Anna Arts Center to present six theater
The theme for the Shawnee Hills Arts Council’s 2020 theater season is “Year of the Women.” Performances will be presented at the council’s Anna Arts Center.
“Year of the Women” celebrates when women in the United States earned the right to vote.
On Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect and citizens of the United States could no longer be denied the right to vote on the basis of sex.
During 2020, the Shawnee Hills Arts Council celebrates the100-year anniversary of women’s right to vote by performing six plays/musicals, including:
Feb. 28 through March 1, “Women of Choice.”
April 17-19, “The Long Hot September.”
April 24, murder mystery.
July 31 through Aug. 2, “Nunsense.”
Oct. 2-4, “The Decade that Roared.”
Nov. 13-15, “Polka Dots: The Cool Kids Musical.”
“Women of Choice”
“Women of Choice” is a play of 10 monologues by David Rush from Murphysboro.
“The monologues all had one thing in common: they were about women who had made or are making choices in their lives: some good, some bad; some lucky, some not; some funny, some tragic; some realistic, some fantastical,” Rush shared.
Performances are set for 7 p.m. Feb. 28-29 and 2 p.m. March 2.
“The Long Hot September”
“The Long Hot September” is a romantic comedy by Vincent Rhomberg.
A recalcitrant widow becomes the object of small town gossip when she accompanies her dead sister’s husband on a day trip.
Will she leave her grief behind and begin a new life journey?
“The Long Hot September will be directed by Steve Falcone.
Performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. April 17-18 and 2 p.m. April 19.
“Nunsense”
“Nunsense” is a comedy musical by Dan Goggin. The show is a fund-raiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). “Nunsense” will be directed by Morgan Bunch.
Performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 1 and 2 p.m. Aug. 2.
Murder Mystery
Oliver Bestul’s latest play, “The Birding Body,” will be presented in one performance only at 7 p.m. April 24.
“The Decade That Roared”
“The Decade That Roared” is an original compilation script designed to bring out the best of this important decade in American history.
The production will feature lots of familiar music and delightful characters. It is written by Dr. Lynn Steveson and will be directed by Cody Acklin.
Performances are set for 7 p.m. Oct. 2-3 and 2 p.m. Oct. 4.
“Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical”
The plot of “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical” follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot, who just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway.
As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers.
From daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship.
Inspired by the events of The Little Rock 9, “Polkadots” serves as a colorful history lesson for children, reminding them that individual differences make everyone awesome, not outcasts. The musical will be directed by Sandy Buchheit.
Performances are set for 7 p.m. Nov. 13-14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15.
Season Tickets
Season tickets for all six shows are $75 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under, a savings of $10.
For more information call Lee’s cell phone at 904-625-1109 or email vabchlee@gmail.com; or stop by the Here & Now Shop to buy season tickets. The Here & Now Shop is located at 319 S. Main St. in Anna. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.