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!

CAST AND CREW REHEARSE FOR MAY 16TH SHOW

There is a lot of pre-production work to be done and the cast and crew for the "Appalachian Dreams" show rehearse as often as possible for the big May 16th show.

The mood is serious, but broken frequently by moments of levity. Anytime you put this bunch together their creative and humors sides come forth. To us it means the show will be very entertaining.

See you there!

"SISTERS OF THE SILVER SAGE" COMING TO MAY 16TH SHOW!

Princess Productions were trilled this week to find out the “Sisters of the Silver Sage” will be performing at the May 16^th “Appalachian Dreams” show to be held at the Roane State Theater. The 7PM evening show has been sold out, but there are tickets remaining for the 2PM matinee.

The Sisters are a highly nominated “Western Group of the Year”, “Western Album of the Year”, and “Western Song of the Year” singing group. They will be a great addition to the show that Saturday!

The sisters are; Donna Whiting Guffey - rhythm guitar, alto and lead vocals, Janet Whiting Giles – electric bass, tenor and alto vocals, and Rhonda Whiting – lead and harmony vocals.

The group loves to sing the songs of the Old West. A few years ago they started a musical journey that has resulted in a unique Western sound that is reminiscent of the Sons of the Pioneers. From their 2-steppin' western swing to the mournful minor key ballads you will enjoy the ultimate easy-listening experience!

Get your tickets now before they are gone!

KAYLA WADLINGTON WILL SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR THE MAY 16TH SHOWS

As usual, The Babahatchie Community Band rehearsed Monday evening for the May 16^th “Appalachian Dreams” stage show. On hand Monday, to practice with the band, were Sandra Copeland Hicks, representing “The Chickadees”, and Roane County High School’s Kayla Wadlington, who will open both shows with the national anthem.

Kayla plays the alto sax in the Roane County High School and RCHS Jazz bands. Kayla, a junior this year, rushed to the rehearsal just after tennis practice. She, and band director McCall Bohanan, conferred for a few minutes and then she ran through the anthem a couple of times with the band. She is the daughter of Randy and Rita Wadlington of Kingston.

Later, Kayla, her mother Rita, discuss future rehearsal and show

arrangements with Gary Baker of the Princess Foundation.

McCall Bohanan is a member of the UT Music Department, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in Music Education, and is an arranger of several works for wind and choral ensembles.

The Babahatchie Community Band was founded by Dr. Joe Williams, and he and several of his old high school classmates continue to play together today weekly. The band is a rather eclectic group with member ages ranging from pre-teens to over eighty! It’s a wonderful ensemble that enjoys playing great music together!

Remember, the evening show is “sold out”, but there are still plenty of tickets to the 2PM Matinee at the Roane State Theater. See you there!

“APPALACHIAN DREAMS” 7PM SHOW SOLD OUT!

HOWEVER, there are plenty of 2PM “matinee” tickets remaining, so hurry and purchase yours now!

What a wonderful testament to the support the area is giving to restoring the Princess Theater and to the effort of revitalizing downtown Harriman! It also confirms what we have long believed, and that is that people of this area are hungry for entertaining things to do. It is the commitment of Princess Productions and Roane State Community College to continue to bring you entertaining shows, based on area talent to the Roane State Theater and, in the near future, the Princess Theater!

We are grateful for you support and look forward to seeing you at the Roane State Theater, at either 2PM, or 7PM, on May 16^th!

FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE MAY 16TH SHOWS BEGINNING

Film clips are being edited, photo montages are being worked out, stage sets are being prepared, and actors and actresses are being recruited and practiced! It’s an exciting time for the Princess Productions and Roane State Community College staffs, and everyone is convinced that “Appalachian Dreams”, scheduled for a 2PM matinee, and a 7PM evening, showing at the Roane State Theater on May 16^th, will be a crowd pleaser!

Bill Landry’s Media Production class, held every Monday evening from 6 to 9PM, at Roane State is putting the final touches on scripts and film sequences planned for the May show. I visited the class this past Monday evening and found Brooks Benjamin, local school teacher and independent film maker, leading the first hour of Bill’s class. The class was discussing the nearly completed J. D. Williams filmed interview, and the reviewing the raw footage taken at the Phillippi Primitive Baptist Church back in March.

Bill was delayed getting to class because he was busy in the Roane State Theater, watching rehearsals of the upcoming “Seussical” at Roane State Community College (Saturday April 25, 2009). Why, you may ask, because there is some great talent on stage that would be perfect for the “Appalachian Dreams” production! One great find he made was getting Ms. Maggie Kohlbusch to be part of the cast.

Maggie is considered a budding talent at the tender age of 10, and is spoken of very highly by the Roane State Humanities staff. Maggie has already been active in stage productions and there’s talk of Roane State doing “Annie” next year, with her having a large part in it. She will be seen in the opening moments of the May 16^th production, as well as in later skits. She is the daughter of Jay and Susan Kohlbusch of Knoxville.

When Bill Landry finally made it to class, he took a seat in the back until Brooks finished the first hour of the class. Later he entertained the class and the rest of us (including Gary Baker, Susan and Maggie Kohlbusch, and Bill Farnham) by shifting into his well known narration voice and rehearsing the voice-over for the J. D. Williams story. It’s going to be great!

Incidentally, I want to wish Brooks Benjamin the very best of luck. He is taking his latest film, “The Boys of Summerville” to the “Big Island Film Festival” in Waikoloa, Hawaii that begins May 14^th. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed that he will receive all the recognition he deserves for this film, and that it will finally get the wider distribution the film needs. By the way, the movie will also be screened for the public sometime in May at the Roane State Theater. Keep watching for more information!

It is my understanding that tickets for the evening performance are getting scarce, so I’m expecting a great crowd on May 16^th…will you be one of them?

THE CHICKADEES PRACTICE WITH THE BABAHATCHIE BAND

Ferrell Winfree and Sandra Copeland Hicks, minus Linda Whitson Jones, the third member of “The Chickadees”, met and rehearsed with the “Babahatchie Community Band” Monday evening in the Harriman High School band room to practice for their upcoming combined performances for the “Appalachian Dreams” show at the Roane State Theater on May 16^th.

The show, to be emceed by Bill Landry, with a special appearance by screen and television actor Muse Watson, will be performed twice that Saturday, with a matinee at 2 PM and another showing at 7 PM. Tickets are on sale now at the Rocky Top General Store and the Harriman Jewelry Exchange in Harriman.

For 20 years or so, the “Babahatchie Community Band” has performed for area residents with popular classics, marches, brass band music and show tunes. The group, usually about 30 members strong, was formed when Dr. Joseph (Joe) Williams back in 1989. The band holds weekly rehearsals, which are open to the public. You can find them enjoying themselves down in the Harriman High School band room most any Monday evening around 8 PM.

Williams also organizes, and plays the tuba for Harriman's TubaChristmas each year.

Babahatchie is a unique Native American name for the Emory River, which means “babbling waters.”

Recognize any of your neighbors? You never know who might be in the Babahatchie Community Band!