FCFT Brings the Broadway Musical "Little Women" To Life Through Their New Student Director Program

Fayette Coweta Family Theatre, Inc. is proud to announce a new program that enables outstanding members of FCFT the ability to take the helm of a production. FCFT's "Student Director Program" was started to give those younger performers who exhibit amazing creative abilities and talents an opportunity to experience directing a major show under the watchful eye of FCFT Artistic Director, Tammy Barton.

"There are so many spectacular young people who work with FCFT, that it just made sense to begin this program and to challenge their talents in the director's arena," states Barton. All student directors are chosen by Barton and coached throughout their production on the proper way to put together a magnificent show! "I know that audiences will be very pleasantly suprised at the dedication, creativity and maturity of these young directors," says Barton.

The first Student Director, Amy Hebel, is hard at work putting together the program's first production, "Little Women, The Broadway Musical." Ms. Hebel is a 2008 graduate of Fayette County High School and is an outstanding talent who has been in FCFT productions as Belle in "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" and Sharpay in "Disney's High School Musical." She is the 2006 Fayette Idol Winner, is a multiple vocal award and scholarship winner who plans to attend Georgia Southern University in the fall to obtain a Vocal Performance degree. Ms. Hebel has assembled an astonishing cast for this heartfelt musical! Every cast member has credits galore and the vocal strengths in this production are mind blowing!

"Little Women, The Musical" enjoyed a moderate run on Broadway and is now enjoying a successful national tour. It tells the story of the March family, particularly Jo March, played perfectly by Amy Hebel and her sisters Amy (Lanie Thompson), Beth (Hannah Herndon) and Meg (Emily Sipe or Grace Hendly) and their suitors Professor Bhaer (Travis Martin), Laurie (Brent Davis) John Brooks (Andrew Miller) and Mr. Laurence (Josh Kennedy). Many adventures befall these ladies and their mother, Marmee (Melonie Thompson) as this beautiful story unfolds. Add the overbearing, but well-meaning Aunt March (Tammy Barton) and the outrageous stories and imagination of Jo March, acted out in dramatic musical numbers throughout the play, and you have the makings of a wonderful afternoon or evening at the theatre.

Performances are scheduled for August 9 and 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day and will be presented in the perfectly intimate setting of the Fayette Family Lodge House at 215 Huiet Road in Fayetteville. Presale tickets are only $8.00 with door prices being $10 general and $9 under 13 years and seniors 65+. Seating is limited, so making reservations is highly suggested! House opens 30-minutes prior to each performance.

Don't miss this magnificent Broadway gem. A story that the entire family will enjoy. For reservations or more information call 770-251-7611 or visit www.fcft.net/HomePage.

'As You Like It' Opens Georgia Shakespeare 2008 Season

'As You Like It' Opens Georgia Shakespeare 2008 Season; CornerCap Investment Counsel Sponsors Summer Festival for 8th Consecutive Season

PRNewswire -- A groovy twist on "As You Like It," a poignant telling of "The Merchant of Venice" and an innovative production of the rarely produced "All's Well That Ends Well" highlight Georgia Shakespeare's twenty-third season.

Georgia Shakespeare's summer festival opens on Wednesday, June 11, with the gender-bending, romantic comedy "As You Like It." Set in the 1960's swinging Summer of Love, "As You Like It" follows the story of Rosalind who, disguised as a boy teaches the object of her affection, Orlando, how best to woo a woman.

Following "As You Like It," Shakespeare's courtroom drama will take the stage with "The Merchant of Venice" (June 26 - August 2). While the play is known for its sometimes controversial topics, bringing religion, money, justice and mercy to the forefront of the play, "It's Bassanio's love for Portia that sets all the balls rolling in 'The Merchant of Venice,'" said Richard Garner, Georgia Shakespeare's Producing Artistic Director.

"As You Like It" and "The Merchant of Venice" will play in a rotating repertory schedule with Georgia Shakespeare's third summer offering of "All's Well That Ends Well" (July 10 - August 3). Audiences will join in the chase as Helena, an orphaned daughter of a great doctor, sets her sights on the handsome, but aloof, Bertram. With the help of a little medicinal magic, Helena cures the ailing king and in return receives as her reward the husband of her choice. In choosing Bertram, she may have won his hand, but can she win his heart?

Also in the mix: Georgia Shakespeare's Family Classics Series continues with a world-premiere of the English folktale of the little hero with a big heart with "Tom Thumb the Great" by Margaret Baldwin (July 18 - August 2).

The summer festival is sponsored by CornerCap Investment Counsel who is now in its eighth year of continued support of Georgia Shakespeare.

"It's through the generous support of our sponsors, especially those long- time supporters such as CornerCap, that we are able to produce high caliber productions while keeping ticket prices affordable for the public," said Garner.

As a non-profit theatre company, Georgia Shakespeare depends on donations and sponsorships of local businesses, foundations and individuals for more than half of the theatre's annual operating budget.

Following the summer repertory, Georgia Shakespeare will conclude the season with a new musical adaptation of the Greek drama "Antigone," adapted and directed by Georgia Shakespeare's own Producing Artistic Director Richard Garner. "Antigone" tells the story of one of literature's greatest heroines who defies political authority in order to stay true to her beliefs.

Tickets are on sale now and range from $15 - $40. Tickets for "Tom Thumb the Great" range from $10 - $12. Call 404.264.0020 or visit www.gashakespeare.org. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available. For group information, call 404.504.3422.

In addition to the summer festival which is sponsored by CornerCap, support for Georgia Shakespeare also comes from the law firm of Callner, Portnoy & Strasser as well as Turner Broadcasting. "As You Like It" is sponsored by Corporate Printers and the DeKalb County Office of Arts Culture and Entertainment. "Tom Thumb the Great" is sponsored by Target. Georgia Shakespeare is also supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. The Council is a Partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Oglethorpe University is the host institution of Georgia Shakespeare.

Twilight Theatre Production Next Two Weekends in Newnan

The cast of Into the Woods, presented by The Twilight Theatre at the Charles Wadsworth Auditorium at 25 Jefferson Street in Newnan, on June 6,7, and 13 at 8 p.m., and on June 8 and 15 at 2:30.

Tickets: www.the twilight Theatre.com, at Scott's Bookstore on the square in Newnan, and at the door.