“An Evening with Jo,” tales from the mountains and the people who settled there, a play by Jo Connor, is the selection the Alexian Players set for St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church on May 18. The event is a fundraiser set to benefit the MACC, to protect the heritage of the historic Signal Mountain Elementary School where the MACC is housed, and the programs that the MACC supports.
Tickets for this production are $10 each, with the proceeds going directly to the MACC. A reception at St. Timothy’s will follow the fundraiser performance. Contact the MACC to reserve tickets. Those wishing to contribute further to the renovation of the MACC will have the opportunity following the production.
This project has been in preparation since shortly after the MACC’s auditorium was closed for repairs. As work progresses to complete the renovation, the Players will showcase their efforts in a unique play that speaks to the mountain originality and the ability to solve life’s problems with humor, tears, and love, and promises more to come.
Plans to tap into the talents of the Alexian Players are projected for four offerings a year. Directed by Nancy Paule, “An Evening with Jo” as the lead production will combine mountain music and mountain lore in a play that speaks to the heart of human experience that is unique to the mountains of Appalachia – and to the human condition shared by all. Collaborating with Barb Storm, director of the MACC, the Alexian Players plan to demonstrate their wealth of talent as they tread the boards for future performances in the MACC theatre.
Ms. Storm loves to showcase local talent. She said, “The Alexian Players have the passion, talent, and experience for theatre. The MACC provides the marketing and advertising support, and the technical expertise in sound and lighting. The MACC is the perfect venue to share Alexian with the entire Chattanooga area.”
The rich resources of the men and women at Alexian demonstrate only one of the links with the community that can be seen at the MACC. The MACC appeals to a wide variety of patrons, from music lessons and summer camps for school-aged and pre-school aged youngsters to exercise programs with Silver Sneakers to community meetings for Lions Club, Iris Society, Garden Clubs and other community groups.
The playwright, Jo Conner, was born, reared, and still lives in Johnson City, Tn. She has conducted many storytelling tours, and has worked on National Public Radio. Daytrips was produced off-Broadway and in Los Angeles; and Swamp Gravy played at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Whispering to Horses tells a story of the writer’s relationship to her horse, Kate. Nancy Paule, the director of this production, is related to Ms. Conner, rounding out a circle of shared experience. Articles in national magazines such as Southern Living and online have appeared to highlight her unique view of her world.
The performance will be Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 630 Mississippi Ave. For reservations, contact the MACC at 886-1959.