by Bryan Baker for the FCT

The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts presented their final production of the season over the weekend.  “Father of the Bride,” brought people from across the region to join together for food, fellowship and laughter.

Friday night, the Weatherford Center in downtown Red Bay, Ala. had an occupant for every seat thirty minutes before the production began.  The opening night was group night and consisted of large church groups from around the area filling the theatre.

BTCPA is made up of actors from across the region that dedicate four nights a week to practice.  Scotty Kennedy, who played the role of Mr. Banks, is a veteran member of the group and worked double time directing the play as well.  This was Kennedy’s second time appearing in this production.

“We did this play eleven years ago and decided to bring it back,” Kennedy said.  “The actress playing the mother and I are both playing the same parts as we did before.”

“Father of The Bride,” is a play that is set during the ‘50s.  The plot deals with the troubles a father faces when marrying off his daughter.  The comedy-packed production had the theatre full of laughter from the time it began.  Music from the 50’s filled the silences during the scene changes and helped better set the atmosphere of the theatre.

Beth Hammock, ticket sales coordinator, had a busy night as she helped usher in the large groups.  She has been there every step of the way with the cast as they prepared for their final production.

“They have gotten together to practice every night of the week, except for Wednesdays, for the last six weeks,” Hammock stated.  “We’ve had people driving from Mississippi, and even Huntsville, to come and help us out.”

BTCPA has put on two other performances in the 2014-2015 season.  “Fruitcakes” was performed in mid November, and “The Wisteria Hysteria” was performed in February.  This weekend brought forth a slew of familiar faces and loyal fans of the group.

“We came last year for the Christmas production and I brought another group of twenty-four tonight,” Ron Hayes of Tuscumbia Baptist Church said.  “The food was excellent, the acting was entertaining, and the overall fellowship in the atmosphere will keep us coming back.”

The first production that the organization put on was in December of 1996.  “Home For Christmas,” was the initial project that the group performed.  The group gained popularity among people from the surrounding communities.

As of this season, there have been over 225 actors and actresses that have assisted in the group’s productions.

The fifteen board members as of now include Mark Richardson as President and Randy Mink as Vice President.  Several of those serving on the board also help as actors or stagehands during production season.

BTCPA is comprised of fifteen different board members that help keep the organization running smoothly.  Each member plays their own role in making the organization as successful and entertaining as it has become.

Kennedy directed the production as well as played the role of Mr. Banks.  He is familiar enough with how everything works to pull two shifts during the production.

“Each person is getting to make their character their own,” Kennedy said.  “We have expanded the stage so we can have larger sets in our upcoming performances. I expected to see a lot of differences since last performing this eleven years ago.”

For more information on the Bay Tree Council of Performing Arts, check them out online at, baytreecouncil.com, or like them on Facebook.  Be sure to keep up with the schedule for their next season’s performances.