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Happy New Year, everyone!  The past year was one of big politics, economic upheaval, and strange weather. Here at the Arts Center we had excellent exhibits, fun summer camps, lots of special events, and some terrific play performances.

Trailer parks have never looked as good as the one in “Lust and Rust.” “The Plaids” took us on a musical trip down memory lane to the fabulous Fifties.  Scrooge and company reminded us about the true spirit of Christmas in “A Christmas Carol.”

This year should be even better. The members of ACT are planning more great shows for 2013.

Our first performance will be on Valentine’s Day when we present our annual Dessert Theatre. Connie Fritz and Steve Weber are already hard at work on a wonderful play called “Special Occasions.” They’ll be presenting readers’ theatre  style. This classic is a poignant look at a couple with all their ups and downs through the years. It’s pretty funny, too. If you are looking for something different to share with your special someone for Valentine’s Day, plan to join us  in the ballroom for desserts (Yes! there will be chocolate!), drinks, and good entertainment.

Our next mainstage production is the spring show. In March, we will present a touching comedy, “The Boys Next Door.” This play, by Tom Griffin, is the story of a dedicated social worker named Jack, who is burning out supervising four mentally challenged men who live together in a communal residence. Norman works in a doughnut shop where he sneaks too many sweets and treasures the large bunch of keys dangling from his waist. Lucien has the mind of a five year old, but imagines that he can read the huge agricultural tomes he lugs around. Arnold, the ringleader, is hyperactive, compulsive and deeply insecure. Barry, a schizophrenic, really believes he is a golf pro. Together these guys navigate the confusing maze that is daily life. This play is hilarious, touching, and brilliant.

You may be one of many folks like the ones who tell me they love to watch our shows and have often thought they’d like to try out some time. If so, this would be a really wonderful show for your debut. Auditions for this production will be held Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 14 and 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. There are terrific roles, large and small, for men and women (and one little girl). No experience is necessary.  Just show up with a pencil. This is a non-musical play, so no singing or dancing is required. This is a great way to meet new people, stretch your creativity (and your memory), and have fun. If you would like to audition but you can’t make either of our audition days, please just call the Arts Center and leave your name and number and we’ll work something out for you.

Performances will be March 22 – 24. Friday and Saturday performances will start at 8 p.m and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Now is the time to get out that new calendar and write us in; this is a show you definitely won’t want to miss.

Also, this spring our youth will be performing “Beauty and the Beast.” Auditions will be held in late February with performances in April. As always, Connie is looking for kids large and small to populate this lively Disney style production. More information will be available soon.

So, out with the old and in with the new. It’s already looking to be a big, brilliant, banner year in 2013 at the Colquitt County Arts Center.

We all look forward to seeing you there!