed by Tim Spears, Jr.; May 26-28

Season ticket packages and individual tickets may be purchased via the theatre’s website at www.fhplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 864-855-1817. Main Stage Show tickets are $5 for children, $10 for seniors/students/military and $15 for adults. This season’s line-up of Main Stage and B-Side shows is sure to attract new theatre-goers as well as returning patrons. “We’re saving you a seat!”