Posted by cheyenne (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

congratulations lynn. you have worked hard for this

Posted by mypeace (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A little correction.... Lynn Mann won the Volunteer of the Year Award in addition to the other awards mentioned in this article (not lifetime achievement). Tommy Jackson won the Lifetime Achievement Award. All of the award winners and nominees were more than deserving. Great job to Layne Taylor and NLT.

Posted by sweatybob (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I come new to Natchez from a larger city with an excellent community theatre. I attended the Standing Ovation Awards to get an overview of the quality of theatre here. What a shock! I have never seen such a talented group of youngsters. Hat's off to Landon Henry and Camille Taylor for their flawless performance of the Little Red Riding Hood scene from Into the Woods (Sondheim ain't easy!); and, ohg! Janey Dixey blew me away with her free spirited, full-out, spot-on number from Once on This Island (can't wait to see the whole show). And wow. Stacy Parker. What a great job on that song from Grease. As a musician, I could tell immediately that the blonde gal accompanying him on the key board was an octive too high. But he sang it and sang it well! No wonder that teenager beat out grown men for best actor in a musical. What a trooper!
I also noticed that that same blonde gal directed Grease, one of two adults performing and the only one who used a mike and sheet music...hmmm...
Anyway, I made a point to go back to the Green Room afterward and meet all those great kids. And I must say that Southern charm and manners is not a myth. They are as polite and nice as they are talented. Hats off also to the parenets. What a great place to grow up! And for me, a great new home to grow old!!

Posted by mudd (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great job... Great show... that blonde gal was asked to perform a song from Sweeney Todd only five days ago,maybe she needed the podium so she could read the music? that blonde gal was also the musical director of Grease and was playing the music as written...Stacey did a fine job performing it. Great Show! I encourage everyone to attend The Natchez Little Theater whenever they have a production.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sweatybob, welcome to Natchez! Glad to have you here.

Posted by sweatybob (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a retired choral director, I must say that I have never put a performer, especially a youngster, in the uncomfortable position of having to compensate for my playing. As musical director of the show, blonde gal should have been able to make the adjustment. And as a musical director or educator of any sort, five days is plenty of time for a pro to learn a song. This has inspired me to not only see more shows, but to volunteer. Again, bravo and brava to the brave and talented young actors!! And also brava to Lynn Mann. I saw her in Southern Exposure and she is a treasure!! Also, bravo to Mr. Jenkins. What a funny guy!

Posted by sweatybob (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd like to say a couple of more things. Then I'll shut my trap. Blonde gal has a great set of pipes and the piece she sang was somewhat complex. And the guy who accompanied her on the piano was brilliant! He needs to take his act on the road or on the high seas....the crowds on cruise ships would go mad for him.

Posted by Redchief (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In referance to "blonde girl". That was Darlene McCune. And she does have a set of pipes on her! And in her defence, she had just selected that number the day before out of several that were being put forth to her. And also, she was feeling quite ill that evening, and didn't think she was going to make it through the festivities, much less the song. Which, by the way, is Sondheim- the master of un- melodic music!

I say, cheers to Darlene!

Posted by sweatybob (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Blonde girl's illness explains a lot--playing the kid' song in the wrong key for him, and having her Sondheim played in a lower key. Too bad. I wish her well and hope to see her perform in better health.
In my life, theatre has been like church--not a place for pettiness. I can't wait to see these folk in their next production.

Posted by darlysings (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hi... I just read the comments that was made on the website regarding that "blonde gal". Someone at the theatre approached me and made me aware of the comments that were posted. Well, I am the blonde gal you spoke of. I am somewhat insulted that you chose me to pick on, as it was supposed to be a time of celebration. My name is Darlene McCune, I have been involved with the theatre for a few years now. I am also a choral director as well. Not that I need defense; but I WAS very ill, and was trying my hardest to "go on with the show". For all In fact, I spent the majority of the time back stage and couldn't even enjoy the festivities. I know you probably don't care to hear it, but it's the truth. I do hope that you continue to come to NLT as there are many quality shows that take place there.

Posted by jellybean (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok here goes. I don't know if anyone is still tagging this article but I had to get some things out.
Sweatybob,
I am one of those kids who performs at the Natchez Little Theatre, and I am here to say GROW UP! I can't believe a grown adult would target someone and be low enough to say such ugly things about them especially in such a public setting. Darlene has donated a lot to the theatre. Until you have donated as much time and effort, try to lay off the name calling. We are always looking for people to come and help, and would love for you, if you truly are new here, to come. We don't need anymore drama. There is enough on the stage for everyone. So please remember your age and try to say positive things about everyone. Can't wait to work with you :)

Posted by sturgismom (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sweatybob I just sat down and read your comment and I had to stop and read it again because I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. That you supposedly an educated person with a background in music would single out Darlene to criticize is unbelievable to me. That you saw the performance by the young man Stacy Parker as flawless makes me wonder if perhaps your hearing may be impaired. While I do believe that he is a very talented young man, I truly enjoyed him in Grease, I don’t see how it’s possible you could see his performance as flawless he forgot the lyrics to his song and, where I come from that’s a flaw. Any alleged mistakes by Darlene had nothing to do with that.
This is a volunteer theater no one gets paid to do what they do and I find it distasteful that someone who has never been in the shoes of these tireless volunteers could speak so harshly about one of them.
Keep up the “GREAT” work Darlene we love you.

Posted by BVBlimp (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sweatybob......
It amazes me that you can down someone and you misspelled parents. I am involved in the NLT, and I am also friends with Darlene. It is also weird that you knew everyones name but hers. All of the young children and teenagers love her and look up to her. She gives alot of her time to the theater and she is very talented. Now I have nothing against Stacy Parker, but if you thought his performance was great then maybe you need your hearing checked. He didn't even know the words to the song the night before and stopped in the middle of the song during the performance. Now what is so great about that? I think you owe her a apology!!!!

Posted by samm (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wanted to be like Darlene and take the high road here, but something compells me to take the low road and so i will. I honestly do not have a horse in this race, I don't have a child or any other relative that is involved in the NLT. I have absolutely no musical talent, ability, or background in music. But, I know what sounds good, and what I like. I too was in attendance at the awards ceremony. I heard " the kid from Grease" sing. He forgot the words. HE messed up. How can you say what a great job he did, when clearly he did not. Let's face some facts here. This is Natchez, this kid is swimming in family, who all vote, and the kid was just not THAT great. To me he was the weakest link in the performance of Grease. I think that the boy messed up during his song, but certainly you can not fault Darlene for that. This event will be aired and aired and reaired on channel 4. Watch it again when it comes on television and see for yourself.
My other comment is that the people who perform at NLT are awesome, the young people continue to impress me with every performance. I have enjoyed every play I have seen. I thought that Darlene's performance in the Sound of Music was wonderful. I applaud everyone who participates in any play and gives of their time and talents.

Posted by whataboutit (anonymous) on July 17, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow, now I feel sorry for Stacy. Give him a break too. He along with everybody else was just trying. I do agree with what everyone else said though about sweatybob, being childish, knowing everyones name but Darlene's. NLT and all that perform there are Great! One good thing Natchez has going for it is our little theatre.

Posted by whatthehell47 (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay, if we're going to paint the whole picture here-

Saw the show on TV. - YAWNNNNNN-

First performer...Stacy, from Grease. Okay, that was bad! Too high a key for him to sing in, and quite unsure of himself.

Next, excerpt from Into the Woods. We should all want to hide in the woods while this was being done. Pitch problems, couldn't make out the words, just a shamble.

Piano solo, acceptable. Quite entertaining. Obviously a pro and at ease. Too bad he is so big, he could really have more of a visual appeal, but was far and away the standout of the evening.

Excerpt, Sound of Music- wow. The kid can sing, albeit a little weak on projection. Big guy accompanied her well. Oh... just informed- Bernly. Sorry, big guy.

Excerpt, Once Upon an Island. Okay, a little weak, looked thrown together, very amateurish.

Blond gal- Mccune. Damn good take on a hard song. She obviously has musical training, but somewhat weak on stage presence. Sorry she felt so badly.

So Long, Farewell- concluding performance. Was acceptable and cute.

Having now told the honest truth bout the show, let me add my two cents worth here.

Such awards tend to pit actors against each other, and subsequently can fuel jealousies. Just listen to how the applause wore thin for the Jackson fellow as he continued to accrue more awards.

And what gives with the director and manager of the theater getting awards? He should excuse himself from consideration as, after all (and in his own words), these awards are to recognise the volunteers. He is most definately not a volunteer, as he is paid a king's ransom to ruin,..sorry.. run the place. It is like the owner of a business giving out employee bonuses to himself. Sad. He must have a desire to seek recognition and awards.

I was not enticed to join the theater by watching this show, but rather was moved to pity. I would not, in good conscience, be able to present some of those acts to the public for money! All in all, a very rank and amateurish show.

Posted by darlysings (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok... I was trying to be over this... I have only one more thing to say regarding this situation, and hope that all involved will decide to let this rest.
First of all, yes I was a bit insulted that sweatybob made the decision to call me out and be so critical on a public forum that many of my family and friends have read. I am totally against using/abusing opportunities such as the "comments" feature on this website to state things that may cause harm or insult to a member of this community. Now, don't get me wrong... I do believe in the "freedom of speech" and a "right to one's personal opinion". However, I do think that if your opinion is negative and you feel the need to say things about someone, then I think things would be more effective if one would decide NOT to hide behind an anonymous name on a website.
To sweatybob and everyone else who posts on this website... you have every right to have your opinions; however most of the time opinions are being expressed from only one side..... People fail to recognize the entire story.
In regards to the comments of the performances of these children who perform at NLT, I encourage you all to realize that you are commenting on CHILDREN. They work hard at the theatre, spend many hours rehearsing, working back stage, and performing. All the while, maintaining very good grades in school, and managing extracurricular activities. These children are amazing, and are assetts to our community. I had the opportunity to work with these kids last summer in "Into the Woods" and "Grease". The WHOLE story is this... These kids put together two fabulous shows in just 6 weeks. I watched them come together as a unit and support eachother... help eachother and become a family! Every person involved gave 120%. I am so proud to have been there to see those shows come together. So, as an adult member of this theatre who loves these kids very much..... Please do not be so harsh with your comments, unless you are willing to back it up with something that will help that child grow. I would not want to be responsible for destroying a dream of a child with such promise.

Also, (whatthehell47), this is an AMATEUR theatre. Many people who do the show have never had any acting, singing, or performance lessons of any kind. They are merely here to enjoy themselves and share their love of the arts with the community. They receive NO money for it.
I am sorry that you felt "moved to pity" because they were enjoying themselves. I hope that you can find some way to be happy as most of us at NLT are. Maybe one day, you will actually attend a show, and your opinion will change.

Once again, I am asking that we allow this issue to end, as things will only get worse. I am proud of our theatre and everyone who devotes their time (VOLUNTEER). Also, please think of what you are saying before you post things especially towards children. Don't be the one to destroy dreams!

Posted by whatthehell47 (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I stand by my comments earlier, and if they seem harsh, take a good look at what you are offering the community for an average of 15 dollars a pop. That is a lot of money to be charging to see amateur productions. I have seen better shows in Brookhaven and McComb, also amateur theaters, that charged less. More "bang for the buck".

And also note that I thought most of the acts were okay. But to charge such a high price for lower product standards is insane. I am glad to spend the money with the Opera, and I am assured of getting a good show. But for those of us that have been around the country to other theaters, you rate yourselves too highly.

And I would never quash dreams, but don't lie to people, either. Some "have it" and some don't. I think it is far more damaging to a person to laud them with false praise when the talent just tain't there! And what if this person were to go on to try for the big time? I can assure you that other places standards are, on the average, higher.What sort of shock would they be in for!?

And I have seen other theater show on TV, and can back up the contention that the performing standard is not high. I say, raise your standards, work harder and be realistic about yourselves. Work to be superior and not average.

Ahh, if we could see ourselves as others see us!

And I'm sure you do have a fun time at the theater. But could you have as much fun and at the same time raise your standards?

Okay, said enough. Truth sometimes hurts. Be realistic and see what others see.

Posted by BVBlimp (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well all I have to say is that the people of Natchez and the tourist that come here don't mind 15 dollars a pop. I would rather see these kids trying their best in the theater, then out on the streets doing god knows what. Why don't you try out for a play and lets see how well you do! Don't be so harsh to these people if you have never done it before. They give up their time to volunteer to do the plays, or work back stage, or whatever is needed. They enjoy doing it, so why talk bad about them.

Posted by whatthehell47 (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

`My last comment on this matter-

I have been involved with theater, both amateur and semi- professional, for over 25 years. Years ago, I lived in Natchez, and was a member of Natchez Little Theater, yet never took part in any of the plays here, due to time constraints. I have been gone for some years but am back, having retired . I have seen several productions by NLT on the telly, and have seen quite a few Music Festival productions live. So, in referance to your remark that i should try it (acting), I have been around the block a few times.

You should also know that there IS a percentage of the population that KNOWS what is worth 15 bucks. Could that be why the Sound of Music never had a sold- out crowd? When I saw the production of the same show, back in the 80's I believe, the show was a sell- out, for 10 performances, no less. And, you guessed it- the quality was higher.

Where did all the actor(s) go? Sam Jones, Kaye Williams, Benny Boom(?), Malcolm Graham- the list could go on and on. I know some have died, but others are still around. Where are they? They knew how to act, and how to "sell a song". And you got your money's worth.

Are the directors at the theater incompetent now, or is the talent pool lacking? If it is lacking, why not really try to teach and foster the talent you have, and not settle for substandard performances.

Right now, from what I and others of discerning tastes have seen, the local theater lacks direction. Yes, you can have fun doing a show, and indeed, you can have just as much fun doing a weak show as you can a superb one.

I'm sorry, but the theater community needs to hear this. Work harder and learn your craft. But, I don't think you can learn and grow under the present regime that runs the theater, as all he is interested in is power and money. And, I would be willing to bet you ( as I have seen his kind before) that he is a master of false flattery. That's why noone seems to excell- if you are "wonderful, fantastic, sublime, etc- you have no incentive to get better.

And don't worry. The Historic Pagaent people can't see how ineffectual they are, either!

Posted by darlysings (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I said.... things will only get worse if people keep commenting.. .and so they did..... whatthehell... I'm just asking that you leave the kids alone when you decide to be so critical. These are great kids with big hearts... LEAVE THEM OUT OF YOUR COMMENTS! So blab all you want... just try not to point out the kids when you're spouting. Other than that, enjoy yourself all you want. I wish the arts community could work together rather than against eachother. How sad this is... I hope one day your opinion will change towards NLT.... apparently it does so badly after being around for 60 years, but what do I know... my standards are low apparently.

Posted by darlysings (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm asking again that we let this issue rest... let's move on people... myself included....

Posted by BVBlimp (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is there anything in Natchez that you do like? I hope so since you have moved back to Natchez after you retired. The theater could use more people, so you are welcome to come by and volunteer. If you feel like the theater community needs to hear this write a article or give the head of the theater a call.