James Clemens Theatre opens “Alabama Rain” on Nov. 1

In its premiere production, James Clemens Theatre will present “Alabama Rain” on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.

Taylor Benson and Jessi Hicks perform in "Alabama Rain" (Photo courtesy of Amy Patel)

“We’re very nervous, because it’s our first performance ever. We want to make it amazing,” drama teacher and director Amy Patel said.

“Alabama Rain” by Heather McCutchen focuses on five sisters “living in a place where time hasn’t changed in 40 years,” cast member Amanda Jackson said. The trees, cemetery and old well have a spirit of their own. “The set comes to life, figuratively and literally.” Patel received permission from McCutchen to adapt the play for more actors.

Lead actors are Erica Hadaway (Pheenie), Taylor Benson (Laurie Laurie), Jessi Hicks (Monty Lou), Sandra Gates (Rachel), Erin Phillips (Dallas) and Meg Besaw/Julia Maynard (Laurie Laurie’s corpse).

Student directors are Bronte Miller and Breanna Cartrette. Student tech director is Matt Herrell.

Portraying Trees are Spencer Shafer, Isaac Shafer, Allie Nash, Zach Nash, Bekah Dunn and Greg Buszka. Actors at The Well are Colton Pearson, Tucker Pearson, Lexi Mecikalski, Skyler Mittman, Samuel Sandstrom, Kyle Mayfield and Tori Korte.

Megan Mayfield portrays Mother; Katelyn Jenkins, Samantha Porter, Chris Pate and Emma Boudreaux, cemetery; and Jhayda Howard as Amanda Jackson.

“We are the ‘shoes to fill,'” Tucker Pearson said. “We’re excited and nervous. We want to set the bar high, but we don’t want to crash and burn either.”

The audience will experience James Clemens’ auditorium, which Jessie Hicks described as “classy, not typical and really modern.”

“We’re starting from scratch,” Patel said. “We walked into our auditorium on Oct. 1 — one month before our first show. Most students are ninth- and tenth-graders. Half onstage and backstage have never done a show.”

“We’re forming our identity. I’m incredibly impressed by the students. We’ve gotten tremendous support from parents, administration and other teachers,” Patel said.

Show time is Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and will include individual events for district Trumbauer competition. Tickets are $5, available at the door or online at showtix.4u.com.

For more information, call 256-216-5313, ext. 95135, send email to appatel@madisoncity.k12.al.us or visit Facebook/James Clemens Theatre.