[PROGRAM NOTES] Welcome . . .

Since you are here to see "The Fan," you know that our production of "The Big Bang!" had to be postponed. We hope to fit it back in by September.

"The Fan," adapted from the novel by Bob Randall, is completely written in letters. In this age of cell phones, e-mails, and blackberries, letter writing has become all but a lost art. It was always so exciting to receive a letter from someone you had not seen in a while ar postcards or telegrams . . . ah, well, lost to technology.

At any rate, it's an interesting concept to do a show comprised of nothing but letter from one character to another and to create an entire story. Gurney's "Love Letters" is a popular show using this genre.

"The Fan" was made into a movie years ago with Lauren Becall. It was not a very good movie, but the plotline is good.

Coming up next is "Eastern Standard," a story of a group of individuals who would not normally spend time together but through a ridiculous chain of events all wind up vacationing together at the shore. The play offers interesting characters, witty dialogue as well as some philosophical views on life and love.

We look forward to seeing you again then and are so pleased that you decided to join us today for "The Fan."

Bill Kroner, Artistic Director

First Coast Theatre Arts Association began in 1993, finding a home in The Lighthouse at the Murray Hill Presbyterian Church. The opening show was "When You Comin' Back Red Ryder?" that was directed by Bill Kroner (still the group's Artistic Director) and featured Gene LeRoy, Kathryn Hill, Eric Sorensen, and Shirley McGrath . . . all of whom are still active in the group today. That first season also included Irene Becker, Faye Rudd and Harriett Leathem, all active members to this day.

First Coast Theatre Arts Association stayed in this location through 1998. Some highlights of the time there include the world premier of "Scandals" by Bill Kroner, "The Lion in Winter," Greetings," "The Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Revue," "The Seahorse," "A Toby Show," "The Dining Room," "Night, Mother," "The Killing Game," and "An Evening in the Theatre of the Absurd."

Then came the nomadic years for the group. The first stop was St. Lukes Metropolitan Community Church where "Lion in the Streets" and "Dark of the Moon" were performed. From there it was a production of "Steel Magnolias" at Fuel Coffee House in 5-Points and a quick jump across the street to Rainbow and Stars to present "The Boys in the Band" and a new one-act "Midnight at Johnnys" by Bill Kroner and "Embargo on Port Glory" by Walter Fitzwater. These two one acts were also presented at Springfield Womens Club, as was "Later Life." "Greetings was then performed at Riverside House before the group finally rented their own space on King Street where we opened with an encore performance of "Later Life" followed by the world premier of the full length "Midnight at Johnnys," an original musical by Bill Kroner featuring the music of Johnny Mercer. Other highlights of the 2001 through 2003 seasons were "Suddenly, Last Summer," "That Championship Season," "Ancestral Voices," "Betty's Summer Vacation," and "A 1940's Christmas" by Bill Kroner. Then, it was time to move again when the landlord had other plans for the space. We were very lucky to find a new home only a block away at 1014 King Street where we still are located today.

We opened our 12th season with a sell-out production of Del Shore's "Sordid Lives." Another highlight of that season was the premiere of "Tartlette," a new comedy by our Artistic Director Bill Kroner. Our 13th season opened with another sell-out smash "The Big Bang!," a musical, followed by a zaney Christmas show, "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge." This season closed with a history of Gay Pride, "Follow The Rainbow" showing the plight of gay society throughout the decades. Our exciting 14th season opened with Del Shores "Southern Baptist Sissies".

2007 officers are Harriett Leathem, President; Reggie Cauthen, Vice President; Shirley McGrath, Secretary; and Keith Ketron, Treasurer. Bill Kroner remains the Artistic Director and directs most of the season shows. Guest directors include Gene LeRoy, Eric Sorensen, Phyllis Rice, Merrylin Opendo, Irene Becker, Shirley McGrath and Erin Searcy.

 

Previous Shows

"The Fan"
(See above poster for play information.)