The Times and Democrat from Orangeburg, South Carolina • 12

Pags 12a, Orangeburg, S.C.. Sunday, March 17, 1985 mm at 1 in" i Calhoun Players celebrate 5th anniversary with 'Carousel' 111 ll'll- nn i jjf 1 4 it i HU'u I "7 i jf Vr' IrtJ I L.H.il i Has it really been five years? In so many ways, it seems like yesterday but when we look at the auditorium, peep in at rehearsals for "Carousel" and hear Walter Bryant's orchestra tuning up, then we know we've come a long, long way That winter decision in early 1980 was a gamble. We had already contacted the Rodgers and Hammerstein folks in New York about scripts for "Oklahoma!" before we even had tryouts or a name to hang on. We didn't know if we'd have to do the show with those few loyal instigators of this venture, or if emerging Calhoun County thespians would appear. Well, folks, they did appear, and in such numbers and with such talent that the show was almost completely double-cast! The old Cameron School Auditorium was our chosen theatre, but nobody had performed there in years except generations of pigeons.

So the first order of business was a general cleaning up ugh! But the Calhoun Players (by now we had a name) pitched in and got the job done. An extension was built onto the stage, making a performing apronl a new curtain replaced the tattered one of years gone by; and finally, stairs were erected to that gaping hole of an entrance caused by the removal of the old school to which the auditorium had been attached. Meanwhile, rehearsals were carried on in various churches' fellowship halls around the county. And in the homes of the cast members, sewing machines buzzed and old closets trembled as costumes were assembled for each character. Thus the Calhoun Players were born, and the four nights of "Oklahoma!" in April 1980, with packed houses each night, set us in motion for the years to come.

Since that time, much has happened. A lobby has been built with costume room and light booth aloft; space for an orchestra has been established; why, we even have our own piano and music stands! Our spotlight picks out stars, another addition has been made to the apron and just lately a set shop is in the works. And in these five years, the Calhoun Players have grown. Well over 100 people have been in our shows or helped in innumerable ways. Many families are involved some can claim that each family member has had his part! We've choregraphed, and photographed and delighted audiences with nine musical shows and two comedies, and are at present in serious rehearsal for Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel," which will be given in Cameron March 22, 23 and 24.

Director Jim Alf ord feels that "Carousel" is a most fitting anniversary show, for its predecessor back in the '40s was our first show, "Oklahoma!" Indeed, at first reading many cast members i i-X I I i Spinning into 'Carousel' Wallace Wimberly (far left, left photo), portraying Julie, casts a wary eye at Billy Bigelow (portrayed by Tommy Taylor) during rehearsals for "Carousel. The two are interrupted by Bill Millender (above) as they discuss various items. The backdrop was painted by Mrs. Joel (Beas) Duke. i thought this England "Oklahoma!" was quickly was a version but that New of notion Now dispelled, everyone is enamored of that special flavor which makes "Carousel" unique.

The haunting Carousel Waltz, the water-color beauty of the pastel palette and all that memorable music "If I Loved You," "June is Bustin' Out All Over," "When the Children are whose life is planned carefully from the "fust little boat" to the house full of chillun. Our Mr. Snow is Benjie Smoak, giving the character just the right degree of pomposity. That mean, low-down wharf rat, Jigger Craigin, is portrayed by Jim Link and Barbara Stack is the loving earth-mother, Cousin Nettie. A chorus of villagers, sailors and whalers and their children are a burst with theJ? newness of spring, the delights of a clambake and the inspira- Kl tion of Hope that speaks fromjT', The Beyond.

Tickets for "Carousel," which are $5 each, are on sale at the following locations: St. Matthews Thornton's Texaco Service. Orangeburg Ann's Hallmark at Grover Park and J.W. Smoak at the Prince of Orange Mall. lH Elloree Elloree macy.

Cameron Cameron Musicals have remained the forte of the Calhoun Players Rodgers and Hammerstein musical adaptation of Ferenc Molnar's Liliom, "Carousel," will be presented. "Carousel" tells the story of a naive young girl, Julie, who falls in love with a carousel baker, Billy Bigelow. Meanwhile, her best friend Carrie has fallen for a serious young seaman, Mr. Snow, a self-styled sardine magnate. Billy and Julie do fall in love, but in doing so, they both lose their jobs.

However, Julie's Cousin Nettie takes them in, and the New England villagers sing with wild abandon about the coming of spring. This is only the beginning of one of the loveliest bittersweet stories in the Five years ago, if anyone in Calhoun County wanted to see a "live show," they had to do some traveling. There was no local community theatre and this lack was recognized by several hardy souls. So a script was borrowed, an old, old auditorium got a cleaning up and auditions turned up a wealth of local talent. That was the beginning of The Calhoun Players, and now, five years later, the Players can boast 11 successful shows under their non-profit belt.

The Players have found magic in music, and musicals are their forte. So for their 5th anniversary, the lovely musical theatre repertoire. The music is just gorgeous. "If I Loved You" is the near-declaration that Julie and Billy sing to each other. "When the Children are Asleep" tells the plans of Mr.

Snow and Carrie (does she begin to doubt him? "You'll Never Walk Alone" is sung by Cousin Nettie and then reprised by the entire chorus. The chorus is full of glee with "June is Bustin' Out All Over," then mellow with "This Was a Real Nice Clambake" and the men are raucous with the sea chantey, "Blow High, Blow Low." This is but a sampling of the music for which Messrs. Rodgers and Hammerstein famous. will be presented March at 8 p.m. and then a matinee presented March 24 at 3 p.m.

As shows have been in the past, this be presented at the Old School Auditorium in (this is at the junction of 33 and 176). Advance tickets on sale for $5 each. At the door will be $6. Jim Alf ord will this show, as he did the first For ticket information call 874-2811. public is invited to join in as the celebrate their fifth birthday.

i I'll jrl' fi Carowinds expending $1 million to add to its Asleep," "This Was a Real Nice Clambake," "The Soliloquy" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" these are but a few of the melodies you'll hear. In our production, Tee Taylor plays the carousel barker Billy Bigelow and Wallace Winberly is Julie, the girl who loves Billy despite all his faults. Linda Whetstone is the flighty Carrie Pipperidge who has a feller of her own, Mr. Enoch Snow, theme park 'Blackbeard's Revenge' Carowinds' newest attraction, "Blackbeard's Revenge (shown here)," is a motion illusion attraction that will delight and amaze all ages. The combination ride and show experience is located in Pirate Island at Carowinds.

2:20,4:20 7:05,9:05 SHOW TIMES 'This year's Terms of were "Carousel" 22 and 23 will be all the one will Cameron Cameron Highway are now the price direct show. The Players Etc. During World War II, Soviet troops and Polish patriot forces liberated Warsaw from the Nazis Jan. 17,1945. mm limits, Jl! MUSTBE 181 ExcmNGiyy Sensual Encounters ITIHKI rfnnrrF i Auditorium during rehearsals.

"Carousel" will be presented: March 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and March 24 at 3 p.m. It will be a grand fifth anniversarv. SOCIAL 5 MORE DAYS MX MAT Mi. IMDWI It! I fT't ir- A it ATT.rL -iinhJ-vi-i'Ji-r po and the tar Ola' imtnwtwhMttm tfS'i.

4 111 and done Jf. Vi he hii i pMwnict. AndhiitmiM WW ft 1: 1 I 1 I 1 Ii 1 1 v-3, 1' Ji -i debut in 1984 at the Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans. "It is the first of its kind to have been built," Sutton said, "and we are proud to be the first theme park to feature it." Carowinds will operate on spring weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from March 23 CHARLOTTE, N.C. Carowinds is spending $1 million to expand and enhance the 77-acre theme park in preparation for its 1985 season opening on March 23.

The main focus of the expansion is a new motion illusion attraction called "Blackbeard's Revenge." Other changes in the park include additional landscaping, new and improved food and merchandise facilities and expanded live shows. "Blackbeard's Revenge" is themed around a pirate ship ride with the Carolinas' infamous pirate Blackbeard. "It's not a ride or a show, but a combination of the two," said Carowinds Vice President and General Manager Vicki Sutton. "Blackbeard's Revenge" is a huge pivoted room which rotates to create an illusory swinging effect on the guests who are securely seated on a stationary platform. At one point the room rolls over, creating the feeling of being completely upside down.

Set decor, sound and lighting help carry out the theme and illusion of being on a pirate ship at battle. According to Sutton, "Those who have experienced the sensation have actually placed objects on their bench to convince themselves that they are, in fact, stationary." "In addition to providing excitement," added Sutton, 'Blackbeard's Revenge' also provides the park with another air-conditioned attraction that can be equally enjoyed by guests of all ages." Up to 1,200 people an hour will be able to enjoy "Blackbeard's Revenge." Manufactured by Arrow Huss, in Clearfield, Utah, the attraction made its HARRISON FORD through June 2. The park will also be open on Easter Monday, April 8, and on Memorial Day Monday, May 27. Beginning June 3, Carowinds will be open six days a week (the park is closed on Fridays) through Aug. 22.

Carowinds will be closed on all Fridays during the summer season except for Friday, July 5. and Iced Tea Eat-in only Take Out: 531-3956 Sal 11 l.m.-U p.m., Sunday p.m. New Sunday Lunch! LASAGNA SAL1Y FIELD With Soup And Salad, I If i mi "iDii Kcwwm i Endearment! 2:15,4:30 7:00, 9:15 thrown through a window, and arrested. Detroit cop on vacation in Beverly Hills. PLACES IN THE HEART SHOW TIMES He's been chased, Eddie Murphy is a Final Week BSEVHERIXHIIJ-S Pizza inn SHOW TIMES 2:30,4:45,7:10,9:10.

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