(Story by Cole Wimberly)
Salem Community Theater will present “GRITS” this weekend September 13th through the 20th.
GRITS the musical is based on the popular novel, “GRITS (Girls Raised in the South) Friends are Forevah”. This original musical follows four women from four different generations as they reminisce about their pasts and speak to their futures. “GRITS” has plenty of southern charm, and quite the southern Twang.
The production of “GRITS” is led by Director Diana McIntosh, Diana explains, “GRITS is funny and heartwarming, and a show for the family and kids.” Diana explains her motive for choosing the show:
“My sister found it, and I said I was too old to do it. She said, ‘no you aren’t,’ and so that’s how we got this show.”
“GRITS” is produced by Dana Luse. The talented cast compiled by Kaitlin Barbee playing the role of Charlotte Whom has contributed to Salem Community High School Theater productions. Kaitlin explained her partial inspiration for taking the role:
“I’ve been helping with the high school theater for so long. I’m currently helping with the art department. I’m like, ‘Well, I watched all these kids do their part, now I want a part!’ So, I found out Diana was going to do this over the summer and I latched on immediately.”
She has also played a part in the production of “Fools”. Dottie Register playing the role of Georgia, Janet Broom playing the role of Virginia. When getting into character for the role of Virginia, Janet explains:
“I was raised in a southern home. My parents are from Mississippi, so I took after the southerners that I grew up with and that I knew, my family. It was really fun trying to become a southern belle.”
Janet has also been a part of “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream coat,” as well as, “The Great nursing home escape”. She has also been a part of numerous community Band, and Choir performances. Morgan Isaiah plays the role of Florence. Morgan has contributed a lot to the theater:
“Actually, I’m from Centralia, but I have been pretty involved in Salem, because I have a friend who got me wrapped up in Salem. I’ve done a lot of the fundraiser shows, like the Blues on Broadway shows, and I was on the board here, too, so I’ve been really involved with the Salem Community Theater.”
The musical performances led by Musical Director Susan Patterson, will be played by Bass guitarist Richard Sinclair. Electric guitar played by Tom Baker, and Percussion played by Mekhi Moore. The sound portrayed for “GRITS” will be led by Larry Maxey, and the Lighting by Luna Gordon.
“GRITS” the musical is a promising show that will be showing at Salem Community Theater this weekend. Shows begin this Friday night September 13th, and will continue September 14th, 20th, as well as the 21st at 7 pm. Matinee performances will take place on September 15th and 22nd at 3 pm. Ticket available at Salem city hall, Salem theater office, and online at salemiltheater.org. Tickets will be $12.00 for adults, and $8.00 for students.
