Box 1023, Salado, TX 76571; Email: lrts@lrtsalado.org
Phone, 254-947-3104; Web site: www.lrtsalado.org
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LIVING ROOM THEATRE OF SALADO Updated 8/01/08
The Living Room Theatre of Salado (TX) is a non-profit organization producing shows in local living rooms, emphasizing authors, actors, and audiences rather than production values like scenery, lighting, costumes, props, etc.
The Judy & A. C. Greene Festival was presented annually during the month of June from 1999 through 2007.
For the first five years, original unpublished works were presented in competition. Thereafter, only published works featuring published Texas authors have been presented. All shows are adapted and directed by Dr. Ramon Carver.
The Living Room Theatre
First season, 1996-97
Two short stories by A. C. Greene, The Highland Park Woman and The Rangers Raid on Happy Bottom, Texas, featured Judy Greene & Ramon Carver (Adapter) at the homes of Doug Willingham (Salado), Sunny Wilson (Temple), and Pete & Jo Ann Jennings (Salado). The show was also performed at the Aztec Theater in Albany, Texas.
Ramon Carver’s dramatic monologues, Profiles of Texans, featured Margaret Anne & Paul Lara, Libba Skarnulis, Pete Jennings, Judy Greene, and Dempsey Stripling at the homes of Paul & Mary Jean Boston (Salado), Bill & Katherine Wende (Salado), and Mary Hill (Salado).
A new play, Sentimental Journey, by Mike Boren, featured Don & Lucia Hale at the home of Vic & Peggy Means (Salado) and in the Meadows Auditorium of the Salado Civic Center. The show was also performed at the Neighborhood Theatre of Round Rock.
Second season (1997-98):
Harry Wilmer’s television scenario, People Need People, featured Gary Gosney, Gary Askins, and Paul Lara, at the Range Restaurant (Salado) (hosted by Dave & Katie Herrman) and in the homes of Steve & Mary Catherine Ervin (Salado), Blanche Kevlin (Salado), and Jim Pringle (Salado).
Original dramatic monologues by Ramon Carver entitled “When Times Get Tough, You Can Adjust or You Can Adjust”, featured Carolyn Britt, Judy Greene, Mary Hill, Margaret Anne Lara, and Shirley Pinkston performing works by Carolyn Britt, Judy Greene, Shirley Pinkston, Mary Ann Taylor, and Donna Walker-Nixon, at Fletcher’s bookstore (Salado) and in homes of Mary Hill (Salado), Sunny Wilson (Temple), and Harley & Millie Grimm (Salado).
Horton Foote’s play, Dividing the Estate, featured Lilla Barnes, David Barton, Gary Bradford, Kathy Butler, Judy Greene, Shirley Pinkston, Doug Willingham, Melodie Gilliam, and Karen Worden, in homes of Ann Hughes (Salado), Bob & B. J. McConnell (Salado), and Bill & Shirley Pinkston (Salado).
My Friend, Zelma, an adaptation of Sojourner at Cross Creek, Liz Silverthorne’s biography of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlins, featured Kathy Butler and Ramon Carver, in homes of Don & Micki Ellis (Salado), Patty Campbell (Salado), and Harry & Jane Wilmer (Salado).
1998-99 Season:
Scenes from Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey’s A Woman of Independent Means, featured Judy Greene & Shirley Pinkston, in the homes of Bob Cottle (Salado), Ruth Howe (Salado), Jeanne & Charles Barrier (Salado), and Carolyn & Darwin Britt (Salado).
The Journey To Summers Mill, based on The Uncharted Journey of Macy Moore Dickenson by Claudia Holland, Linda Pipes, and Mildred Beaman, featured Lilla Barnes and Bill Jones in the homes of Sunny Wilson (Temple), Bob & Jennie Shull (Temple), Mary Jean & Paul Boston (Salado), and Anita & Joe Holt (Salado).
An adaptation of Ramsey Yelvington’s A Cloud of Witnesses [The Drama of the Alamo], featured Gary Askins, Ramon Carver and Marilyn Widell-Legge in the homes of Vic & Peggy Means (Salado), Bill & Shirley Pinkston (Salado), and Bill & Ann Messer (Belton).
THE FIRST ANNUAL JUDY AND A. C. GREENE LITERARY FESTIVAL, 1999 was produced in the homes of Ann Hughes (Salado), Anna Lou & Lewis Raney (Salado), Margaret & Mike Williamson (Salado), Joan & Chine Ray (Salado), and a party in the home of Judy & A. C. Greene, following the final performance in the Salado Civic Center. Authors, play titles, directors & performers were Jan Epton Seale’s Love Until Friday, directed by Don Hale, featured Don & Lucia Hale; Lianne Mercer’s Addie’s War (The Festival’s winning entry), directed by Gary Askins, featured Mary Jean & Paul Boston, Anita Holt, Bill & Susan Jones, and Jane Wilmer; Lilla Barnes’ The Stonelifter, directed by Lilla Barnes, featured Lilla Barnes & Jo Ann Muchmore and Ann McVey’s How to Know You’re a Dad, directed by Paul Lara, featured Kathy Butler & Paul Lara; Tom Doyal’s Hello, Mother, directed by Daryl Worley, featured Carolyn Britt & Mary Hill; and Aunt Eudie the Dowser, directed by Daryl Worley, featured Carolyn Britt, Gregory Dachs, Mary Hill, Shirley & Bill Pinkston; Phyllis Allen’s After Love, directed by Phyllis Allen, featured Lawrence Varnado, Jr., Michael Price, Jeaneanne Livingston, and Greg Johnson. Marshall Terry, Professor of English and Creative Writing at SMU, was critic/adjudicator for the Festival.
1999-2000 Season:
Two short stories on a Christmas theme by A. C. Greene, Angels on I-35 and Cutting the Tree featured David Barton, Patty Campbell, Joe Holt, and Katherine Wende in the homes of Betty & Bob Kennedy (Belton), Connie Tatum & Doug Mourer (Salado), Shirley Courtney (Temple), and Jackie & Speedy Simmons (Salado).
January through December, 2000: A touring sesquicentennial show: “I Did Not Kill Mr. Weatherby,” a two-character show about one of the last hangings in Bell County in 1922, by Ramon Carver, was performed thirteen times in Bell County by ensembles including Lilla Barnes, Connie & Bill Blowers, Paul & Mary Jean Boston, Darwin & Carolyn Britt, Richard & Peggy Dillard, George Fremin & Linda Pritchard, Judy Greene & Ramon Carver, Bill & Shirley Pinkston, Merle Stalcup & Karen Walker.
A Revival of the 1998-99 Judy & A. C. Greene Festival’s Prizewinning Story, Addie’s War by Lianne Mercer, featured the original Festival performance director, Gary Atkins, and cast in the homes of Anita & Joe Holt (Salado), Carlos & Therese Verdonk (Temple), Karen Walker & Merle Stalcup (Salado), and Charlotte & Dale Douglass (Salado).
Four short-short stories by Kate Alma Orgain, Old Nelson, Commencement, Jack, and The Saloon that Didn’t Stay!, entitled Salado Stories, featured Richard Dillard, Judy Greene, and Shirley Pinkston, performed at the home of Connie & Bill Blowers (Temple), the Range at the Barton House (Salado) with hosts Katie & Dave Herrman, The Inn at Salado with hosts Suzanne & Rob Petro, Virginia’s Antiques (Salado) with hosts Virginia Matthews and Karen Kinnison, and the Creekside Restaurant (Salado) under the sponsorship of the Mill Creek Community Assn., Chine Ray, President.
THE SECOND ANNUAL JUDY AND A. C. GREENE LITERARY FESTIVAL 2000 was produced with support from The National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Austin Writers League. On Wednesday, June 7, the show was Out Of Season by Philip Watson, in the home of Katherine & Bill Wende (Salado). The Actor/Director was Richard Dillard, and actors were Beth Correa and Marilyn Ritchie. Guests of Honor were the Author and Critic/Judge. Facilitator was Jeanne Barrier. On Thursday, June 8, the show was The Principal Thing by Geneva Fulghum, in the home of Susan & Len Krals (Salado). The Actor/Director was Theresa Holloway, and actors were Mary Jean Boston, Bill Pinkston, Max Chance, and Mary Hill. Guests Of Honor were the Author, Festival Trophy Designer, and LRTS Logo Designer. Facilitator was Liz Silverthorne. On Friday, June 9, the show was Leaving Giliad by Pat Carr (The Festival’s winning entry), at the home of Ann & Don Gravink (Salado). Actor/Director was Lilla Barnes, and actors were Shirley Pinkston and Shawn Tolbert. Guests of Honor were the Author, Patrons of the Festival, and Manuscript Readers. Facilitator was Mary Catherine Ervin. On Saturday, June 10, in the Salado Civic Center, the show was It’s My Turn by William Watson. The Actor/Director was Gary Holthaus, and actors were Ben Coldicutt, Joe Holt, and Bill Jones. Guests Of Honor were the Author, Festival Advisory Committee, Sponsors & LRTS Board of Producers. The Facilitator was Marilyn Brewer.
Critic/Judge for the Festival was Dr. Jeff Koep, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Professor of Theatre at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Box Office Manager: Shirley Pinkston; Manuscript Readers: Patty Benoit, Mary Ann Taylor; Trophy designed by Troy Kelley; LRTS Logo designed by Bill Pinkston; Facilitator/Arrangements: Carolyn Britt; Staff Supervisor: Jane Wilmer
2000-01 Season:
It’s the Law! A short story by James Ward Lee, featured an all male cast, Charles Barrier, John Bonnet, Paul Boston, Joe Holt, and Bill Pinkston in homes on October 2-5: James & Susan Mohon (Salado), Alma & J. L. Montgomery, Ann Faber (Salado), and Beverly & John Bonnet (Temple)
Tea at the Adolphus by Judy Greene, featured the author and her daughter, Leslie Hyland, on January 20 & 21, 2pm, at the homes of Loraine Attridge and Carol & James Walls, and at 7pm on January 21 and February 24, The Royal Street Provision Country Inn (Salado), and the Greene’s Living Room.
A Revival of the Prizewinning Entry for The Judy & A. C. Greene Literary Festival 2000, Leaving Gilead, By Pat Carr, featured the director, Lilla Barnes, and actors Shawn Tolbert and Shirley Pinkston on March 6, 8, and 9 in homes of Linda & Wade Knight (Temple), Doug Willingham (Salado), Barclay & Sammey McCort, (Salado).
A special production of Circling Back: Custer, Indians, and Echoes, was premiered on Saturday, May 12, at 2 p.m. in the Salado Civic Center, performed by the author, Gary Holthaus, and Ramon Carver, to benefit the Living Room Theatre’s annual Greene Literary Festival scheduled for June.
THE THIRD ANNUAL JUDY AND A. C. GREENE LITERARY FESTIVAL, 2001 was produced with support from The National Endowment for the Arts and the Texas Commission on the Arts by The Living Room Theatre of Salado, Texas; Festival Manager: Ramon Carver; Master Of Ceremonies, LRTS President: Shirley Pinkston. Wednesday, June 6, 7pm, The Living Room of Paul & Mary Jean Boston: Leaving on the Wind by Jim Finley, featured Don Hale (Director), Jim Parker, Brian Engel; Facilitator, Jeanne Barrier, Guests Of Honor: The Author and Critic/Judge; Thursday, June 7, 7pm, The Garden of Rita and Allen Rice; The Game by Lianne Mercer, featuredShelley Jenkins (Director), Darwin Britt, Joe Holt, Brent Jenkins; Facilitator, Mary Catherine Ervin, Guests Of Honor: The Author and Patrons of the Festival; Friday, June 8, 7pm, the home of Shirley & Mike Cornett; I Used to be a Brooklyn Dodger by Charles Stites [the Prizewinning entry] Directed by Harry Sweet, featured Charles Barrier, Merle Stalcup, and Robert Ndegwa. Facilitator, Linda Prichard, Guests Of Honor: The Author and the Festival Advisory Committee. Saturday, June 9, 7pm, The First State Bank of Salado, Continuity by Elmer Kelton, featured an Awards Program and Performance, with Richard Dillard, Paul Boston, Jan Hart, and Jacky Dumas; Facilitator: Liz Silverthorne, Guests Of Honor: the Author and the Producers of the Living Room Theatre. Following the Performance and Awards Ceremony, the audience was invited to the Festival Party at the home of Judy & A. C. Greene. Festival Critic/Judge, Judyth Rigler, San Antonio, conducted a ten-minute critique following each performance. Ms Rigler also determined the first place recipient of a trophy and $1,250 presented at the Saturday performance. All finalists received $250.
Box Office Manager: Shirley Pinkston; Manuscript Readers: Donna Walker-Nixon, Mary Ann Taylor; Trophy designed by Troy Kelley; LRTS Logo designed by Bill Pinkston; Facilitator/Arrangements: Patty Campbell; Staff Supervisor: Jane Wilmer; House Manager: Mary Hill; Properties: Joe Holt, Bill Pinkston
2001-2002 Season:
Premiere of Donna Walker-Nixon’s short story, The Family’s Good Name, performed by Ruth Howe, Vic Means, and Joan Ward, in the homes of Shirley Courtney (Temple), Bob Cottle (Salado), and Ruth Howe (Salado), Nov. 13, 14, & 15.
A revival of I Used to be a Brooklyn Dodger by Charles Stites [the 2001 Greene Festival Prizewinning entry] featured Charles Barrier, Merle Stalcup, and Jonathon Parker, was performed on February 4,5,6, in the following living rooms: Debbie & Scott Allen (Temple), Carolyn & Darwin Britt (Salado), and Theresa & Albert Tolbert (Salado).
The Only Good Yankee by Austin novelist, Jeff Abbott, featured Cliff Brown, Peggy Dillard, Richard Dillard, Leanna Skarnulis, Claudia Scarborough, and Karen Walker-Stalcup, in homes of Gwen & Joe Morrison (Salado), Pat Roeder (Belton), Barclay McCort (Salado), and Sue Mayborn (Temple) March 11-14.
THE FOURTH ANNUAL JUDY & A. C. GREENE LITERARY FESTIVAL, 2002 was produced with support from the NEA, TCA, and WLT. Festival Manaager & Artistic Director was Ramon Carver, and LRTS President Paul Boston was Master of Ceremonies. Annie and the Church of the Loving Spirit by Mary Cimarolli premiered on Wednesday, June 5, 7pm, at Tenroc Ranch, Salado, with hosts Mike and Shirley Cornett. Facilitator was Mary Catherine Ervin, House Manaager was Charles Barrier, and the actors were Shannon Ashe, Lilla Barnes, Richard Dillard, Buzz Rahm, and Jennifer Smith. Guests of honor were the Author, Manuscript Readers, and Critic/Judge. The second show [and winner of the Festival first prize] was Of Murder, Mayhem and Magnolias by Tanya Williamson, on Thursday, June 6, at 7pm, with hosts Doris & Robert Denman at thieir home, 1508 Old Mill Rd., Salado. Facilitator was Jeanne Barrier, and House Manager was Merle Stalcup. Actors were Carolyn Britt, Alayne Fuller-Ramsden, and Rita Rice. Guests of Honor were the Author, Festival Trophy Designer, and LRTS Logo & Poster Designer. The final show was The Parlor by Marilyn Komechak on Friday, June 7, 7pm, in the lobby of the First State Bank of Salado, David Matthews, President. Facilitator was Linda Prichard, and House Manager was Vic Means. Actors were Charlotte Douglass, Theron Palmer, Joan Ray, and Joan Ward. Guests of Honor were the Author and Patrons of the Festival. On Saturday, June 8, 7pm at the Royal Street Provision in Salado, Guest Author Robert Flynn read his essay, Growing up a Sullen Baptist. Then an adaptation of his Marching to Zion: Thurston & Elaine Morton’s Tour of the Holy Land with Brother Jerry with actors Charles Barrier, John Bonnet, Tim Fleischer, and Bill Pinkston. An Acknowledgement of A. C. Greene was read by Dr. Christopher Ohan, Archivist of the Greene Collection. Scenes from shows by the three finalists were presented featured Lilla Barnes, Carolyn Britt, Richard Dillard, Charlotte Douglass, Joan Ray, and Rita Rice. Hosts were Chris Hale and Alice Wells. Facilitator was Patty Campbell, and Guests of Honor were the Author, the Festival Advisory Committee, Sponsors, and the LRTS Board of Producers.
Following the Critique and Awards Ceremony, the audience was invited to a party on the terrace of the ranch house hosted by LRTS Producers. The following individuals and organizations supported the Festival: Kings Daughters’ Hospital, Cathy’s Café, Charles & Jeanne Barrier, Patty Benoit & Weldon Cannon, Paul & Mary Jean Boston, Carolyn & Darwin Britt, Shirley Courtney, Maqry Hill, Anita & Joe Holt, Margaret & Paul Lara, Peggy and Vic Means, Shirley & Bill Pinkston, Jane & Harry Wilmer.
Festival Critic/Judge: Dr. Beth Kizer, Emeritus Professor of Speech, University of Missouri
Living Room Theatre of Salado Producers: Paul Boston, President; Judy Greene, Vice President; Joe Holt, Secretary; and Ramon Carver, Treasurer. Board Members are Carolyn Britt, Patty Campbell, Shirley Courtney, Richard Dillard, Mary Hill, Joe Holt, Vic Means, Shirley Pinkston, and Jane Wilmer Advisory Committee: Vic Means (Chair), Patty Benoit, Ben Coldicutt, Shirley Courtney, Bill Pinkston, Merle Stalcup, and Ramon Carver (Ex Officio) Box Office Managers: Bill & Shirley Pinkston; Manuscript Readers: Patty Benoit, Lianne Mercer; Trophy designed by Troy Kelley; Festival Logo and Posters designed by Bill Pinkston; Facilitator Coordinator: Patty Campbell; Arrangements: Carolyn Britt; Staff Supervisor: Jane Wilmer House Manager: Mary Hill; Book Sales: Patty Campbell, Mary Jean Boston, Patty Benoit Properties: Charles Barrier, Joe Holt, Bill Pinkston, Merle Stalcup
2002-2003 Season: Premiere of a new play by Judy Greene, Past Tense, featured the author, Mary Jean Boston, and Shirley Pinkston, introduced by Gwen Morrison, and performed at the homes of Linda & Mickey Rawls, Gwen & Joe Morrison, and Margaret & Mike Williamson (Salado) Oct. 14-16.
An adaptation of Angels Prostate Fall by SMU professor/author, Marshall Terry, featured Richard Dillard and Don Gravink, introduced by Charlie Barrier, performed at the Royal Street Provision, and in the homes of Mike & T9e Cooper, and, Rena & Clint Baisden, on January 13-15.
A revival of Of Murder, Mayhem and Magnolias by Tanya Williamson [The 2002 Greene Festival Prizewinning entry] featured Carolyn Britt, Alayne Fuller-Ramsden, and Rita Rice, introduced by Steve Irvin, performed in St. Joseph’s Chapel, Salado, and in the homes of Pat Roeder and Shirley & Bill Pinkston, April 7-9.
THE FIFTH ANNUAL JUDY AND A. C. GREENE LITERARY FESTIVAL, June 4-7, 2003,Produced by The Living Room Theatre of Salado, Texas With Support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the Writers League of Texas, and the Salado Tourism Council. The purpose of the Festival is the development of unpublished new works by Texas writers. The Festival is named in honor of Texas author A. C. Greene and his wife, Judy. The Festival manager & director was Ramon Carver and Master of Ceremonies was Charles Barrier
Wednesday, June 4, 7 pm, at the home of Joan & Chine Ray, 601 Willow Creek Rd.: Unintended Consequences of Our Brothers, a short story by Phyllis Allen, featured Phyllis Allen and Richard Dillard. House Manager: Vic Means
Guests Of Honor: The Author and Designers of Festival Award and Posters. Thursday, June 6, 7 pm, at the home of Katherine Tyson, 601 Baines Rd.: A Hole in the Heart, a short story by Fred Afflerbach featured Fred Afflerbach, Lilla Barnes, Kevin Bloomfield, Cameron Burk, and Mike D’Amelio. House Manager: Merle Stalcup. Guests Of Honor: The Author and Readers of Manuscripts. Friday, June 6, 7 pm, at the home of Lynda & Jerry O’Rear, 4971 FM 2843: Billy Bob’s Garage, a short story by Mary Cimarolli featured April Allen, Tom McGlasson, and Buzz Rahm. House Manager: Richard Dillard. Guests Of Honor: The Author and LRTS Board of Directors and Advisors
Saturday, June 7, at 7 pm in the First State Bank of Salado, David Matthews, President, An excerpt from Roseborough, a new novel by Jane Roberts Wood was performed by Ann Faber, Barbara Harper, and Dawn Orange, and My Mother had a Maid, a short story by Jane Roberts Wood featured Brandon Jarratt, Shirley & Bill Pinkston, and Joan Ward
Scenes from shows by the three finalists were performed and an award and prize for best entry by a Finalist were presented
Facilitator: Shirley Courtney House Manager: Paul Boston Guests Of Honor: The Author, Patrons of the Festival
Following the Awards Ceremony, the audience is invited to a party hosted by LRTS Producers.
The Festival Critic/Judge is Ms. Fran Vick, retired director and co-founder of the University of North Texas
Press. She will determine the first place recipient of a trophy and $1,250. All finalists receive $250.
Patron Sponsor: Kings Daughters’ Hospital. Patrons: Charles & Jeanne Barrier, Patty Benoit & Weldon Cannon, Paul & Mary Jean Boston, Carolyn & Darwin Britt, Shirley Courtney, Mary Hill, Anita & Joe Holt, Margaret Anne & Paul Lara, Peggy & Vic Means, Shirley & Bill Pinkston, Jane & Harry Wilmer. SponsorS: Cathy’s Boardwalk Café, The Mansion of Salado. Living Room Theatre of Salado Producers: Joe Holt, President; Judy Greene, Vice President; Richard Dillard, Secretary; and Ramon Carver, Treasurer. Board Members are Charles Barrier, Paul Boston, Carolyn Britt, Patty Campbell, Shirley Courtney, Mary Hill, Vic Means, Shirley Pinkston, and Jane Wilmer. Advisory Committee: Vic Means (Chair), Patty Benoit, Ben Coldicutt, Shirley Courtney, Bill Pinkston, Merle Stalcup, and Ramon Carver (Ex Officio) . Box Office Managers: Bill & Shirley Pinkston. Manuscript Readers: Patty Benoit, Leanna Skarnulis. Trophy designed by Troy Kelley. Festival Logo and Posters designed by Bill Pinkston. acillitators: Patty Campbell, Shirley Courtney, Shirley Pinkston. Arrangements: Carolyn Britt, Judy Greene. Program: Jane Wilmer& Mary Hill. Book Sales: Patty Campbell, Patty Benoit. Properties: Mary Hill, Vic Means, Bill Pinkston, Merle Stalcup
2003-2004 Season
The first show of the 3003-3004 season was Our Town by Thornton Wilder, featuring students of Richard Dillard, director, as well as local actors and singers: Patty Cambell, Beth Correa, Mike D’Amelio, Peggy Dillard, Linda Goodenough, Judy Greene, Kylie Kelder, Jim Knott, Tom McGlassen, Bobby Pinkston, Buzz Rahm, Jennifer Smith, Meg Stone, Alan Uriabe, Roland Uribe, Jimmie Vernon, Meg Zabzik. Performances were held at the Salado Civic Center on Nov.21, 22, at 7 pm each evening.
The Final Report from the Co-Chair of the Committee in Charge of Christmas Decorations, a new comedy by Till Tatum, featured Charles & Jeanne Barrier, Paul & Mary Jean Boston, Mary Hill, Rita Oden, Betsy Tyson, and Jane Wilmer. Dates & hosts for performances at 7 pm each night: December. 14, Martha & Charles McCarter, the 15, Betsy & Knox Tyson, and the 17, Sue Mayborn.
A Revival of the prizewinning play for the Judy & A. C. Greene Literary Festival 2003, Unintended Consequences of Our Fathers by Phyllis Allen, featured Richard Dillard & Joan Ward, directed by Ramon Carver. Dates & hosts for performances at 7 pm each night: February 9, Joan & Ben Ward, Feb. 10, Jean Moran, and Feb. 11, Bettye & Bob Kennedy.
Orpheus in Austin, a new play, authored and directed by Ramon Carver from a story by Mike Boren, featured Penny & Grainger Esch, and was performed at 7 pm each evening at the following homes: April 5, Dottie & Bill Kyle, April 6, Tim & Marilyn Fleischer, and April 7, Therese & Carlos Verdonk.
THE SIXTH ANNUAL GREENE FESTIVAL 2004 was produced by the Living Room Theatre with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the Writers League of Texas, the Salado Tourism Council, and the Salado Auxiliary of the Chamber of Commerce. was Joe Holt.
The following scenes were directed from books authored by guest speakers and presented in the Salado Civic Center.Thursday, June 3, 7 pm, Now May You Weep, a novel by Deborah Crombie featured Kathy Reed-Baker, Don Gravink, and Pat Roeder on June 3, 7 pm, in the Salado Civic Center. A reception followed the event at the home of Gwen & Joe Morrison, Friday, June 4, 7 pm, Lone Star Literature – A Texas Anthology, edited by Don Graham with selections by Rafael Castillo, Shelby Hearon, Mary Karr, Larry L. King, John A. Lomax, Harryette Mullen, & William A Owens and featuring Mary Jean Boston, Greg Faber, Chuck McCarter, Tom McGlasson, Gwen Morrison, Buzz Rahm, & Jack Shrock. A reception followed the event at the home of Chuck & Martha McCarter. Saturday, June 5, at 7 pm, a performance was held in the First State Bank of Salado (David Matthews, President) with a Festival Party following at the Stonecreek Settlement hosted by LRTS ProducersThe Saturday evening show was a collection of ten scenes edited and directed by Ramon Carver entitled,“You Said What?” [as a Response to the title of the concurrent Writers League of Texas Retreat directed by Bill Sibley: “He Said, She Said – Say What?”] authored by writers enrolled in the WLT Retreat, June 4, 5, 6. Members of the Greene Festival Acting Company: Kathy Baker, Zoe Baker, Jeanne Barrier, Charles Barrier, Paul Boston, Patty Campbell, Charlotte Douglass, Grainger Esch, Penny Esch, Don Gravink, Joe Holt, Ruth Howe, Hulda Horton, Bob Kennedy, Vic Means, Chine Ray, Joan Ray, Leanna Skarnulis, Jennifer Smith, Merle Stalcup, Ann Symank, Karen Walker, Betsy Tyson, and Joan Ward. Festival Sponsors: Cathy’s Boardwalk Café, The Mansion of Salado, & Uncommon Grounds Café.
Living Room Theatre of Salado Producers: Richard Dillard, President; Judy Greene, Vice President; Charles Barrier, Secretary; and Ramon Carver, Treasurer. Other Board Members: Paul Boston, Carolyn Britt, Patty Campbell, Shirley Courtney, Mary Hill, Vic Means, Shirley Pinkston, & Jane Wilmer. Advisory Committee: Vic Means, Chair, Charles Barrier, Shirley Courtney, Bill Pinkston, & Merle Stalcup. Box Office Manager: Hulda Horton; Festival Logo and Posters Designed by Bill Pinkston; Arrangements: Paul Boston, Carolyn Britt, Patty Campbell, Judy Greene, Joe Holt; House Managers: Merle Stalcup & Karen Walker; Programs: Jane Wilmer & Mary Hill; Book Sales: Barnes & Noble (Colleen Devine); Properties: Mary Hill, Troy Kelley, Vic Means, Bill Pinkston, & Merle Stalcup
2004-05 Season
The Living Room Theatre of Salado (LRTS) began the new season, with a Fundraiser (one performance only on Saturday, October 16, 7 pm, at the Salado Civic Center): Profiles: Famous (& Infamous) People by Salado’s own Elizabeth Silverthorne, performed by local actors: Charles Barrier, Jeanne Barrier, Mary Jean Boston, Paul Boston, Patty Campbell, Ramon Carver, Margaret Edwards, Ann Faber, Don Gravink, Judy Greene, Barbara Harper, Hulda Horton, Ruth Howe, Tom McGlasson, Jack Schrock, and Ben Willingham.
A revival of selected scenes from the season opener: Profiles Of Famous (& Infamous) Texans byElizabeth Silverthorne, monologs 7 pm, November 15, 2004, the home of Mary Jean & Paul Boston. Scenes from this show (originally produced on October 16, 2004, at the Salado Civic Center) feature Jeanne Barrier as the Narrator, Barbara Harper as Luz de Villa, Tom McGlasson as Sam Bass, Mary Jean Boston as Governor Miriam Ferguson, Charlie Barrier as Ashbel Smith, and Hulda Horton as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Blind Spots by Mary Ann Taylor, a new comedy/drama featured Shirley Pinkston and Brandon Jarratt, 7 pm, each night at the following locations: Monday, Jan. 24, the living room of Anna Lou & Louis Raney, 501 De Grummond Way., Wednesday, Jan. 26, the home of Bobbie & Gerald Reihsen, 3901 Chisholm Tr., #7, and Thursday, Jan 27, the home of Maurice & Charlene Carson, 314 Royal View Rd.
Symphony Of Soul featured Leslie Hyland, accompanied by Valerie Pitrucha, one performance only, on Friday, March 18, at 7 pm, in the Salado Civic Center with a reception following in the home of Gwen & Joe Morrison.
The Grand Opening Of The New Wal-Mart Super Store (Belton, Texas, March 23, 2005), a new comedy by Ramon Carver featured Iilla Barnes, Gwen Morrison, Shirley Pinkston, Rita Rice, Peggy Means, John Bonnet, Michael Cooper, Vic Means, Buzz Rahm, and Merle Stalcup at 7 pm, each evening in the following Living Rooms: April 11, Barbara & Claude Payne, 617 Indian Trail, April 12, Rebekah & Dave Jarratt, 400 Downing St. (Belton), and April 13, Mary Helen & Charley Schreiner, 119 Rock Creek
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL GREENE FESTIVAL 2005 was presented June 9-11, 2005, Produced by The Living Room Theatre of Salado, Texas With Support from Barnes & Noble Booksellers, The Salado Tourism Council, and the Salado Chamber Auxilary
The Festival Is Named In Honor Of Texas Author A. C. Greene and his wife, Judy. Festival manager & artistic director: Ramon Carver, Master of Ceremonies: Charles Barrier, featuring The Greene Festival Acting Company
Thursday, June 9, 7 pm, in the Salado Civic Center, The Girl from Cade Ranch, a short story by A. C. Greene, adapted by Paul Boston & Ramon Carver With Paul Boston, Nan Cryar, & Greg Faber. Judy Greene will discuss A. C. as a “Regional Author”
Reception following at the home of Martha Francis & Chuck McCarter, 123 Rock Creek
Friday, June 10, 7 pm, in the Salado Civic Center, Scenes From The Color of Night, by David Lindsey, were performed by Don Gravink, Stu Smith, Bill Wright, Joyce Wright, Karen Walker-Stalcup, and Mike D’amelio. David Lindsey discussed his new book, The Face of an Assassin, Reception following at the home of Margaret & Mike Williamson
Saturday, June 5, 7 pm, at the Stonecreek Settlement Kicking and Screaming by Lilla Barnes & Ramon Carver, featuredLilla Barnes, Jan Hart, and Ruth Howe. The 7th Annual Greene Festival Party followed hosted by LRTS Producers
Guests Of Honor: The Greene Festival Acting Company. Festival Sponsors: Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Living Room Theatre of Salado Producers: Charles Barrier, President; Judy Greene, Vice President; Merle Stalcup, Secretary; and Ramon Carver, Treasurer. Other Board Members: Paul Boston, Carolyn Britt, Patty Campbell, Mary Hill, Chuck McCarter, Tom McGlasson, Vic Means, Shirley Pinkston, Buzz Rahm, Betsy Tyson, and Jane Wilmer Advisory Committee: Vic Means, Chair, Charles Barrier, Bill Pinkston, Merle Stalcup. Box Office Managers: Hulda Horton, Patty Campbell, Festival Logo Design, Posters and Postcards: Bill Pinkston. Arrangements: Jeanne Barrier, Judy Greene, House Managers: Merle Stalcup & Karen Walker. Podiums & Lights: Paul Boston, Greg Faber, Programs: Jane Wilmer, Mary Hill, Book Sales: Barnes & Noble (Colleen Devine), Properties: Darwin & Carolyn Britt.
2005-2006 Season
The season opened with “Profiles: Famous and Infamous People” by Salado’s own Elizabeth Silverthorne, performed by Charles Barrier, Jeanne Barrier, Mary Jean Boston, Paul Boston, Darwin Britt, Patty Campbell, Ramon Carver, Bob Dewhurst, Ann Faber, Don Gravink, Judy Greene, Barbara Harper, Hulda Horton, Ruth Howe, Tom McGlasson, Jack Schrock, Gil Wanzor, and Ben Willingham for one performance only on Saturday, October 16, 7 pm, at the Salado Civic Center.
Blind Spots, a comedy/drama by Dallas author, Mary Ann Taylor, featuried Shirley Pinkston and Brandon Jarratt. In the living rooms of Anna Lou & Louis Raney, Bobbie & Gerald Reihsen, and Maurice & Charlene Carson.
On Friday, March 18, at 7 pm, in the Salado Civic Center, there was one performance of Symphony Of Soul featuring Leslie Hyland, soloist, accompanied by Valerie Pitrucha, pianist.
THE EIGHTH ANNUAL JUDY AND A. C. GREENE LITERARY FESTIVAL was held during the weekend of June 9 & 10. Friday’s performance at the Salado Civic Center featured scenes from Challenger Park, a novel by Stephen Harrigan
with Charles Barrier, Carolyn Britt, Carver Skarnulis, Libba Skarnulis, and John Tyson.
On Saturday, at the Thomas Arnold Center, there was one performance of A Legacy: The Sa-lah-oh, adapted from A Neglected Treasure: Salado Creek By Patricia Merrill with Judy Greene, Lilla Barnes, Jeanne Barrier, Mary Jean Boston, Paul Boston, Chester Critchfield, Ruth Howe, and Tom McGlasson, Shirley Pinkston, Patsy Sanford, Merle Stalcup, and Betsy Tyson.
2006-2007 Season
The first show during the fall of 2006 was Under the X in Texas by Mike Renfro from his book with the same title, performed by local actors: Penny & Grainger Esch for one performance only on Sunday, November 20, 7 pm, at the Salado Civic Center.
That show was followed by Interview with an Immortal: Sarah Bernhardt written and performed by Judy Greene, from a biography by Liz Silverthorne at the Home of Jeanie & Barton Jones on January 26 and 27, 2006.
The third & final Living Room Theatre show of the 2005-06 season was Murder on the Menu, a Salad, Soup, & Dessert Mystery Luncheon Theatre featured Patty Campbell, Tom McGlasson, Linda Mohlstrom, Gwen Morrison, Curt Strong, Merle and Karen Stalcup, and Patsy Tynes with Ramon Carver’s, script and stage direction. Karen Walker was the event chair on Sunday, April 2, at the Tenroc Ranch Blue Heron Center.
2006-2007 SEASON
Beginning the season was The Best Thing that Happened That Year, a biodramatic account of the WWII service of Jean & Jack Tarbutton featured Ryan Hodge, Vic Means, and John Tyson, was performed in the homes of the following Saladoans: On Tuesday, Nov. 8, the home of Ann and Bill Price, on Nov. 9, Dottie & Joe Oliver, and on Nov. 10, Anna & Jean Tarbutton.
Next was ”Do Texans Really Talk Like That?”, scenes from three Broadway plays featured performances by Becky Brown, Laura Jo Fojtasec, Shirley Lett, Gracie Matthews, Dottie Oliver, Bobby Pinkston, and Sandy Wicker, directed by Ramon Carver on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the home of Theresa & Forrest Holloway, on Wednesday, Shirley & J. R. Lett, and on Thursday, Patsy & Ronnie Tynes.
Mo Cutler’s Magic, adapted from materials provided by Mike & Molly Hatchell, featured Mary Helen Schreiner & Ann Faber on Friday, April 20, at the Salado Civic Center with a reception at the home of Rita and Allen Rice.
THE FINAL JUDY & A. C. GREENE LITERARY FESTIVAL, JUNE 22 AND 23, 2007
The featured performance of the Festival was a murder mystery, The Hounds of Winter, by James Magnuson was performed by Don Gravink, Chuck McCarter, Gwen Morrison, and Bryttni Williford, at the Salado Civic Center on Friday, with a reception and book signing following the performance.
On the following evening at 7 pm, at Salado’s Presbyterian Church, two works of A. C. Greene, were presented, celebrating the final year of the Festival: The Highland Park Woman and The Texas Rangers Raid on Gladysville, performed by Judy Greene & Ramon Carver who reprised their roles in both shows.
The Greene Literary event closed that same evening with a party for all persons attending the Festival.
2007-2008 SEASON
To begin the season, the Living Room Theatre presented An Admirable Woman by Leanna Skarnulis, based on her novel-in-progress, The Chatauqua Darling, featured Timothy Englert, Travis Franklin, Theresa Holloway, Quinn Skarnulis, & Betsy Tyson for one performance only at the Salado Civic Center on Wednesday, November 14.
Then on Friday, February 22, LRTS performed at Salado’s Silver Spur Theatre as the opening act for the “Salado: Artfully Yours” Festival, a three part extravaganza featured a short lecture by Ramon Carver, “What’s Art and What’s Not,” as well as performances of two short plays from the Living Room Theatre repertoire: The Founding And History Of Salado, Texas, in ten minutes (or less),but it may take fifteen (or more) adapted from George Tyler’s The History of Bell County, Texas, with Lilla Barnes, Karin Borman, Gwen Morrison, Gerald Brown, Vic Means, & Bill Wright; and A Lively Liz Silverthorne Retrospective featuring Jeanne Barrier as the Narrator, Mary Jean Boston as Ma Ferguson, Paul Boston as Ashbel Smith, Patty Campbell and Margaret Hughes as Mary Read & Anne Bonny, Ann Faber as Louisa May Alcott, Barbara Harper as Senora Luz de Villa, Hulda Horton as Marjorie Kennan Rawlings, and Tom McGlasson returning to Salado for a special appearance as Sam Bass.
The concluding performance of the season was You Got To Be Tough In Lamesa!, a comedy-drama featured Shirley Pinkston & Karen Walker on April 29 outdoors at the home of June Ritterbusch & Sheldon Vickers, and on April 30 in the living room of Merle Stalcup & Karen Walker. On May 1 in Temple the show was presented at the new home of Jimmie & Bob Vernon, 2413 Brooklawn.