"APPALACHIAN DREAMS" MOVES TO POST-PRODUCTION

Saturday's matinee and evening show called "Appalachian Dreams" was, without a doubt, a grand success, but it wore us all out! Filming, planning, rehearsing, and editing had been going on since mid-January and everyone was whipped by the time it was all over around 9PM Saturday night! I even had blisters on my feet from all the running around it did backstage. Still photography is hard work!

The dream for this show began with Gary Baker (local business man) and Muse Watson (star of TV and film), but then the fire jumped to Bill Landry (local celebrity host of the "Heartland Series") and Michael Golebiewski (Dept. Head of Humanities at RSCC)! Without their parts, the show would not have been as coordinated and professional as it was.

My personal congratulations to everyone involved...I know exactly how hard you worked, and it paid off! We all know how much Bill, Michael, and Gary put into the show, but I have to acknowledge cameramen Doug Mills, Andy Garrett, Matt Mullins, and Lee Ellis for their patience throughout the "on location" interview filming, all the rehearsals, all the editing, and, of course, both shows Saturday!

We must not forget Jon Chemay and Cody Hazelwood, and the others in and feeding sound to the sound booth.

There was Jimbo Duncan and company providing sound to the performers, Bill Farnham directing the curtains and acts off stage, and Angie Buck Skidmore marking the cues for everyone, and those hard working folks up in the lights above.

There was make-up, ushering, and, of course, Jean Penley selling tickets!

Then their are the acts themselves to recognize, Jenny Ballard and Maggie Kholbusch, Elizabeth Rose, the Lantana Drifters and especially Audine and Edd Webb, the Pickn' Grin house band, the Babahatchie Community Band and especially to its founder Dr. Joe Williams and the conductor McCall Bohanan, the Sister's of the Silver Sage (Donna, Rhonda, and Janet), The Chickadees (Sandra, Linda, and Ferrell), and the wonderful Phillippi Primitive Baptist Church choir, featuring Jerry Eskridge, April Chrisco, and Barbara Moore! And, last but not least, all the actors and dancers directed by Jennifer Austin of "Arts in Motion"!

Oh, I mustn't forget all you wonderful folks that came out to support the Princess Theater Foundation and its goal to restore the Princess Theater to cultural importance to Roane County. Our hope is that your contribution to the show was paid back in an entertaining evening. Please come again and again!

What a show people...you were outstanding and audience was more than impressed with your dedication, hard work, and talent! I apologize if I've left out anyone by name, but you all were important and can now add a big paragraph on your resumes!

Now begins the post-production work...an endeavor to make a professional looking DVD of the "Appalachian Dreams" show. From what I saw, there will be loads of wonderful footage from which to chose, so it too will undoubtably be a great hit as well. I can hardly wait to buy my copy!

“APPLACHIAN DREAMS” SHOW A BIG SUCCESS

Congratulations to Gary Baker, Bill Landry, and Michael Golbiewski on their success with the “Appalachian Dreams” show (shown here with wives Becky and Claudette), held at Roane State Theater last evening. I have yet to hear a negative comment and the feedback, in comments and applause, after the show warmed the hearts of all 120+ participants in the show. Everyone worked very hard behind the scenes to ensure attendees were entertained.

The most mentioned acts were the “Lantana Drifters” and Edd Webb’s train whistle during the song “Wabash Cannonball”, and the voices of the Phillippi Primitive Baptist Church.

However, all the acts were top notch and very professional, and the show would not have been the same without them. Each added its own unique flavor to the show and the over all enjoyment of the show. The audience, both the matinee and the evening show, got into the show by clapping time to the music and applauding the acts, sometime even in the middle of their performances.

If you missed the show…shame on you, but rest assured there will be more coming. As a matter of fact, once the Princess is restored, you could be privileged to have shows performed weekly! That’s just one of the reasons to back the project! Roane County needs entertainment, and there are no better performers than our own to provide it. The talents showcased in Saturday’s program just scratched the surface of the talent in our area!

The matinee at 2PM Saturday was a near sellout, while the evening show was completely packed! So, it’s evident that a lot of you got the message, were entertained, and are 100% behind the Princess Project.

To paraphrase what Chris Mason has said, “The Princess will not be showing first run movies, but will instead be providing arts education, conferencing, and live entertainment to the area!” The 900 seat auditorium will be a place for live entertainment, while the buildings on the right and left of the theater building will house facilities for teaching the arts, a TV and a radio station operated by the students of Roane County.

With such an “arts center” in place and functioning, other businesses will come to the cities of Roane County. As Muse Watson said in his address to the audience Saturday night, “We can do this!”

Among the dignitaries photographed after the show were: Ron Ramsey (Lt. Governor of Tennessee) and his wife Sindy, State Senator Ken Yager and wife Malinda, Sue-Ellen Gamble Mosler (r) shared the show with Mona Wright (l), David Webb and wife, Harriman Mayor Chris Mason and good friend Scott Adcock.

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE.

THE ROANE STATE CAMPUS IS A BUSY PLACE

Friday evening, while rehearsal for today’s “Appalachian Dreams” show continued in the auditorium, Relay for life – Roane County, held its event on the grass and in front of the main building, and inside the alumni of Harriman City Schools met and ate. What a busy place! I never knew the campus was utilized to that extent. It made me feel good to see that many Roane County people out of a spring evening.

The Harriman City Schools Alumni invited Gary Baker, Chris Mason, and Lonnie Wright in to update them on the city’s progress over the past year.

Gary brought everyone up to date on the Princess Theater and the “Appalachian Dreams” show, telling them that he is already seeing the Princess project and the association with the schools in Roane County helping young people from the area learn about the arts. The young people working in the stage production are experiencing things they never would have had otherwise.

Chris told the crowd about his progress in cleaning up Harriman, and his goal of removing the stigma that Harriman is a dirty city. The Princess Theater will bring a focus to Harriman that will revitalize the downtown area.

Lonnie assumed the gathering that “no city money” was going into the restoration of the Princess Theater; but that he and other law makers believe the project will bring good things to downtown Harriman.

The big show is today…sure hope to see you all there! There may still be some matinee tickets at the door.

THURSDAY NIGHT REHEARSAL CREATES A STORM

The cast and crew again hit the stage at Roane State again Thursday evening to rehearse.

Outside the rain pattered and the thunder boomed, but inside it was “hit your mark”, “step into the microphone”, “pull the center riser”, and “lights”! Michael Golebiewski directs the “Appalachian Dreams” rehearsal with heavy attention to detail. Tonight he got a unique perspective on the job Bill Landry has on stage. Bill was out for the evening and Michael filled that gap too!

New to the rehearsal stage were the “Lantana Drifters”. You’ve read about them here before, but this was the first time we got to meet and watch the full band. Yes, they are a “pick’n grin” band too, but with more of a mountain flavor and “buck dancing” to boot! What a show it will be Saturday evening!

Elizabeth Rose was back Thursday too, but this time with a more tailored story for us. It is wonderful how quickly she can grab your imagination and hold it until the punch line! I can’t wait for you to hear her!

There is only one more rehearsal night and then it’s “Break a leg, and on with the show!” This means you only have one more day to find a ticket!

On the way back through town, I noticed that someone left the lights on the marquee of the Princess. So, I just had to take advantage of the wet street to get a night shot! Thanks…whoever.  You can buy this photo HERE!

Be sure to click on the photos to enlarge them!

See you there!

THE REHEARSALS CONTINUE AT ROANE STATE

The cast and crew hit the stage at Roane State again Wednesday evening to rehearse.

New to the rehearsal stage were Larry Mathis and Bud Brewster, a fundamental part of the “Pick’n Grin Band”. Larry and Bud have been together since 1959, and played bluegrass on the Cas Walker show.

Also, as a surprise to some attending the rehearsal, was Elizabeth Rose. Elizabeth shares stories woven with wit, humor, and expressive enthusiasm. She has the ability to mesmerize her listeners, transporting them through her image-laden tales of other times and cultures. She has thrilled children and adults alike with her vivacious storytelling in classrooms, festivals, and conferences around the country. She is truly captivating in voice and presentation!

Elizabeth taught elementary and middle school for 19 years, and is currently the Principal at Cherokee Middle School in Roane County, TN.

“The Chickadees”, continue to practice with the “Babahatchie Community Band”.

It’s rehearsal every evening this week, but the days are winding down. Soon it will be show time and I think those of you attending one of Saturday’s “Appalachian Dreams” performances will be truly entertained.

Be sure to click on the photos to enlarge them!

See you there!

THE SHOW FINALLY HITS THE BIG STAGE!

The cast and crew hit the stage at Roane State last evening to rehearse the “Appalachian Dreams” show, and everyone had a grand ol’ time!

The “Arts In Motion” dancers and the actors, in full dress, seemed to have a great time. And why wouldn’t you, a good time can’t be avoided when you have good looking young people dancing and twirling around on stage!

“The Chickadees”, the full contingent with Linda in from Florida, met the three “Sisters of the Silver Sage”, and even shared a couple of singing moments to the “Babahatchie Community Band” music.

Then the Phillippi Primitive Baptist Church had everyone in tears, clapping, and saying “Amen”! You will not believe what you are going to hear from them!

It’s rehearsal every evening this week! Hard work for sure, but it’s all for you!

Be sure to click on the photos to enlarge them!

See you there!

“ARTS IN MOTION” DANCERS REHEARSE FOR “APPALACHIAN DREAMS”

Jennifer Austin’s “Arts In Motion” dancers rehearse for their part in Saturday’s “Appalachian Dreams” show at Roane State.

A large cast of actors and dancers will be dance to World War II songs, a tribute to J. D. Williams.

“Arts In Motion”, located in Roane County, Tennessee has studios in Kingston and Rockwood, and is one of the largest studios in the South, with an enrollment of over 600. “Arts In Motion” offers classes for everyone from the 3 year old beginner to the professional dancer. “Arts In Motion” also offers an adult program with classes for retired professional dancers and adults wanting to begin their dance studies.

Bill Landry, Gary Baker, and Bill Farnham stopped by recently to thank Jennifer, and the ensemble of dancers, for their support in the Princess Production.

See you there!