text: Have we got stories to tell you! Story telling is what theatre is all about and has been since at least 500 -550 BCE, the generally accepted time span for the appearance in Greece of what we would recognize as theatre.
  And theatre, the original 3-D entertainment, has been telling stories ever since, some tragic, some angry, some funny, but always as an expression of the human condition. I was pleased that there was a recurring theme among participants in the recent Olivier Awards (the Brit’s Tony) the idea that the story is the most important factor of theatre; some people tend to forget that.
  Strauss Theatre Center has been telling stories for eighty-six seasons, and continues to search out the stories to entertain, move, and delight you. Next season is filled with good stories; renew that membership now or join for the first time. I think you will find the overall experience of being a part of the Strauss Theatre family a positive one; a lot of people have over the decades.
  There are so many other stories to be told– and I’ll try to keep you up on what is happening at Strauss and elsewhere in the area. Even television goofs up from time to time to screen something worthwhile; Tinseltown’s Fathom Events screens occasional great shows from the London and Broadway stages, as well as the stage of the Metropolitan Opera; and national tours of many of the great shows play New Orleans, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Memphis. I try to watch for all opportunities to enjoy theatre, and will pass on some of what I find.
  I may be opinionated some of the time; keep that in mind. Just remember that I love theatre, literature, and music; have been around a long time; and don’t necessarily consider “trending” a nice word.
  Strauss has just finished its telling of the story of “Sister Act,” a funny, but touching, story of how people from two different cultures find that in one case they can find a common ground, even harmonize (if you don’t mind the pun).
  Storytelling in the scope of showing the story come to life is certainly not easy. For instance, the number of people required to mount this show exceeded 80, 32 on stage and the rest building sets, playing the music, costuming more nuns than you will find these days in many a diocese, running the box office and house. Imagine having to ride herd on this many people and coordinate it all and yet remain sane. Terri Cunningham achieved it all. Thanks.
  Our next story was one we have told before, rather recently in fact. The stories of the formerly Sanctified Sanders Family from “Smoke on the Mountain” was told again by the very talented and appealing cast in a different setting, the more intimate setting of a dinner theatre. Bob Chambless redirected the great cast from the February production to fit the intimacy of the theatre lobby. As a testimony to the show, food, drink, or something, the show sold out early. I feared that the Reverend Orglethorp had some problem with wine in the house, even though we told him it was grape juice. (By the way, do you know that the man usually credited for pushing serving grape juice in communion was a man named Welch? Sounds like another story there– there’s always a back story.)
  Just remember that the magic of theatre is not magic; it is work, but it is fun– and according to some people, will keep you off the streets and out of trouble. Come be a part of the excitement that creates live theatre. Call Donna at the theatre (323-6681) for a cheery welcome and the chance to join the effort as a volunteer or a member.