Flowertown Players

My interest in live stage performances and a curiosity of what went on at the little theater on the corner of South Main Street and East Richardson Ave called the James F. Dean Theatre brought me to its doors one Third Thursday night. The year was 2012. My main objective that night was to satisfy that curiosity, aroused specifically by the fact the play Wait Until Dark was being advertised.

I was greeted by a young man by the name of Cody Smith, from whom I requested permission to take some pictures. We briefly conversed about the theater, which gravitated into a discussion about the upcoming play. I brought up the old movie, which in its climax contained one of the top 100 scariest movie moments. I wondered how the performers would duplicate that famous scene. Cody graciously offered me comp tickets for the opening night on March 2nd to see for myself.

Wait Until Dark was the first play I saw at the James F. Dean Theater. I have seen most of the main plays since. I have met many of the talented community actors and directors during that time, who devoted many hours of preparation and practice to bring the best in the way of live performance to the Summerville community. From 2012 to 2019, the following list is my top ten favorite picks.

1) SWEENEY TODD is mesmerizing to the point of being surreal--a bloody good show

Director-David McLaughlin, Assistant Director-Kelsey Palmer

Outstanding performances by Steve Tarnow as Sweeney Todd, Kristin Cotton as Mrs. Lovett, and Olivia Gainey as Young Tobias.

2) "The Red Velvet Cake War" Now Showing--You Can Have Your Cake And Eat It Too

Director-Sue Vinick, Assistant director-Larry Spinner

3) Frankly, This Is One Damn Funny Play You Don't Want To Miss--"Moonlight And Magnolias"

Director-Chrissy Eliason, Assistant Director-Kelsey Palmer 

Outstanding performances by Chad Estel as Ben Hecht, Daniel Rich as Vic Fleming, and David McLaughlin as David O. Selznick

4) "Catfish Moon" Will Tickle Your Funny Bone And Reel In Your Heart--Now Playing At The James F. Dean Theatre

Director-Chrissy Eliason, Assistant Director-Monica Shows

Outstanding performances by Barry Gordon as Curley, Chad Reuer as Frog, Ernie Eliason as Gordon, and Shannon Johnson as Betty.

5) "Little Shop Of Horrors" Is One Bloody Good Show--Now Showing At The James F. Dean Theatre

Director-Jean Gaston, Assistant Director-Chrissy, Eliason, Musical Director-David Mclaughlin Outstanding performances by David McLaughlin as Seymour, Elissa Horrell as Audrey, Danny Jones as Mushnik, and Tyler Reed as Orin.

6) "Wait Until Dark" Now Showing At The James F. Dean Theatre In Summerville Is Entertaining-Don't Miss It

Director-Chrissy Eliason, Cody Smith as Harry Roat, Tiffany Eliason as Susy Hendrix, Robert Carroll as Sam, Chad Estel as Talman, Robert Vincelli as Carlino, and Katie Batton as Gloria.

7) An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride Of Love And Tragedy Not To Be Missed--West Side Story Now Showing

Director-David Mclaughlin

8) Bye Bye Birdie--A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On At The James F. Dean Theatre From August 4th To The 20th

Director-David McLaughlin

9) The "Ville" Is Alive With The "Sound Of Music"

Director-Monica Shows, Sara Fara as Maria, Keith Timmons as Captain Von Trapp, Olivia Juretich as Leisl, Trevor Bierd as Friederich, Riley Hatch as Louisa, Taran Gabriel as Kurt, Lilly Smith as Brigitte, Caitlyn Campbell as Marta, and Alana Armenti as Gretyl

10) You Will Roll In Your Seat Laughing--BOEING BOEING Now Showing At The James F. Dean Theatre

Director-Chrissy Eliason, Jonathan Quarles as Bernard, Rusty Cooler as Robert, Heather Jane Hogan as Berthe, Christiana Blun as Gloria, Joy Springfield as Gretchen, and Alex Shanko as Gabriella.