Did you know that Martinsville has a community theatre company? It's true - and it's the only community theatre company within about a 45-mile radius of the Martinsville community. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means that anyone can participate, and those who come to see the shows are watching truly local, amateur talent on stage (and, ticket prices are generally much more affordable).
The Merry MAC Players produce a full season of entertainment for more than 2,000 Morgan County residents, and visitors, to enjoy throughout the year. Most of the time, shows are held at the historic Depot Theatre - a repurposed train station in downtown Martinsville that's on the National Register of Historic Places. The 100-year-old-building is a local treasure - and an architectural jewel! Shows include theatrical productions, concerts, movies, magic shows and stand-up comedy. They also conduct an annual youth drama camp for grades 3-12 and are involved in partnerships with several other area organizations and events, such as the Art Sanctuary, Fall Foliage Festival and Martinsville's Jimmy Nash City Park.
This month, the Merry MAC Players have some great shows coming up including a theatrical production called Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain and a benefit concert featuring popular local bluegrass band Sturrin' the Spirit. Later this year, just in time for the holidays, they will present the classic story of Little Women.
Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain is a story of Southern sass, tears and charm, featuring five bank tellers that meet for coffee and comedy in the break room of a small local bank. The story spans six consecutive weekday mornings, giving viewers a chance to eavesdrop on the conversations of women who have for too long defined themselves in terms of their relationships with the men in their lives. It's a play about broken arms and broken hearts and finding strength and self respect through friendships with those who have been down that road before. Performances are scheduled for October 14-16 and 21-23; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm.
The local bluegrass ensemble Sturrin' The Spirit will perform at the historic Depot Theatre on October 29, beginning at 7 pm. Tickets are $11.49 per person and all proceeds of this concert will go toward the expensive roof repairs currently needed to preserve the historic landmark theatre for future generations. More information about the needed repairs can be found on the Merry MAC Players website. For those unable to attend the concert, donations can also be made online through this link.
In December, fans of Louisa May Alcott's famous story Little Women can see those characters come to life on the stage of the Depot Theatre. Performances will be December 9-11 and 16-18 at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 pm on Sundays. All your favorite personalities will be there - the romantic Meg, the tomboy Jo, sweet Beth and playful Amy. The adventure, heartbreak and hope of these Little Women during the Civil War have become a timeless story reminding us that "sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true."
For more information about the Merry MAC Players or to reserve your tickets for upcoming shows, visit their website at www.merrymacplayers.org.
