“It’s a little bit of our shows to whet the public’s appetite to see the full productions,” said Becky Brunsman, Springfield Civic board member.
Opening the season is “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is also known as the Fats Waller Music Show that pays tribute to the legendary singer/composer/keyboarist/pianist’s compositions. The show, which was postponed from last season, won a Tony Award for Best Musical of 1978. It will be directed by Debbie Blunden-Diggs, who has done other successful shows for Springfield Civic, and performed Sept. 26-28.
A rare chance to see the stage version that inspired one of the most beloved cult classic films of all time will come Feb. 13-15 with “The Rocky Horror Show.”
Brunsmann said it has been hard to get the rights to perform the show, which has been rarely seen onstage in recent years and will be something a little different for Springfield Civic. Lorrie Sparrow-Knapp will direct.
Springfield Junior Civic Theatre’s season offering is another show that hasn’t been performed in the area in a while according to Brunsman, “Aladdin, Jr.” Directed by Monica Logan, it will wrap up the season, May 22-24.
This is the first time youth performers have done a season sampler event. Brunsman said she hopes “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” will reach not just families and kids, but beyond the typical audience who may have heard of the title and be intrigued to check it out as performed by area youth.
All Springfield Civic season shows will be performed at the John Legend Theater, 700 S. Limestone St.
A lot of theater groups have struggled in recent years and Springfield Civic has presented shows for more than 90 years. Its members are hopeful it can continue.
“The fact all of this can exist is because of people supporting the shows. People enjoy our preview nights and if you love theater and good refreshments, this is a fun evening for you,” said Brunsman.
For more information on Springfield Civic and its shows, go to www.springfieldcivictheatre.org.
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