Broadway salute takes stage April 23-26
“The Roxy’s Salute to Broadway” will be held April 23-26 at the historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville. The production features music from five Broadway shows, with many selections presented as medleys.
Shows are April 23-25 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at itickets.com or at the door. Doors open one hour before showtime. Tickets are $15 for ages 11 and up; $10 for ages 4 to 10; and children under the age of 4 are admitted free but must sit on an adult’s lap.
This year’s cast includes 43 community members, including both returning performers and newcomers — Adley Akins, Alaina Askins, Kinsley Benford, Aiden Borden, Cara Borden, Alena Boyles, Delaney Boyles, Lyla Boyles, Alex Bragwell, Brookleigh Cockrell, Ariel Cothrum, Lakin Derrick, Scarlett Goggans, Maria Gonzalez, Brilynn Green, Cameron Hall, Catherine Hall, Khaliah Hall, Paizlee Hammond, Madelyn Hatton, Daniel Hill, Isac Hill, Delilah Landers, Aria Landrum, Gunner Lane, Mya Lindsey, Heidi Madden, Keylee Mayfield, Matt McDuffa, Sydney Medley, Maddie Miller, McKenna Mills, Isabella Mosley, Elizabeth Motes, Madi Parker, Aria Parrish, Ella Parrish, Peyton Parrish, Arlee Roberts, Megan Rogers, Kaleigh Tutich, Jonah Walker, Harper Welborn, and Ryann Welborn.
The production is directed by Hillary Malone Hall, manager of Showcase Theatre Company, LLC.
Hall said the production continues to evolve each year.
“We’re continuing to add and adapt, and we expect this year’s show to be bigger and better than ever,” she said. “We have new costumes and a new stage set. The production includes speaking, singing, dancing and comedy.”
She said the cast and crew are eager for audiences to see what they have been working on.
Megan Rogers said this is her second time performing at the Roxy.
“I’ve had the opportunity to take on a variety of roles,” she said. “I’ve portrayed characters ranging from energetic to expressive, including villainous roles, and I’ve truly enjoyed bringing each one to life.”
She has been performing since childhood, including in church plays. Rogers has also performed with the Northwest Shoals Choir and has sung at Carnegie Hall in Mozart’s Requiem.
Assisting Hall are Erica Cothrum, assistant director; Kaylee Brannon, choreographer and assistant director; and Laura McDuffa, costume coordinator. Jeremy Landers serves as the official photographer for the production.
Parents play an important role in supporting the production, helping with ticket sales, errands, costume changes, and cleanup after each performance.
Lauren Parrish, a mother of five, has three children involved in Roxy productions, including “The Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular,” “Annie,” and this year’s Broadway show.
“I have always loved the arts and participated in high school and college,” Parrish said. “I’m thrilled my children have also wanted to be part of an arts program.”
She described her backstage work as a rewarding experience. Parrish said participants have developed close bonds that extend beyond a single production.
Being involved in the arts program brings a sense of connection that’s hard to match. Parrish said the experience reflects the importance of local arts opportunities.
Megan Rogers is part of the cast for “The Roxy’s Salute to Broadway.”
“It’s wonderful that Russellville has a local theater like the Roxy where children and adults can perform and promote the arts,” she said.
The Roxy continues to draw local audiences as well as visitors from outside the area. Its restoration created a space that offers a wide range of performances for schoolchildren and the public.
As president of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, I invite everyone to join us for “The Roxy’s Salute to Broadway.”
