The Historic Ashland Theatre

Ashland Theatre NEWS









Generations brought great crowds out to the Ashland Theatre in June 2008. A mixed cast of the young and young at heart created an enjoyable evening at the theatre. Bringing the community together is what the Ashland Theatre is all about! The performance was a combination of One Act plays and monologues from experienced and new actors. During the last performance, a photographer from Southern Living Magazine came to finish shooting photographs for the article featuring the Historic Ashland Theatre. The article will hopefully be in the spring 2009 issue. 

  






Spreading the word about the Ashland Theatre!




Katherine Tucker Windham visits the Ashland Theatre





Blues Brothers Rock the House!





Hank Williams Day





Our Town performing "OUR TOWN"




There was a great turn out of around 40 talented locals who came out to audition for the Thornton Wilder play Our Town. A blend of ages and acting experience with one thing in common: Enthusiasm! The Ashland Theatre is thrilled to put on it's first full length stage production while working with some old and new faces of the stage. Dates are to be announced, but performances are expected to be at the end of July beginning of August. Don't miss out on this endearing touching story of a town not so different from our own with characters not so different from you and I. A story of love marriage and beyond. A great family favorite that makes each of us appreciate our lives a little better!


The Ransom of Emily Jane
& Other One Act Plays

March 2007
          
          The Ashland Theatre along with the Clay County Arts League were very excited about the great turn out for the first community theatre performance. Actors of all ages and experiences had the chance to take stage in several one act plays. Kelly Jordan (Ma Griggs) and Matthew Packer (Sonny Griggs) set the stage as the down on their luck kidnappers in The Ransom of Emily Jane. Sarah Smith (Emily Jane Dorset) was a terror as the spoiled daughter of the richest family in town. When Ma and Sonny decide to kidnap young Emily Jane, they had no idea what was in store! After being tied up and  having his head "scalped", Sonny did not feel she was worth the hassle. As Emily Jane drives her kidnappers crazy, they begin to lower the price of her ransom. Until they are ready to pay someone to take her away. This funloving energy packed one act was a favorite of all audiences.


          Other one acts included Whats Hiding Under your Bed?, Lost and Found, and  Looking for Corky Johnson. All cast memembers: Kelly Jordan, Matthew Packer, Sarah Smith, Nina Hobdy, Jessica Watts, Amber Ringwood, Katie Gordon, Coline Worthy, Jordan Packer, Mike Coleman, Brent Coleman, Fortune Worthy, Ashley Hamilton, Cole Worthy, Tabitha Davis, and Jonathan Packer.


       A Huge thanks to the directors Lori Steele and Sheryl Bonner as well as our Backstage Tech Brady Pitts.


Benjie Wright and Friends Comedy Night

January 2007

Benjie Wright                                                                       MG

Matt Mitchell
   L-R: MG, Matt Mitchell aka "Casio Kid", Lori Steele, Robin Steele-Thornhill, and Benjie Wright


    People in Ashland Alabama must love to laugh, becuase the largest crowd the theatre has seen since the grand re-opening came to see the one night only comedy show. The show featured three of the most hiliarious southern boys you'll ever meet! Matt Mitchell aka "Casio Kid" opened up the night. Matt got his start in radio as an intern on the Rick and Bubba show. Then made himself a local celebrity when he had ongoing appearances on the Jay Leno Show and Last Comic Standing. Matt is new to stand up comedy, but the audience really enjoyed him! Next up was MG a good old metro sexual from South Carolina. MG was a favorite among the mixed crowd who all enjoyed his high energy but clean comedy. He really got  the crowd involved as well. I am not sure that many of the audience members were expecting to become part of the humor of the show, but they loved it! Finally to wrap things up. a familiar voice from the airways. Benjie Wrigth took the stage. Benjie's comedy is so funny because everyone can relate from his real life souther experiences.  With stories about NASCAR, marrying a city girl, and growing up in the middle of nowhere. All three of the comedians had audiences rolling in the aisle.  "We NEVER have comedians come to Clay County. This was amazing! Hope they come back again sooN!" said one audience member.



December 2006


Gift of the Magi


Director Lori Steele with cast members
John Thornhill and Robin Steele-Thornhill


    The Ashland Theatre presented their first ever live theatre performance from December 9th to December 17th 2006. The Gift of the Magi is a modern adaptation of the O'Henry classic Christmas story. It is a touching story about newly weds Della (played by Robin Steele-Thornhill) and Jim (played by John Thornhill). This imaginative couple is discovering it's a little harder than they thought to live off just love. Close to Christmas the couple hits the first snag in their new lives. While in pursuit of the perfect Christmas present for each other, they discover a greater treasure. The one act play was directed by Lori Steele.


    After the play there were several special guest musicians to perform including Mrs. Willingham, John Thornhill, and Trey Burroughs. Auditions of all ages enjoyed the first ever christmas show. The theatre had a gorgeous eight foot Christmas tree decked in purple, gree, and gold displayed in the lobby. From the purple poinsettias to the enchanting garlands with delicate white lights, the theatre was filled with a wonderful holiday spirit.

"The show was wonderful! It truely brought tears to my eyes!" Sheryl Bonner, Ashland,AL


"I can't believe what you have done with this place! Our entire family is excited about having a real theatre in town. Thanks for all you have done"
Belhair family, Anniston,AL.




November 25, 2006



The Ashland Theatre Grand Opening &
Ribbon Cutting


 

The Ashland Theatre, on the square in Ashland Alabama, celebrated its Grand Opening on November 25, 2007 with a ribbon cutting. The family members of Steelstar Productions were on hand to commerate the first of many performances in the newly restored historic theatre. The theatre was also given a very meaningful plaque with their first ever dollar from the Clay County Chamber of Commerce. Pictured above are L to R: John Thornhill, Robin Steele-Thornhill, Lani Steele, and Lori Steele.



                                      



Ashland Theatre Grand Opening
 a Success!

November 25, 2006

    The Historic Ashland Theatre opened it's curtain for the first time in over twenty years on Saturday.  The theatre buzzed with excitement while the audience arrived, who came from as far as Montgomery, Birmingham, and even Atlanta Georgia. 
   

    The first band to take the stage for the evenings entertainment was The Thornhill Trio from Montgomery, Alabama.  Robert B. Thornhill has been a local star with a solo act in Montgomery for many years.  As his sons John T. and Robert W. grew up and took an interest in music, the three began peforming together.  On Saturday, they were joined by a very talented family friend Josh White who accompanied them on bass.  This group had a beautiful chemistry that only comes with experience  and talent.  Playing favorites like Mind Your Own Business by Hank Williams, Butterfly Kisses, Remember When by Alan Jackson, and several others written by John T.

      Performing next was Trey Burroughs and Justin Cross, both of Ashland Alabama.  These talented guitarists and singers brought a different style and feel to the stage. Both performers  have had lots of experience leading worship in many local churches. They performed not only well known Christian songs, but also several that were written by the artists themselves.  Their music was well liked by the audience, and even had them singing along on several songs.  Being local guys, we hope to see much more of them in the future at the Ashland Theatre.

    Finally, to wrap up the show, Brandi Johnson and Mike Johnson both of Lineville Alabama performed. Brandi has been singing in church since she was a little girl and has been referred to as the "little girl with the big voice". This now 19 year old singer song writer is an amazing performer! Brandi had a comfort and confidence on stage and with her audience.  She sang  Me and Bobby Magee, O' Holy Night, and several original pieces. Her father, Mike Johnson, accompanied her on guitar and keyboard. Brandi is not just a pretty voice, but she can play a soulful  harmonica as well.

    The event was a success and those who were not in attendance missed out on an amazing concert.  A CD recording of the performance will be available for purchase in the near future.  The management of the Ashland Theatre hopes that the community takes advantage of a having quality entertainment right at their doorsteps. "We need the county's ongoing support in order to bring you what YOU want! Please let us know what we can do to make this a theatre you will be willing to visit reguarly and hopefully make a lifelong success," says Robin Steele-Thornhill, co-owner of the Historic Ashland Theatre.





                                John and Robert Thornhill of the Thornhill Trio
October 7, 2006


Ashland Theatre GRAND OPENING!

    The Ashland Theatre will be celebrating its Grand Opening on November 25, 2006 at 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Live Music Performances from bands like The Thornhill Trio from Montgomery, Trey Burroughs of Ashland , and Jack Witteven of Delta.  This event is FREE to the public.  Come early because seating will be limited. The first 250 audience members will have a chance to win one of the wonderful door prizes donated by our supporters.  Enjoy the music, popcorn, and drinks! Donations will be accepted to help the theatre raise money to buy a high definition screen for our audiences to enjoy movies on.  Come see the restoration of the theatre from start to finish. Also find out about rental opportunites for the community or organizations who are lookign for the perfect place for their next party or event! Come watch the curtain go up for the first time in over 20 years!




              

Ashland Theatre's own John Thornhill performed on the mainstage during the Clay County Centennial as well as at the  sneak peak of the restored theatre.

 


August 12, 2006


    Ashland Theatre Sneak Peak

    It was a monumental day for citizen of Clay County Alabama,  as they celebrated the centennial of the courthouse. The day was full of  special events such as the opening of the cornerstone time capsule, live music, games, food, arts and crafts, and thousands of people. During all the festivities the Ashland Theatre had its first ever sneak peak open house for the public. Hundreds of people took the opportunity to see how far the restoration had really gone. Some of the visitors had been watching the progress since last August, some hadnot  been inside the building since it had been a theatre over 20 years ago.  All agreed the transformation was amazing. "We are so pleasesd with the response from the community," said Robin Steele-Thornhill  co-owner of the New Ashland Theatre. "I especially enjoy seeing the kids come through today. Even though we aren't even finished yet, you can tell how excited they are! No one is used to having something like this in town!" Children and adults enjoyed touring the newly renovated facility as well as being the first to sit in the newly installed seats. A temporary screen was set up and projected movies so audiences could get a feel for what is to come. Dr. Steele and family even had the old popcorn machine running. The sights, sounds, and smells of a theatre drew a large crowd Saturday.  During the sneak peak the  Ashland Theatre unveiled the "Save Me a Seat!" campaign.  Clubs, families, churches, etc. can purchase a seat for $100 and have a plaque permanently engraved with their names.  This is a wonderful gift or memorial for loved ones.  "It really gives the community a chance to become part of what we are doing here," explained Lori Steele  co-owner of the theatre.  "This theatre will not be able to survive without the support of our community. And so far, from the response we have seen, we are going to be around for a very long time!"








August 2,2006
Ashland, Alabama

100th Anniversary Celebration!

    Join us on Saturday, August 12th 2006 at the Clay County Courthouse on the Square in Ashland Alabama.  There will be a full day of festivities!! Enjoy food, entertainment, historical displays, arts and crafts, Courthouse tours, and a collector trade show and sale. Excitment all starts at 10:00 AM. Fireworks begin at dark!

Please don't forget to stop by and visit the Ashland Theatre's very first sneak peak open house during the celebration! we have been working so hard to be ready for your first visit! We will have popcorn, entertainment, t-shirts,  and information about the theatre's future. Be the first in the county to sit in the newly installed theatre seats and be the first hear live music on our newly reconstructed stage! Dont miss it!!!





May 20, 2006

Ashland, Alabama

Mog South Visits the Restoration of the Ashland Theatre

    They came as far as Texas, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Georgia! They made quite the picture opportunity right outside the Ashland Theatre.

    Who were these unfamiliar people and their fancy cars?  About fifty members of the Mog South Group (a southern portion of the British Racing Car Club of Morgan Owners) visited Clay County earlier this summer.

    They were not only in town to ride the smooth beautiful roads of Clay County's backcountry and to taste that world famous Red's Catfish, they were also some of the first visitors to the newly restored Ashland Theatre . Bob Steele, owner of three Morgan's himself, was this years host for the Mog South Summer Meet. Bob arranged to have the Morgan visitors along with their beautiful British cars to have a peak at the restoration in progress. Each member greatly enjoyed seeing this new project of Bob's, especially the children. This also turned out to be a wonderful and unique photo opportunity. Everyone is excited to see how the project looks in the final stage, all have promised to return for opening night.