The Gem Players 2008 - 2009 Season Schedule
" First Baptist of Ivy Gap"
The Gem Players open their 16th season with Ron Osborne’s poignant comedy that stars an all female cast. Act I takes place during WWII at the church where the “First Baptist Six” gather to roll bandages and plan the 75th anniversary. The six women include the wise cracking pastor’s wife, a mother whose son is fighting in the Pacific, the church’s rebellious organist, the young girl who wants to go to Hollywood, the shy newcomer with a secret and an influential member of the church with a secret of her own. Act Two finds the women reunited twenty-five years later as they prepare for the church’s centennial celebration. The celebration is not the biggest challenge the ladies face, but the revelations that shake their relationships over a quarter of a century later. These six very different women find comfort and forgiveness with humor and pathos. “A beautiful Southern comedy that will keep you in stitches beginning to end”. Elizabethton Star. If you liked Steel Magnolias you will love this show.
October 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m.
October 5, 12, 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Adults $10.00; Children 10 & under $8.00
"Anne of Green Gables"
The holiday season opens with Joseph Robinette’s Anne of Green Gables. This dramatization captures the charm and excitement of L.M. Montgomery’s enduring classic about an orphan girl, Anne Shirley, from her first encounter with her austere guardian to her thrilling graduation from Queen’s Academy. The play faithfully recreates the memorable events and characters from the brilliant novel. All the tragedies and triumphs that mark Anne’s growth from adolescence to early adulthood are here: her friendship with Diana, her feuds with Gilbert, her adoration of Matthew, the mistaken wine bottle, the cake disaster, the broken leg, the scholastic achievements, and the saving of Green Gables. Whether the playgoer is an “old friend” of Anne’s or meeting her for the first time, this play will solidify a lasting friendship between the audience and one of literature’s most unforgettable characters.
November 28, 29 December 5, 6,11,12,13 @ 7:30 p.m.
November 30 December 7, 14 @ 2:30 p.m.
Adults $10.00; Children 10 & under $8.00
Special Holiday Dinner
December 6 at the L&N Depot
Anne Tea Party by AllyCakes at the L&N Depot
December 13 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Call for reservations 423-263-3270
Special School Matinee December 9
"Death of a Doornail"
by Lee Mueller
You asked for them!! Again the demand was so overwhelming that we couldn’t resist bringing back those zany characters one last time. This mystery dinner comedy has eccentric millionaire, Albert Doornale inviting all of his close friends to his estate, including his ex-wife Abigail, his current fiancé Candy Bombay, and his childhood friend from the lower East Side, Salvatore Carbone. Everyone arrives at the estate greeted by the grumpy Butler and cutlery carrying cook. The only problem is, Albert is not there, no one has seen him. Not his nerdy Nephew or his socially spoiled daughter. None of the guest has any idea why they are there or what happened to their host. That is until blood is found in the upstairs bathroom. Was Albert killed and carried away? In the nick of time, Inspector Bukowski arrives on the scene. A murder investigation will begin, as soon as a body is found. It may be a long wait. If you haven’t seen this show or want to visit the Doornale’s again make your reservations early before the Players’ “lay them to rest”!!!!
The Gem Players encourage you to make your reservations for a night of excellent food, lots of fun, laughs and entertaining theater.
February 12, 13, 14
L&N Depot (across from the Gem Theatre)
Call for reservations 423-263-3270
"The Odd Couple"
by Neil Simon
Coming back to the Gem is an all time favorite of our audiences. Everyone loves Neil Simon and the Players have such fun with his play, The Odd Couple. This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger who has just been separated from his wife. Since he is very fastidious and none too tense, they fear he might commit suicide and go about locking all the windows. When Felix arrives, he is scarcely allowed to go to the bathroom alone. As the action unfolds, the clean-freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born. "His skill is not only great but constantly growing.... There is scarcely a moment that is not hilarious."-N.Y. Times.” Fresh, richly hilarious and remarkably original. Wildly, irresistibly, incredibly and continuously funny."-N.Y. Daily News.
April 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 May 1, 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
April 19, 26 May 3 2009 @ 2:30 p.m.
Adults $10.00; Children 10 & under $8.00
