Magnolia Junior Charity League’s biggest fund-raising event kicked off Thursday night in high style at Southern Arkansas University’s Harton Theatre. Held once every three years, the Red Stocking Follies is a milestone in the life of Magnolia and the 2015 edition promises to be one of the best and most popular.
A large if not sold-out audience attended Thursday’s opening night show, which went off mostly without a hitch. This year’s Follies — a re-imagining of children’s fairy tales — has been long in development but was threatened this week by winter weather, which forced the cancellation of Wednesday night’s dress rehearsal.
Ticket buyers kind enough to attend last night were treated to a good show — or, in the words of one person, a “very, very good dress rehearsal.” We feel the same. For the first time, many dance number were performed virtually without flaw, and any hiccups will surely have been noted and worked out by the time tonight’s performance begins at 7 p.m.
In the past, MJCL has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the children of Columbia County. For decades, Red Stocking Follies has been not only a great source of locally-produced entertainment but a great resource for students. Every ticket sold counts toward helping a child you probably know.
It is also a showcase for talent in our own backyard. We were amazed by the great voices heard and the nimble dancing seen throughout the weeks of practice; those same talents will be polished and on full display tonight and Saturday night.
What is in store for the viewer? How about some excellent renditions of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” Tone Loc’s rap-smash “Funky Cold Medina” and the classic Duran Duran song “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Frank Sinatra’s “Witchcraft” gets the ballroom treatment, as does the more recent hit, “So Close.” Guys in drag (we wouldn’t dream of naming them here) dance to “All the Pretty Ladies.” And there is a moving performance of Seal’s “Kissed By a Rose,” among other exciting numbers.
So — looking for something to do tonight and Saturday beginning at 7 p.m.? Buy your ticket(s) today at Jennifer’s and come for the fun. The show has persevered through bad weather and deserves to be seen by as large an audience as possible. Trust us — it’s worth your while.