A bevy of shows took the stage in Central Louisiana last month, delighting audiences of all ages.
ASH Theatre presented Heathers: The Musical, turning the 80’s cult classic into a dark song-and-dance showcase. Led by Jada Fisher, Mary Cate Leddy, Eva Pathoumthong, and Lorelei Bolen, this show was not only entertaining but the cast sought to spread awareness in the community about teen suicide and bullying throughout the run.
Pineville High School Theatre presented Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the classic Roald Dahl tale about a reclusive candymaker and a good-hearted but poor little boy. Senior Sidney Burlew played the titular role, bringing angst and longing to the stage as Charlie searched for a golden ticket. Much of the show was double cast with younger students playing Oompa Loompas as well. Keira Bowie nailed the sassy gum-popping Violet Beauregard with major attitude!
RPSB’s Talented Theatre Department, directed by Talon Dearborne, brought us Adventures and Dreams. The department, a program through JB Lafargue, is comprised of students from across the district. I saw many students I knew from their home school’s productions, like Bolton Academy’s Timber Nichols, Sarah Arnold, and Libby Heard, and some of Lagniappe’s regular cast members like Elliot Claire Falgoust and Sophia Guin. I was also introduced to future stars, the adorable storytellers Lyla Moran, Nora Smith, and Trinity Williams. The showcase featured numbers from shows such as Shrek, Tangled, Mamma Mia, and The Greatest Showman. It was fun and highlighted the student talent we have in Rapides Parish.
City Park Players brought back one of last season’s most popular shows, Four Old Broads, and set them on a cruise in Four Old Broads on the High Seas. With typical middle-age humor you don’t know whether to laugh or cry at (“Can you tie ‘em in a knot?!”) the audience was in stitches from start to finish. Theresa Louviere, Ruth Weinzettle, Melissa Savage, and Kim Patton were so natural together you forgot they were acting. Shout out to Co-Director Michael Dalme who stepped into the role of Sam when the original actor fell ill. The show must go on! Here’s my plea for number three! I hope Leslie Kimbell’s The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant is part of next year’s season! We can never have enough of these Four Old Broads!
In nearby Natchitoches, we saw students from all over perform the edgy Cabaret. I was blown away by Dylan Freeman as the Emcee. Seated next to a long-time NSU Theatre supporter, we cyberstalked Dylan on Instagram during intermission and couldn’t believe the normal, wholesome pictures staring back at us. His transformation into the edgy master of underground ceremonies shows we will be seeing a lot more of this NSU sophomore. The intimate seating of the audience by housing the show in the print shop instead of the auditorium gave us definitive lounge feels. It was a fun and also heartbreaking show. Plus, I finally got to see Maybe This Time performed in context. It’s been one of my favorite tracks on my Glee CD for years!
Not only do we have amazing talent right here in our community but the Arts Council of Central Louisiana sees to it that we have opportunities to enjoy world-renowned performances at Coughlin-Saunders as well. Their final presentation of the 2024-2025 season was Pedal Punk, a Cirque Mechanics show. Blending acrobatics, mechanical marvels and humor, the show was fun for all ages. I attended a school show, which had a post-show Q&A. The kids asked thought-provoking and HONEST questions.
After one performer stated he’d been with the show since the beginning and was about to turn 40, they gasped. One asked the question that had been on many of their minds.
“How can you do all that being so old?”Everyone over 40 just laughed. If the Four Old Broads taught us anything, it’s that laughter is the true key to longevity.
While April wrapped up the seasons for many troupes, May brings us several year-end showcases for choirs, bands, theatre orgs, and dance troupes. Also, Lagniappe Theatre will be presenting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat May 9-11.
Get out and show your support for the arts!
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
