Getting Back
To Fun
fun, it’s exciting, it’s scary,” Pierce said. “We opened last Thursday, and you know, one of the main concerns was the weather, and it’s not something we’re used to [having to deal with].” Pierce said that after consulting with outdoor theatres, the Springer decided to commit to running each show Paul Pierce, Springer’s Producing Creative Director
The Springer Opera House Moves Outside By Scott Berson Photo by Aileen Fowles Director of Community Outreach for the Springer
T
he Springer Opera House is a beacon for our city: a landmark that ties together history, community, artistry and family in one block. It’s a place of unity and a place of pride, and Paul Pierce, the Springer’s producing creative director, says the theatre is here to do what it has done best for more than a century: let people have fun. It’s not a small thing. It’s critical -- especially after the year we’ve just gone through. “Joseph Springer built this theatre 150 years ago for one purpose: fun,” Pierce said. “While we have to keep ourselves safe, I remind everyone -- the staff, the artists, the board -- that we’ve got to get back to fun, because it’s healing for society. Telling stories binds communities together. When we stop telling stories, the community starts to unravel. We are anxious, eager, and
LocaL
feel privileged to be getting back on stage, telling our stories, and making the world a more joyful, encouraging place to be.” Back on stage they are indeed -- though perhaps not in a way you’ve seen before. With the pandemi still lurking over the nation, the Springer decided it was neither safe nor desirable to hold shows indoors. The solution? Move the shows outside, to a brand new, 32foot temporary stage just outside the theatre’s walls. The theatre rescheduled shows to the outdoor stage and branded the Spring run of programs as the Springer Outdoor Theatre Festival. “We’ve adjusted the calendar a bit and scheduled seven shows between mid-March and late June. Six of those shows are musicals. Columbus Consolidated Government has been very supportive in helping us work through the permitting and rules to be able to pull this off. I’m very grateful to Mayor Henderson and City staff for all their encouragement,” Pierce said. The debut show was “Singin’ In the Rain,” running from March 18 - April 3. Other shows on the docket include “Cotton Patch Gospel,” “Click Clack Moo,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Planes Trains and Things that Go Zoom,” “Curious George and the Golden Meatball” and “Spamalot.” The musical “Cotton Patch Gospel” runs from late March to early April, and retells the story of Jesus as if it were set in the Southern United States. “People are going to be able to see lots and lots of theatre between mid-March and the end of June, and it’s
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rain-or-shine, as long as there is no imminent danger from the weather like lightning or tornadoes, which is how the theatre found most of their peers operated during outdoor shows. This season also includes longtime Springer collaborator Keith McCoy as a Resident Artist, where he will be involved throughout the festival, starting with his portrayal of Matthew in Cotton Patch Gospel. “We have been working with Keith as an artistic collaborator for many years, he came to us twelve or more
years ago,” Pierce said. “He’s a wonderful actor and a collaborator. He’s really an actor-director-choreographer, and he’s been very valuable to us.” McCoy will be choreographer for “Click Clack Moo” and will also be playing the role of Melvin in “Best Little Whorehouse.” To purchase tickets for any of the upcoming performances, call the ticket office at 706-327-3688. Theatre lovers will also have the option of seeing shows via web streaming, if they prefer. Masks will be required to be worn by patrons at the outdoor theatre, and temperature checks and social distancing will also be required. u
APR I L-MAY 2021
