Summer Stages: BWW Top Summer Theatre Picks- Birmingham (Huge Variety Awaits)

Memorial Day is behind us and we are all ready for the warm, relaxed days of summer. But don't forget to take some time to visit your local theatres and check out the abundance of talent and the diverse offerings available this season. Between vacations and time at the pool be sure to find a few nights to see as many of these shows as possible.

SOUTH CITY THEATRE

South City Theatre is starting off their summer with MAMA WON'T FLY, another comedy by the writers of last year's smash hit, DIXIE SWIM CLUB. This hilarious, family friendly comedy will have you laughing as the cast travels across the country in a race against the clock to get to a wedding on time. Show dates are June 5-13.

June 15-26 South City will conduct a musical theatre summer camp for kids and on July 19 The Seasoned Performer's Shakespeare will be in the space.

August 7-15 brings NEST OF ANGELS, the American premiere of Alan Litsey's hilarious play, directed by Sue Ellen Gerrells.

To get in on all of the fun call SCT at 205-621-2128 or go to southcitytheatre.com

CITY EQUITY THEATRE

City Equity Theatre returns to production on July 23 with the opening of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. This "grown up prequel to PETER PAN" is CET's first musical and will feature its biggest cast to date. Performed at Birmingham Festival Theatre July 23- August 16, this is defintely one to see! Contact Tom Wofford at 205-500-2701 for ticket information.

THEATRE DOWNTOWN

Alabama premieres abound at Theatre Downtown this summer. June 11-27 the dark comedy MR. MARMALADE hits the stage. Fresh from off-Broadway, this dark comedy by Noah Haidle is the story of a little girl who conjures up a hilariously inappropriate imaginary friend.

Next they open Qui Nguyen's SHE KILLS MONSTERS on July 30-August 15. This play is about a high school girl searching for her sister's identity who is drawn into a fantasy role-play world of monsters and beasts, heroes and villains. It promises to be action packed, funny and moving. This Alabama premiere is a cross between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dungeons & Dragons.

To be a part of these varied premieres go to theatredowntown.org or call 205-565-8838.

RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE COMPANY

Other than their children's productions, 101 DALMATIONS July 17-19 starring 7-12 year olds and HAIRSPRAY, Jr. July 31-August 2 featuring 10-18 year olds, Red Mountain's big offering of the summer is MARY POPPINS starring Kristen Sharp, July 10- August 2. If you loved the movie, you will love seeing the musical live on stage.

Go to www.redmountaintheatre.org or call 205-324-2426 for more information.

VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE

The Dane Peterson Theatre Series starts the summer off in the Martha Moore Sykes Studio Theatre, upstairs at VST with its presentation of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, June 2-13. Promising to be something a little out of the ordinary for Birmingham, this will be one to see.

For something a little more traditional, the main stage at VST will have THE MUSIC MAN June 18-July 5. Featuring Kyle Holman and Kristi Tingle Higginbotham this should be the most predictable cast and play of the summer.

Finishing up VST's summer will be the STARS (Students Taking A Role at the Samford) production of SHREK- THE MUSICAL, directed by Roy Hudson.

For more information contact virginiasamfordtheatre.org or call 205-251-1206.

LEEDS THEATRE AND ARTS CENTER

Clifton Keen will be directing the ever popular INTO THE WOODS this summer in Leeds.Opening on July 10 and running through July 26, this group always presents a summer musical full of fun and local talent. Call 205-699-1892 for specific dates, times and ticket information.

GARDENDALE ARTS COUNCIL

This group is doing SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL July 16-18. Look them up on Facebook.

BROKE FOLKS THEATRE

Another premiere, this time a southeastern US Premiere of Canadian playwright Gary Kirkham's touching play FALLING: A WAKE, will be performed at Birmingham Festival Theatre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 18-28 at 8 with a 2pm matinee on June 21. Call 205-933-2383 for tickets.

MONTEVALLO MAIN STREET PLAYERS

For their summer offering, MMSP will present STEEL MAGNOLIAS August 6-9. Directed by Gwendolyn Treptow, this play is a must see for any southern lady.

TALLULAH BANKHEAD TRIBUTE

Centered in the Jasper area, the weekend of June 11-14 promises to be one chock full of entertainment and history. From a 5K run to theatrical presentations, bands to talkbacks, walking tours to an art crawl, there is something for everyone. The crown jewel of the weekend is the world premiere of MR. WILL & DUTCH: ALABAMA'S LEGENDARY BANKHEADS written by Jeanmarie Collins and directed by Alan Litsey. Told through the eyes of Tallulah Bankhead's sister, Eugenia Bankhead Hoyt and set in the year of Tallulah's death (1968) this play will recount the years she spent as a Hollywood and theatre icon.

All of the events of this celebration look interesting and are timed so that you can participate in almost everything over the weekend. Check out tallulahbankheadtribute.com.for more information.

Now- get to making some reservations!

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