Fine Linen Theatre is gearing up for its upcoming fall and winter season and promises something for everyone, from an all kids performance of “Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR.” to a historically significant drama in “All is Calm.”
The season kicks off with "Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.," opening September 26 at the Cedar Street Playhouse. The musical, based on the educational Saturday morning cartoons from the 1970s, will feature 65 local children across six performances. Beyond the stage, Fine Linen will also bring the production directly to Rolla Middle School through special assemblies for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders.
Following, "Little Women: The Musical" opens Oct. 24 with a cast of approximately 20 actors. The production will also feature a special partnership with Rolla Public Library, which plans to host a Little Women book club to discuss the novel, along with other fun events. Fans can look forward to "Tea with Marmee" featuring discussions with cast members, plus children's activities and story time with characters Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth. Performances will start Friday, Oct. 24 and run through early November. Visit https://www.finelinentheatre.com/little-women.html for more information.
The season’s more bittersweet production is to open Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. “All is Calm” is about the true story of the 1914 Christmas truce between British and German troops during World War I. The acapella musical is told in the words and songs of the men who lived it, originally created by Peter Rothstein. There will be 18 actors featured in the production, ranging in age from 17 to 70.
Auditions for "Fiddler on the Roof" are scheduled to begin Oct. 10-11, with the production set to premiere in March at Leach Theatre as the company's major spring musical. Rehearsals start early to encourage participation from all within the community who would like to partake in the passion of theater. Information on how to audition for “Fiddler on the Roof” can be found at https://www.finelinentheatre.com/fiddler-auditions.html.
"We try to provide a variety of opportunities," explained Kim Nisbett, discussing how Fine Linen selects its productions. "With community theater, there's two major components—the audience and the actual artists involved. We want to provide opportunities for local artists to participate across a variety of ages, while also offering productions that both kids and adults will enjoy."
When asked to pick a production she’s most excited for this coming season, Nisbett shared that, “It’s like asking me which one is my favorite kid! They’re just all a lot of fun.”
Fine Linen Theatre regularly incorporates components to facilitate communication with the community, such as talk-back sessions. Previously, Fine Linen put on a production of “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” a story about the Holocaust, during which a talk-back session was hosted after each performance featuring Holocaust expert Dr. Shannon Fog. Similarly, for "All is Calm," directors plan to have veterans and historical experts lead discussions after performances.
"You have two groups of people literally shooting at each other that stopped for a night to come together and recognize they have more in common than they do differences," Nisbett said about "All is Calm." "I find that very beautiful and encouraging."
The theater continues to draw impressive community participation. Last year's "Annie" attracted 130 auditioners, while "Little Women" brought in 60 people vying for just 20 roles. Nisbett noted that about one-third of every production includes newcomers who haven't previously performed with Fine Linen.
“Here we are in the middle of Missouri, a very rural area, and there is so much talent here,” shared Nisbett on the audition process. “We always have more than we need—which is sad, because then some people don’t get cast. But the amount of talent—the things they are able to put together are just phenomenal. It’s always a treat working with these wonderful people in the community.”
Beyond the upcoming season, Fine Linen Theatre is also in the midst of something else exciting—moving into a new home. The recently purchased former Vessel’s Fitness Center will soon be the main location for the building of productions. The space is undergoing renovations and being transformed into what will be Chymiak Linen Mill, named after and honoring major donors and supporters Ken and Susan Chymiak.
“It goes in with our ‘Fine Linen’ theme—the linen mill is where everything is woven together, and where we can create things,” said Nisbett.
The facility is being renovated to include dedicated choreography, music, and art studios, along with workshop space, storage, and gallery areas. While performances will still take place at Cedar Street Playhouse and Leach Theatre, the new facility serves as the creative hub where costumes, sets, and productions come together.
“We’re very excited and thankful to the community for supporting us,” shared Nisbett, on the progress of Finen Linen Theatre’s Capital Campaign. “The building is currently paid for, but we still need to raise money for renovations.”
