Area theater organizations have pitched in present “Camelot” Friday through Aug. 28 at Evergreen Theatre as a benefit for The Emergency Needs for Theatre Artists Fund established earlier this year.
The need for a fund to support theater people was brought into sharp focus in April during the production of “The Fantasticks” at Germantown Community Theatre. Jo Lynne Palmer, one of the region’s most popular and well-regarded actresses who had a key role, had a stroke the day after it opened.
She had no insurance — a common situation with artists of all kinds. But the theater community responded immediately by setting up the fund to help Palmer with her medical bills, and deciding to keep it vital for future needs.
The “Camelot” communal effort is entirely about that, with all proceeds going to the fund.
Emily F. Chateau, one of the organizers of the production, said eligibility is open to “all who have worked on any show in any capacity.” She was in “The Fantasticks” with Palmer and was impressed watching her audition. “She is fearless and amazing; I thought I need to learn from this woman,” Chateau said. “She was wonderful opening night, but then had the stroke.”
The fund was quickly established and the idea to stage “Camelot” developed to help it along. “We’ve been getting furniture from Playhouse on the Square, costumes from Theatre Memphis, a spiral staircase and set pieces from the Harrell Theatre, props from Germantown Community Theatre and DeSoto Family Theatre who gave us a ton — sponsorships and everything to build the set,” Chateau said.
The Lerner and Loewe musical “Camelot” was chosen for a number of reasons. “We’ve always wanted to put it on, especially for a charity. ... It’s family friendly, a classic and hasn’t been done here in a while,” she said.
There are about 30 local stalwarts involved from cast and crew to designers.
And that includes one particular actress playing the role of sorceress Morgan Le Fay — the indefatigable Palmer.
‘Camelot’
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 28
Where: Evergreen Theatre, 1705 Poplar Ave.
Tickets: $20; children $10. Call (901) 417-4782 or e-mail northemberproductions@gmail.com.
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Comments » 1
NorthEmbersProductions writes:
Correction to the phone number it is 901 417-4732.
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