Local Theater Group Uses Entergy Theater for Performances
The Brick Street Players perform "Seussical: The Musical" in the Gore Arts Complex.
Clinton’s local community theater group, the Clinton Brick Street Players, presented “Seussical” Feb. 22-25 at Entergy Theater in Gore Arts Complex.
Written by Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens, and Eric Idle, “Seussical” is a comedy musical based on the famous stories in Dr. Seuss’s children’s books, such as “Horton Hears a Who.” “Seussical” is an hour and a half long and consists of two acts with an intermission in between.
“I was so proud of the hard work the cast and crew put in on this one,” Allie Bennett, “Seussical” production manager and vice president of the Brick Street Players, commented. “Seussical has a lot of moving parts – it’s a fast paced and high energy show. The cast worked diligently memorizing lines and music, not to mention their blocking and choreography.”
A local theater troupe that was reestablished in 2022, Brick Street Players consists of volunteers of all ages. “We are always looking for volunteers to help with our productions, whether that means helping backstage, with costumes, props, or set pieces, or auditioning for any of our shows,” Bennett said.
One of the Brick Street Players' many goals for the 2023-24 season was to produce at least four shows for the community. The idea of performing “Seussical” came from the Brick Street Players play-reading committee. The committee works to suggest plays to perform. The suggestions come partially from the committee’s personal interests, but ultimately, they stem from public suggestions via social media.
The Brick Street Players held “Seussical” auditions before Christmas, and rehearsals began after the New Year holiday. From table reads to blocking and learning music and choreography, the actors, crew, and directors worked hard to ensure a good performance for friends, family, and other locals who came to watch.
“It was pretty stressful at times, but we all got along really well,” Benjamin Gibson, who played General Schmitz and Wickersham, said. “I’d love to be in another production with them given the chance!”
Historically, the Brick Street Players have performed on the brick streets or at the Olde Towne Depot in Clinton. However, the Players have begun performing at Entergy Theater, part of Mississippi College’s recently renovated Gore Arts Complex. “Seussical” is the troupe’s second performance in the venue, the first being “Blithe Spirit” in September 2023.
“It’s a wonderful gift,” Jay Kucia, “Seussical” musical director, commented. “Mississippi College has been so generous to let us use Entergy Theater. It’s a beautiful house that holds tons of people and has a beautiful ambiance and beautiful set. We are just incredibly grateful.”
The members of the Brick Street Players are all grateful and appreciative to have a new space to perform in, allowing bigger crowds to watch in the future. “Nate [Jarnagin, MC Department of Art Administrative Assistant] has been invaluable in assisting us during this time, always helping us work through any issues that may arise, getting answers to our questions,” Bennett said. “We truly feel that this is a great way to bring theatre to different aspects of the community, but having Entergy Theater as our home base is so great.”
“It went excellently,” audience member Ellen Tolbert commented. “I think they did a beautiful job.”
“It was really good, and I really enjoyed the show,” Alex Shay, who played Cat in the Hat, said. “This is my second time performing with Brick Street Players, and it was a good way to just come out of my shell.”
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