Neesey Payne
There is something to be said about not despising small beginnings.
Adaire Theatre had a small start; just seven years ago the theatre company was only doing one production every summer on stage in the Little Theatre at Pulaski County High School. Now the company is gaining momentum – putting on seven productions every year and has no plans of stopping.
“The goal is to be a source of continual entertainment in the New River Valley. It’s taken us a little while to get to this place, but we’re heading in the right direction,” said Kendall Payne, founder of Adaire Theatre.
As the productions have increased, so are the demands it will take to put on each performance. Currently Adaire Theatre is raising money to purchase mics. It’s an investment that’s going to cost $25,000. They’re hoping to raise all the money by the start of their next season in June 2020.
“The actors work so hard for every performance, and we have so many dedicated audience members. We want to make sure everyone is having a quality experience at all of our shows, and having good, quality sound is a part of that” said Keith Patrick McCoy, associate artistic director for Adaire Theatre.
“We’re a non-profit organization, so every little bit helps. That’s why it means so much when we fill every seat at the Elks Lodge. We are really pushing to make this happen because it’s about the larger goal of bringing life back to Main Street. I believe with our community backing us with our fundraising efforts, we can make it happen,” Payne said.
Adaire Theatre is just days away from their fall production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Payne said he’s been getting a lot of questions about it, and he’s setting the record straight.
“We promise, it’s really not a scary show. In fact, it’s everything but that,” he said. Payne explained that when choosing a fall production, this one just seemed like the perfect fit for this time of year.
The show is about a nerdy flower shop worker named Seymour who would do anything to make his co-worker, Audrey, fall in love with him. However, his desire for Audrey is tested after an unusual plant, he names Audrey II, is added to the shop. The plant not only causes the once struggling flower shop to become quite popular, but Seymour finally gains the affection of his beloved Audrey. The bad news is, the plant only feeds on human flesh and blood, and now Seymour must make a decision between maintaining his newfound popularity and saving the world from the alien plant.
“It’s really fun. There’s great music, lots of funny lines, and you’re definitely going to love the doo-wop girls,” McCoy said.
“Little Shop of Horrors” is a show that’s very familiar to Payne. He played Seymour during his final senior show at Pulaski County High School.
“That was years ago! I loved the show then, and I still love it now. I think it’s going to be even more fun this time around,” Payne said.
“Little Shop of Horrors” will take place November 1-3 at the Pulaski Elks Lodge. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at the door; however, because seating is limited, Adaire Theatre is encouraging people to buy their tickets online to secure their seat. For more information go to adairetheatre.org.
Also, if you would like to make a donation toward Adaire Theatre’s mic fundraiser, email Payne at adairetheatre@gmail.com.
