Birmingham Welcomes Back Theatre with a Twist!
Hey there, Birmingham! We have some exciting news for all the theatre enthusiasts out there. It’s been a long and winding road, but the Terrific New Theatre (TNT) is ready to dazzle us once again! After a frustrating four-year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TNT is finally returning to the Birmingham Theatre scene. Mark your calendars for a night of vibrant storytelling and stunning musicality because on Thursday, November 21, the curtain will rise on Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, “Sunday in the Park with George.”
A New Beginning
Not only is “Sunday in the Park with George” the first show of TNT’s abbreviated 2024/25 season aptly dubbed “2024-25 Mini-Season: The Return of TNT”, but it’s also the perfect piece that encapsulates the spirit of resilience and creativity. The theatre has a fancy new home at 2112 5th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham, so expect a fresh vibe along with the classic musical experience.
Directed by the talented David Strickland, with musical direction by Michael King and the energetic musical staging by Tahauny Cleghorn, this production shines a spotlight on the iconic painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” created by George Seurat. Through Sondheim’s lush music, audiences will join George as he learns to navigate the crucial blend of art and life. You can already imagine yourself humming along to beautiful numbers like “Putting it Together,” “Move On,” and, of course, the poignant “Sunday.”
Star-Studded Cast
Starring in this much-anticipated production will be Caleb Clark and Kristen Campbell, leading a talented ensemble that includes TNT veterans like Celeste Burnum, Holly Dikeman, and Elise Mayfield. The cast will also feature a wonderful mix of newcomers and familiar faces including Chris Carlisle, Ryder Dean, Jordan DeWitt, and many more! Expect an evening filled with laughter, emotion, and perhaps a few teary-eyed moments—just how art should make us feel!
Show Details You Don’t Want to Miss
The musical runs Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 PM (with a special note to skip Thanksgiving Day) and Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM until December 8. Tickets are already flying, so be sure to snag yours soon! You can grab them directly via the Terrific New Theatre website or by giving them a call at (205) 328-0868. Don’t wait too long, this is one event that promises to fill your heart with joy!
Creative Journey and Reflections
TNT’s Executive Director, Tam DeBolt, beautifully captured the sentiment behind this production, saying, “This is the perfect show to open our new space because it completes Terrific New Theatre’s journey since the pandemic. The musical is about creating art where there never was art; the last year of TNT’s existence has been about creating a theatre where there never was a theatre.”
Stay Tuned for More Excitement!
If you’re a fervent supporter of the arts, there’s plenty more happening in Birmingham’s vibrant scene! The Cloverdale Playhouse has teased its 2025 season, themed ‘A Season of Give And Take’, while Theatre Tuscaloosa is rolling out adult tap classes and looking for talent for its upcoming production of Master Class, which dives into the life of the legendary opera diva Maria Callas.
So, Birmingham, are you ready to jump back into the thrilling world of theatre? It seems the stage lights are ready to shine brighter than ever, and we can’t wait to see you there!
