‘1601’ provides lyrical fun

RUSK – Tickets are on sale now for Cherokee Civic Theatre’s production of “1601,” a play about a pair of teen siblings who discover an old record in their grandfather’s collection and commit to fulfilling a 60-year-old contest entry to write lyrics to all ten of the pre-created musical numbers.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. nightly Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19-20 and Feb. 26-27, with a 2 p.m. matinee slated Sunday, Feb. 21 at the Rusk theatre.

The play is written and directed by Minette Bryant, who has penned other CCT productions.

“We are always excited when Minette approaches the board with an idea for one of her original productions,” said director Josie Fox. “CCT is so fortunate to have so many talented individuals such as Minette, who work so hard to make our theater a destination.”

As an actress cast in this play, “I am extremely excited to be a part of ‘1601’ and be a member of such a talented cast,” Fox said. “Getting to play a role with an accent is an added bonus!”

The theatre is located near Rusk’s downtown square at 157 W. 5th St. and has been delighting audiences from around Cherokee County and beyond since July 1973, with current building in use since 1975.

However, the past year has provided one of the most significant changes in recent history due to a national COVID-19 pandemic, and those involved with the theater have been dedicated to keeping audiences entertained in a safe manner.

Bryant said the idea for her most recent production came as she was visiting her Rex one weekend, “and he started telling me about finally finding this really rare LP released by Capital Records as a songwriting contest back in 1961, which was itself a re-working of a similar contest launched on 78s in 1949. And the rest is now CCT history.”

In “1601,” Bryant gracefully combines true history with fictional characters, making history come alive on stage.

The cast includes Tony Williams as Bill Weaver (Grandpa), Josie Fox as Nanny Paula, Dane Trent as Simon Weaver, Kathryn Clevenger as Kristen Weaver, Meg Kovacs as Janie, Gwynneth Wilder as Blythe, Atticus Belota as Frosty and Rex Burks as the news anchor.

The on-stage crew consists of Abigail McCalister, Lucas Everett and Eli Adair. Amy McCalister serves as stage manager, while set designers are Reuben Henderson, Tony Williams and Amy McCalister.

The play’s lighting designer is Kelly Smith, and sound designers are Jim Lord and Dane Trent. M director is Roger Bryant.
In keeping with COVID-19 protocol, seating is limited for the shows and attendees are asked to also practice health protocols.

Advance tickets are available at $13 non-members and $10 students, while price at the door is $14 per person, with group discounts available. For tickets, call the box office at 903-683-2131 or visit cherokeetheatre.net. All tickets are general seating except for CCT members, who may reserve seats for any production.

Meanwhile, auditions for an upcoming production of “Love, Sex and the IRS” will be held 6:30 p.m. nightly, Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 22-23.

This play follows two out-of-work musicians, Jon and Leslie, who are rooming together in NYC. To save money, Jon files tax returns listing the pair as a married couple and the hilarity ensues! Show dates are