THEATRE

In North Alabama, the theatre scene is thriving. From companies in Cullman all the way to the Shoals, there’s so much you don’t want to miss!

Community Spotlight

Great Comet Lands at James Clemens—And It’s Unmissable

by: Allyson Payne
April 9, 2025

Theatre is a funny thing in that it brings people together in the most unusual of friendships. For me, it’s my friendship with Simon Tsikalas, a current senior in James Clemens’ theatre program. Though I had heard Simon’s name through mutual friends in the theatre world, we officially met last summer during Dreamweaver’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and became fast friends on the basis of drama. As odd as it is to be teaching at another local high school and say that I have an actual friend who goes to a different school, I was glad to have Simon around because he always kept me up to date on the local drama and other relevant news. So when Simon mentioned that he was interested in North Alabama Arts doing a promotional piece on James Clemens’ upcoming production Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, I was immediately interested in doing my unusual friend a favor—and when I showed up to watch a rehearsal a few weeks later, I was instantly glad I had agreed.

As soon as I walked into James Clemens’ theatre, it was immediately clear that the students were taking the whole process of pulling a show together seriously. Kids were bustling around, pulling costume pieces on, checking mic packs, and a couple were even on stage with the technical director, Bryan Comer, working on hanging some lights. Everyone seemed to have a job, and those who didn’t were busily looking over lines and quietly rehearsing musical numbers. While I sat in the back row taking it all in, a couple of students even sought out notes and musical advice from the show’s music director, Harris Gessner. None of this was news to me, though. I had been to see the group’s preview of their one-act for Trumbauer, Failure: A Love Story, back in the fall, and I had known then that nothing that amazing could have been pulled off without a group of deeply committed students in rehearsals and behind the scenes.

After everyone had finished hurriedly completing last-minute chores, the cast proceeded with the first part of rehearsal: the costume parade. Now, if you’ve never been involved in theatre, the idea of a costume parade might sound strange, but it’s exactly what it sounds like. Cast members put on their costumes and “parade” onto the stage in front of the director and costumers to ensure each cast member looks just right. In this case, students paraded across the stage in a series of various Russian-themed outfits as the artistic director, Amy Patel, gave notes on each costume piece, and a student costumer gave justifications for her various choices and offered suggestions on how things could be made more authentic. Though it was a long and tedious process, I was impressed with how the students stood still, waited their turn, and took direction—only having to be reminded once to stay quiet as “this was the hard work of theatre.”

After the costume parade ended, the students got into place for Act One, and I don’t want to give too much away, but when I tell you I was immediately blown away by the power of the show, the nature of the creativity, and the sheer talent involved in this production, just know that I mean it—and know that you absolutely cannot miss James Clemens’ Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.

If you’re unfamiliar with the show, as I was prior to this rehearsal, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is a bold, genre-blending musical set in 19th-century Moscow on the eve of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. Adapted from a short section of War and Peace, it follows young Natasha Rostova, who arrives in the city engaged to a soldier away at war. Swept up in Moscow’s dazzling social scene, she falls for the dashing but duplicitous Anatole Kuragin, sparking a scandal. Meanwhile, the introspective Pierre Bezukhov watches from the sidelines, searching for meaning in his own life and ultimately finding purpose through his connection to Natasha. In other words, if you choose to attend Great Comet, you’re in for an evening of historical intrigue, romance, and sweeping Russian costuming.

Apollo Smith as Prince Andrey, Lena Racelis as Natasha, and Claire Landers as Anatole

Lena Racelis & Simon Tsikalas as Natasha & Pierre

Here’s what a few cast members have to say about their experience so far…

“Being in my first JC musical has been a wild ride for me, but I'm incredibly glad we chose this one. It's a lot of hard work and dedication, but it's one of the things I look forward to doing. I can't wait for everyone to see how it will turn out, and it's gonna be a great show!”

— Emma Gensler, Ensemble

“Great Comet has been a show that’s stayed with me since 5th grade and made a big impact on my life. The story of romance and intrigue always excited me. I found the story so interesting because at certain points you get mad with the protagonist! The music is so interesting by combining techno and classical and the lyrics are pure poetry. Hope everyone’s ready to wake up!”

- Alexis Connor, Ensemble

If all of this so far hasn’t convinced you that Great Comet is a show you shouldn’t miss, consider this: Great Comet will be artistic director Amy Patel’s last show with James Clemens’ theatre department. If you’ve been around the theatre scene in Huntsville for a while, you’re probably already familiar with Patel’s work—but if you’re new here, as I’ve been the last few years, let me fill you in straight from Patel’s biography on her James Clemens page.

“Amy Pugh Patel is the founding director of James Clemens Theatre. She taught Theatre for 14 years at Butler High School, her alma mater, and completed a year-long sabbatical doing independent research in theatre curriculum and various acting/directing methods and traveling to schools across the U.S. to observe productions and classes.

She has directed over 75 productions, several of which earned recognition at statewide festivals, the International Thespian Festival (2007), and Southeastern Theatre Conference (2016, 2017, 2020). Recently, she directed Cyrano de Bergerac and Scenes from Metamorphoses, which featured a pool of water onstage. Other memorable productions include Shuddersome: Tales of Poe, which incorporated ASL shadow signing, Urinetown: The Musical, The Wiz, Booby Trap, Peter Pan, In the Blood, For Colored Girls…, Alabama Rain, The Miracle Worker, Little Shop of Horrors, Phobiology (a unique site-specific production at Lowe Mill), Metamorphoses, Disney's Beauty & the Beast, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Em--. She directed Silenced on Barbour Street, The Jungle Book, and The Dentist, all of which represented Alabama at SETC.

She has performed in numerous shows, including Macbeth, Where the Great Ones Run (UAH), Shakespeare on the Mountain, and The Laramie Project. While in The Parkbench and Dinner with Friends, she competed in the SETC Community Theatre Festival. She earned a Wings Award for Best Lead Actress for her role as Becca in Rabbit Hole and was nominated for her performance as Little Becky Two Shoes in Urinetown: The Musical.

She is a National Board Certified teacher, a Fund for Teachers Fellow, and a recipient of two grants to research Deaf-inclusive theatre from the Ramsden Project and Alabama State Council on the Arts. She was named the Alabama Theatre TOTY (2013), James Clemens TOTY (2016), and was a Finalist for the Jacksonville State University Secondary Teacher Hall of Fame (2016).”

Simon Tsikalas as Pierre and various ensemble musicians (Left to Right: Connery Patel, Gracyn Dardón, Avery Shaw, Nia Kipp, Tony Comer, Rakshan Baskaran)

Needless to say, Patel has been a staple not only in the James Clemens program but in the wider community as well. I had a chance to speak with Patel briefly before the costume parade, and the number one thing I wanted to know was why someone would give up such a position at such a high point. Patel told me it was exactly that—she wanted to leave the program on a high note. And it would be an understatement to say that’s what she’s doing. Though Patel is leaving the program after Great Comet, it’s safe to say James Clemens’ theatre program will still be one to watch for years to come.

If you’re interested in attending Great Comet—which I hope you are after reading this—the production will be running from April 10th to 19th, 2025, at James Clemens High School. Performances will be held April 10–11 at 7:00 PM, April 12th at 2:00 and 7:00 PM, April 17–18 at 7:00 PM, and finally, April 19th at 2:00 and 7:00 PM.

The cast would like to warn everyone that the show contains alcohol, gunshots, and mild adult themes, so the recommended audience age is 14 and up.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://linktr.ee/jctheatre?utm_source=linktree_admin_share

Don’t miss the Great Comet!

JACINDA ROSE SWINEHART
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

By: Allyson Payne
February 11, 2025

Though I was upfront with her about the website’s green nature, Jacinda immediately responded to my request for an interview with a big “yes!” and even went the extra mile to invite me to IMP’s rehearsal space in Huntsville to watch some of the magic happen for myself. I couldn’t wait, and by the Tuesday we were supposed to meet, I had all my questions lined up, had made an official-looking sweatshirt using my Cricut, and headed toward Huntsville from Athens, ready to watch a legend at work.

If you’ve lived in the Huntsville community for very long, then you know Jacinda Rose Swinehart—a transplant from Arizona and the director of Independent Musical Productions’ (IMP) upcoming show Beautiful: The Carole King Musical—is a force to be reckoned with in the theatre community. Therefore, when I began this website to feature artists in the area, and with a special love for King’s music, Jacinda was an obvious choice for one of our first spotlight features.

It was all going so well—until we slowed down to exit at the Von Braun Center off 565, and I managed to get myself into a huge accident. I was devastated. My first interview for the website, and I was going to have to call Jacinda and let her know I couldn’t make it. Nervously, I called her, but to my surprise, not only was she understanding, but she even offered to have someone in her family pick me up. Luckily, I didn’t have to accept her offer, as my partner—who happens to be in the show as Gerry Goffin—could pick me up on the way. I share this story to say that Jacinda is as kind-hearted as she is talented—and she had never even met me!

When I finally made it to IMP’s rehearsal space—albeit an hour and a half late—Jacinda, along with the whole cast, was extremely welcoming, and soon, everyone got down to business. It became clear right away that Jacinda’s rehearsals were a space for fun and camaraderie but also for hard work, efficient blocking, and authentic excellence. It also became clear that the reputation that preceded her was spot on—Jacinda proved to be organized, creative, and overall, a joy to work under.

For Jacinda, directing felt like a natural path—especially after spending a good bit of time as a professional actor. Though it took a few years for her to feel comfortable in a leadership role, she has found herself in a steady, comfortable groove with the gig. She enjoys diving deep with her actors as they work closely to weave together stories that transport audiences to another world, if only for a moment.

Jacinda directs actors Corbin Holland (Gerry Goffin) and Claire Johnson (Carole King).

Not only was her passion for directing evident from the moment I stepped into her rehearsal space, but it was also immediately apparent that Jacinda had formed a deep connection with the material. In her interview, she recounted her personal ties to Beautiful, stating that she loves telling the stories of real people—especially those involving growth, redemption, and overcoming odds. She also shared that she had been part of a local singing group focused on ’50s and ’60s music and had performed many of King’s songs. One of her personal favorites, “One Fine Day,” features in one of the most gut-wrenching parts of the show, which I believe will leave audiences on the edge of their seats as they root for Carole through a major life transition.

Anyone familiar with King’s story knows that it is filled with both triumph and deep heartbreak. For Jacinda, it is essential that her actors feel the freedom to portray such deep emotions while still experiencing rehearsals as a safe space to experiment. While some directors might have a rigid vision for their shows, especially when portraying real people, Jacinda believes it is crucial for actors to connect with their characters on a personal level. She encourages them to make authentic acting choices that feel right to them, allowing for raw, honest

emotion that resonates with the audience. When asked how she fosters such a free yet structured environment, Jacinda explained that she provides a well-organized schedule that makes the most of every minute, a clear vision for the show from the first rehearsal to the last, and a welcoming space where all emotions are embraced for the benefit of the production.

Speaking of vision, Jacinda’s goal for Beautiful is simple: to stay truthful to Carole’s story. In an era when sensationalism often dominates entertainment, Jacinda wants potential audience members to know that her production will deliver clear, honest storytelling. She aims to make King’s story accessible to everyone without high-brow artistic choices that could obscure its emotional impact. To quote Jacinda, “Not all shows need bells and whistles, you know? There can be simplicity on the stage, and that’s my goal.”

So, what can one expect from Beautiful? As someone who had the privilege of sitting in on a rehearsal, let me be the first to tell you—you are in for a fast-paced, quick-witted, nostalgia-inducing musical treat. Beautiful follows King’s journey from her college days to her first performance at Carnegie Hall, capturing all the highs and lows in between, featuring songs you know and love. In fact, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the selection. I consider myself someone who loves the music of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but I had no idea Carole and her longtime writing partner and former husband, Gerry Goffin, were responsible for some of the greatest hits of all time—like The Drifters’ “Up on the Roof” or The Chiffons’ “One Fine Day.” You might even find yourself singing along in your seat. As for the set, Jacinda hopes to pair the magic of King’s story with clean levels and simple, effective lighting. So far, she says, Maretz Clemmons, the show’s technical director, has delivered.

When asked what she hopes audiences will take away from Beautiful, Jacinda shared:

“My hope for the audience is that they walk away learning something new about Carole’s story. That they leave thinking, Wow, that was the BEST theatre I’ve EVER seen! That they have two and a half hours of magic and entertainment and find something they absolutely LOVE—or something they feel VERY passionately about, good or bad. If they leave with an opinion, we did our job! Haha! Art is about creating something and letting people leave with an opinion on it! I hope people feel that we did the right job telling Carole King’s story and that these actors made them think. Theatre changes LIVES! Theatre opens doors! Support theatre!”

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is set to open at the Lee High School MainStage Theatre on February 13th and will run through February 16th. Beautiful is recommended for audiences ages 13 and up.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Independent Musical Productions’ website.

Jacinda is a professional actor, director, and choreographer that has worked all over the country for over two decades. Originally from Arizona, she, her husband and daughter moved to Madison in 2016. She has had the pleasure to have worked with most local theatre companies in Huntsville, on and off stage. She teaches Musical Theatre at The Dance Company in Madison, owns her own business, Swinehart Entertainment LLC, that focuses on Private Life Coaching, Scout Workshops, and working with corporations on communication through improvisation. She can also be seen this coming year in Birmingham on Red Mountain Theatre’s stage in Freaky Friday and Frozen!

Theatre Huntsville’s
The Girl on the Train

Tonight, Theatre Huntsville raises the curtain on The Girl on the Train at the Von Braun Center Playhouse. If you’re like me, unfamiliar with the show, you’re in luck—North Alabama Arts got an exclusive inside scoop from director Gina White. From the sound of it, this thriller is not one you’ll want to miss. In fact, it might just keep you up at night wanting more.

Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and its subsequent film adaptation, The Girl on the Train has been brought to the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. Theatre Huntsville’s production promises to immerse audiences in a psychological drama that blurs the line between reality and illusion. The story follows Rachel Watson, a troubled woman navigating the aftermath of her unraveling life. Her daily train rides past a seemingly perfect suburban home become an obsession. But when the woman she watches suddenly disappears, Rachel becomes entangled in a gripping mystery where secrets and deception reign supreme.

Director Gina White shares that the production incorporates a minimalist set, letting projections, lighting, and sound craft the environments that shift between reality, memory, and perception. White emphasized how this approach mirrors the psychological tension of the story, saying, “We chose to keep the set and furnishings as minimal as possible so the projections, lights, and sound created the environments needed to move between reality, memory, perception, and the moments when they each crash into one another.”

Bringing the emotional depth of Rachel and the ensemble to life was a key focus during rehearsals. White explains her process of challenging actors to find fresh approaches to their characters, ensuring they delve into the complexities beneath the surface. “Rachel could be played as just a weak drunk, but people are not that two-dimensional. We may be meeting her at a low point, but showing how she got there and her potential to rebound is why we keep watching,” she shared.

The production also introduces innovative techniques to heighten suspense, including an unprecedented use of projections by Theatre Huntsville, alongside intricate lighting and sound designs. Additionally, intimacy choreographer Amy Guerin and fight choreographer Brianna Bond ensured the physical and emotional safety of the cast during the show’s intense and vulnerable scenes. The result? Performances that are as gripping as they are authentic.

White also revealed a deeper bond that emerged during rehearsals, as actors drew from personal experiences to convey the psychological depth required. “The entire cast has such respect and care for each other that these potentially triggering scenes have been a bonding experience for all of us,” she noted.

If you’re ready for a night of gripping drama and edge-of-your-seat thrills, The Girl on the Train runs from January 24 to February 2 at the Von Braun Center Playhouse in Huntsville. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $26 for adults and $24 for students, seniors, and active-duty military. Group discounts and handicap seating are also available.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this suspenseful, psychological masterpiece come to life. For tickets and more information, visit theatrehsv.org.

Upcoming Events!

To Kill a Mockingbird AUDITIONS

January 31, 2025 (6:00-8:00 PM)
February 1, 2025 (12:00-2:00 PM)
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Decatur, AL
Auditions will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1. Children 7-13 may audition Saturday morning 9:00-11:00 AM!
The Girl on the Train

January 24-February 2, 2025
Huntsville, AL
Theatre Huntsville presents "The Girl on the Train" the thrilling stage adaptation of Paula Hawkins' bestselling novel and the hit DreamWorks film. Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, this gripping production will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Directed by Gina White.
DATES: January 24 - February 2, 2025
LOCATION: The Playhouse at the Von Braun Center
Address: 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
TICKETS: $26: Adults/ $24: Student/Seniors (65+)/Active Duty Military
BUY TICKETS:
• Online at THTix.com
• By phone: 256-536-0807
• In person at the Von Braun Center Playhouse 1 hour before show time (subject to availability)
AGE RECOMMENDATION
This show is recommended for adult audiences and contains some strong language and violent scenes.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Join Rachel Watson, a troubled woman whose life has unraveled, as she becomes entangled in a complex web of secrets and deception. Her daily train rides take her past the same suburban house, where she becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she observes from afar. But when the woman she watches suddenly goes missing, Rachel finds herself caught up in a mystery that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
Complete event details here: https://www.theatrehsv.org/girl-on-the-train
“The Girl on the Train” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
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Something Rotten! AUDITIONS

February 8-9, 2025
500 Plummer Road 35806
Huntsville, AL
Join Theatre Huntsville for auditions for our summer musical - Something Rotten this February!
WHEN?
• Saturday, February 8, 2025
• Sunday, February 9, 2025
• Time: 2pm
WHERE?
• Theatre Huntsville Scene Shop & Rehearsal Space
• Address: 500 Plummer Road 35806
WHO?
• Everyone ages 16+.
• All roles are available, casting is open, and newcomers are welcome and encouraged.
• There is no fee to participate in Theatre Huntsville productions.
Virtual and in-person options are available.
For roles and complete audition information visit our website: theatrehsv.org/auditions-something-rotten
Something Rotten! Ritz Summer Stock AUDITIONS

March 22, 23, 38, 2025
Florence, AL
Audition Announcement for SummerStock at the Ritz 2025
The Tennessee Valley Art Association is excited to announce our SummerStock at the Ritz 2025 production of Something Rotten!, a musical by Karey & Wayne Kirkpatrick.
Artistic Direction, Suzanne Reese-Mills
Music Direction, Drew Mills
Choreography, Adaley Burnett Simpson
Auditions:
March 22, 23, 28 10am-12pm, 2pm-5pm
Dance Calls offered each audition day between 12:00 & 2:00pm.
Call-backs March 29 1pm-5pm
*Stay tuned for another announcement when audition sign-ups go live.
Audition Details:
*** Auditions will be held at The Ritz Theatre in Sheffield.
Private auditions held every 15 min. Arrive at The Ritz 15 minutes before your scheduled audition slot.
Bring a headshot and resume.
Audition Requirements:
Prepare a one-minute monologue of your choice AND a song in the style of Something Rotten! that showcases your vocal and acting ranges. Smart phone connections will be available for playing accompaniment.
Casting for 7 principal roles, 3 featured roles, and a large mixed adult singing and dancing ensemble. Adults ages 16-26 are given preference for SummerStock casting. Everyone who auditions will attend a dance call.
About the Show:
Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick’s 2014 musical, Something Rotten!, is a larger-than-life musical imagining of life and art in late-16th-century London. The show depicts William Shakespeare at the height of his popularity and the attempts of his jealous contemporaries to compete, all told with much silliness and irreverence befitting the Bard.
Performance dates:
July 11-13 / 18-19
SOMETHING ROTTEN!
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
Fiddler on the Roof AUDITIONS (Cullman)

February 22-24, 2025
Cullman, AL
AUDITION INFORMATION:
Rehearsals for this show will start the first or second week of June. Performance dates will be third week in August. Most rehearsals will be in the evening and on some Saturdays if necessary.
The Technology Village is located in the Cullman Warehouse District across from Frios. 105 Clark St NE, Cullman, AL 35055
What to Prepare:
Please see the character descriptions! Come prepared to fill out an audition form, including the roles for which you want to be considered.
Bring a headshot or just a cool snapshot of you! Bring a resume if you have one.
Prepare a song that showcases your talents and vocal range.
Be prepared to do a cold read from the script. We will provide you with the script during the audition.
For those who want to be considered for special dancing, please know we may hold a special dance audition for you at a later date, but please come audition for acting roles as well and add your dance experience to your audition form.
Be prepared to stay a while and read with other actors if asked.
If needed, Callbacks will be scheduled the week of March 10th. We will let you know at auditions.
Character Descriptions https://drive.google.com/.../1hs9EQfgefigta.../view
You do not need a scheduled time to audition. Pick the date and time that works best for you. We recommend coming towards the beginning of the allotted time to make sure we can get your audition in on that date.
We encourage you to find good clips of good productions of this show and read a summary of the story line if you are unfamiliar with it. It is a much loved, wonderful musical that has been a family favorite for decades!
The Wizard of Oz

March 6-8, 2025
Cullman, AL
Dreams that you dare to dream really do come true!

Tickets for "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition" are now LIVE! Head on over to CullmanCT.booktix.com
Fiddler on the Roof AUDITIONS (Guntersville)

January 30-31
February 1
Guntersville, AL
Audition Information: https://www.wholebackstage.com/_files/ugd/0e86ed_19044207caa0422c944968b96dcfee85.pdf
Matilda

February 7-16, 2025
Guntersville, AL
The Whole Backstage Theatre is proud to present Matilda the Musical!
Show dates are:
February 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 at 7pm
February 9, 15 & 16 at 2pm
Tickets are on sale now and are ONLY available by the three options below:
Online at www.wholebackstage.com
Call 256-582-7469
Theatre office (Monday-Friday, 9AM-3PM)
We can’t wait to see YOU at the theatre!
ABOUT THE SHOW: Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.