Panola Playhouse Theatrical Awards Gala, 2015

COMO, Miss. – The historic Panola Playhouse of Sardis, Mississippi officially wrapped up its 2014 season this past Friday, February 27, at 211 Main in Como by celebrating and rewarding the success of the past season’s shows with the first annual Panola Playhouse Theatrical Awards. The gala consisted of hors d’oeuvres and performances from productions done during the season, as well as awards, and culminated with karaoke and dancing.

There was also a special announcement made during the ceremony that evoked excitement among the attending crowd, and is sure to create a buzz in the community once the news makes its way through the small-town businesses and sleepy streets of Sardis: Panola Playhouse has intentions to buy the storefronts with whom it shares its street address, and renovate the buildings into amenities such as scene shops and rehearsal spaces, including a dance studio. The refurbishing would also include projects such as expanding the stage and the backstage area, including dressing rooms and costume shops, and create more seating for the audiences.

After 52 years of operation, Panola Playhouse finally held an awards ceremony.

“We decided that we wanted to have something…to reward people for the season and their hard work and dedication for the past season,” Janine Marshall, executive director of Panola Playhouse stated.

The program began with the distribution of lighthearted and comical awards. Awards were given out for categories such as “Worst Sound Operator,” “Most Likely to Misuse a Prop,” and “Most Likely to Fall Flat on Her Face,” (the recipient was a young actress who had tripped and fallen onstage during a performance). The night then moved on to the more serious categories, such as Best Leading Actor in a Play, Best Featured Actress, Best Set, Best Overall Cast, and other major points of focus.

Panola Playhouse board member Wesley Williamson, who directed two of the five shows that the playhouse presented in the 2014 season, was pleased with the success of the night for the Playhouse, and for the success of the shows in which he had a hand. “We won for Best Cameo…and “Seussical (Jr.)” won for Best Leading Actor age 13-17,” Williamson said.

Williamson is also slated to direct Panola’s upcoming production of “Father Knows Best” in the 2015 season. “Rehearsals will begin on March 30, and then the show runs May 8 through the 17.”

Emily Chateau, an actress from the Memphis area who was nominated for Best Featured Actress for her role in Panola’s production of “Meet Me in St. Louis” said of the reception, “I think it’s great. Panola Playhouse has been around for a long time and for them to finally have an awards ceremony to celebrate their season, I think it’s a great idea and they should do it every year.”

There is good news for Chateau and others who may share her opinion.

“Oh, yes. Every year,” Marshall said when asked if the playhouse had plans for awards ceremonies in the future.

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