It’s not every opening night that guests get to hear from directors about decisions they made when making a play come to life.
But the Ocala Civic Theatre, a community theater operating in Ocala for 75 years, gives that opportunity to show-goers with the “Drinks with the Director” program over the past year.
Greg Thompson, director of the theater, said the program is open to everyone who is interested in the Ocala Civic Theatre, at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
“The theater can comfortably hold about 100 people and we love to have it full,” Thompson said. “The goal of the event is to build the audience and interest in our shows. We hope people come and ask questions to learn about the production.”
After the deep-dive conversation with the directors, guests can go backstage to explore the set before the start of the show.
Tickets for the “Drinks with the Director” program are free and advance registration is required; but to see the performance the directors speak about require a separate ticket.
Drinks With the Director: Daddy Long Legs
Discover the tales of growth and love during the coming of age performance Daddy Long Legs, a musical inspired by the 1955 film. It runs from Feb. 6 to Feb. 23 at the Ocala Civic Theatre.
On the opening night of the musical, hear from the directors about what inspired their stage choices from 6 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 6. The show, following the program, starts at 7:30 p.m. There will be chances for questions from the audience after discussions.
Thompson said the audience frequently asks questions about lighting and stage sets.
“The world is full of all kinds of lights and color,” he said. “Seeing it being done onstage makes it take on a different quality. It’s the same thing with scenery. Somehow when you put the sets onstage, people want to know more about it.”
The cocktail-hour style, spoiler-free event features complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a private bar with purchasable drinks.
The hors d’oeuvres will be shrimp in garlic butter, charcuterie, tomato-mozzarella Caprese skewers, fresh fruit and veggies, and a rich assortment of chocolate ganache dessert cups.
“This menu is being catered by a really generous donor,” said Thompson. “Normally, my partner and I plan the menu. It really just depends on the mood of the show.”
Advanced registration for the event is required no later than 3 p.m. Feb. 6 at ocala civictheatre.com.
Set the Scene for Murder On the Orient Express and The SpongeBob Musical
The Drinks With the Director programs will continue with the theater’s final two shows in its 74th season: “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Nickelodeon’s The SpongeBob Musical.”
“Murder on the Orient Express” will run from March 20 to April 6 at the theater. Tickets for the show go sale on Feb. 17.
The Drinks With the Director program for the show is from 6 to 7 p.m. March 20. Thompson said the theater uses a new projection system to add to productions “where it makes sense.”
“You won’t see much of the screen in (the Daddy Long Legs) show,” he said. “We’ll be doing more of an old fashion projection.”
The Spongebob Musical will run from May 1 to May 18. Tickets for the show will go on sale March. 31.
“We won’t be performing underwater,” Thompson joked. “(The Spongebob Show) is vibrant and 3D. The screen will help us distinguish between those show.”
The theater director said it’s surprising to him there are still locals who don’t know about the theater after it’s been active for 75 years.
“We have the same challenge each show and that is trying to get the word out,” Thompson said. “It’s the easiest thing in the world to open our doors and create a space where the community is welcome. We are going great work and love what we do.”
Registration for the event is required and can be done at ocalacivictheatre.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
