By Jeremy Weldon

Editor

Oliver! opened Friday night at the Panola Playhouse and it was marvelous. We forget how fortunate we are to have the Sardis theater productions, and they are never a disappointment. The Playhouse is truly a jewel for Panola County, albeit sometimes an overlooked treasure.

I’m surprised when I ask around at the large number of Batesville families that have never taken in a play at the theater on Main Street. Parents are missing a huge opportunity to expose their children – and themselves – to the finer things of life when they ignore this gem of our community.

Probably because the Playhouse has been in operation for  so long and so many wonderful presentations have been made, people get complacent and take the best things in life for granted. Forgetting about the Panola Playhouse shouldn’t happen, though, because it’s a chance for all of us to experience top-notch productions that rival those of much larger theaters and organizations.

Everything about Panola Playhouse is super – the parking is free, it’s a short walk to the theater, there are no stairs to climb, it’s cozy with a large stage, and the popcorn is salty. And, it’s all topped off with terrific and talented actors. They aren’t professionals, but you wouldn’t know it.

The costumes are great and the singing and acting is amazing. We got away without the boys to see opening night, and we couldn’t have had a nicer evening. Special thanks to Renee and his buddies at Cafe Ole for staying open a little later to accommodate us after the show, by the way.

Oliver! Is directed by Vic Henson, who has lots of experience with community theater and has done the same musical before, according to the playbill. Executive producer Janine Marshall made sure everyone was comfortable and turned out an excellent show.

I recognized several Panola County folks among the troupe of actors – Carol Griffin and grandsons Brady and Griffin Pitcock, the Andersons from Sardis, and others – but many were from Tate and DeSoto Counties.

My favorites were Jordan Thweatt playing Nancy and the father-son due of J.T. Harrington (Fagin) and Eli Harrington (the Artful Dodger). Tammy said she loved everybody and couldn’t pick a favorite. She’s got a school yard sense of justice that won’t quit, even when we see plays or watch games.

Oliver! plays again this weekend – Friday, Saturday & Sunday – and everyone that hasn’t been to the Playhouse, or hasn’t been in a while, should make a point to see this super production. Tonight might be the best time of all to see the show as the cast will present the production in their customary “pay what you can” showing. Just show up, pay what you can, and enjoy the best thing happening in Panola County tonight.

Batesville and Panola County has its share of problems, sure. But, when we have something as valuable as the Playhouse, we should all band together and support this vital part of who we are, and what we have to offer.

Run, don’t walk, to Sardis. See Oliver! and buy advance tickets for Mary Poppins Jr. which will show in August. You won’t be disappointed and who knows, you might get a little smarter and slightly more cultured.

You’ll feel smarter, anyway.