virginia - Mill Mountain Theatre

Mill Mountain Theatre Celebrates 60 Years of Theatrical Excellence with MMT’s 60th Anniversary Concert

Roanoke, Va. 3/27/24 – Mill Mountain Theatre proudly announces its upcoming 60th Anniversary Concert, a spectacular event commemorating six decades of enriching the cultural landscape of Roanoke, VA. Scheduled to take place April 19th and 20th on the Trinkle MainStage, this milestone celebration promises an unforgettable experience for theatre enthusiasts and patrons alike.

Established in 1964, Mill Mountain Theatre has been a cornerstone of the performing arts scene, consistently delivering outstanding productions that captivate audiences and inspire creativity. Over the years, the theatre has become synonymous with quality entertainment, fostering local talent and presenting a diverse array of performances ranging from classic plays to contemporary musicals.

Ginger Poole, the Producing Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre, reflects on this momentous occasion, stating, “As we commemorate our 60th anniversary, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our community and the countless artists who have graced our stage throughout the years. This concert is a celebration of our rich history and a testament to the enduring power of live theatre to unite and uplift,” and “We hope our audience family will join the celebration by making a special 60th Birthday gift to MMT. When buying tickets online or at the box office, please add an amount that includes the number “6”, like $6.00, $60.00, $160.00 or $600. Thank you so much for your consideration.” Added Poole.

The Anniversary Concert will feature a specially curated program showcasing highlights from Mill Mountain Theatre’s illustrious past, including beloved songs and memorable scenes from 60 years of iconic productions. Audiences can expect to be transported through time as they relive cherished moments and discover new favorites, all performed by a talented ensemble of performers.

In addition to the captivating performances, the Anniversary Concert offers attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts and reflect on the profound impact Mill Mountain Theatre has had on the community. “It serves as a tribute to the dedication and passion of everyone involved in bringing theatrical magic to life on our stage,” added Poole. Tickets for the 60th Anniversary Concert are now available for purchase and can be obtained through the Mill Mountain Theatre box office or online at millmountain.org. Don’t miss this extraordinary event celebrating six decades of artistic excellence and innovation at Mill Mountain Theatre.

For media inquiries, please contact Chris Tucker at 540.342.5745 or chris@nullmillmountain.org.

About Mill Mountain Theatre-Mission Statement

Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate and challenge audiences of Southwest
Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. We are dedicated to
nurturing the next generation of theatre artists and audiences through conservatory classes and programming aimed at education and community engagement; and are committed to ensuring the long-term economic and artistic sustainability of the performing arts in the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia. For more information, visit millmountain.org

GINGER POOLE BIDS FAREWELL TO MILL MOUNTAIN THEATRE AFTER 30 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

Dedicated search team created to find best candidate

ROANOKE, Va. (Jan 22, 2024) – After a remarkable tenure with Mill Mountain Theatre, Ginger Poole will take her final bow as Producing Artistic Director during the 60th anniversary season. With an impressive season of productions planned in 2024, combined with the theatre’s vibrancy, Poole believes this is the right time to begin searching for her replacement.

“I came to Roanoke 18 years ago as an actor and was asked back to perform and choreograph in the MainStage Seasons. This turned into an opportunity to join Mill Mountain Theatre as their Director of Education – little did I know how much that experience would forever change my life,” said Poole. “This theatre became my home and the place that I made my life. While leaving my role here is truly bittersweet, Mill Mountain Theatre remains a part of who I am.”

Many credit Poole, the first female to hold this position, with reviving Mill Mountain Theatre not once, but twice. In 2009, Poole reinvigorated the theatre after it stopped producing due to financial struggles. Poole continued to keep the doors open with classes and a holiday show once a year for four years, and was the only full time employee holding the theatre together. And like many arts organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic put Mill Mountain Theatre in another precarious situation in 2020. Poole gracefully navigated the theatre through post-pandemic struggles, and once again revitalized the theatre to its present day health and liveliness.

“The Theatre has thrived under Ginger’s leadership. She balances artistic excellence with fiscal responsibility and approaches every decision with the long-term sustainability of Mill Mountain top of mind,” Cynthia Lawrence, Past President (2014 – 2017), Director Emeritus and Chair of the search committee at Mill Mountain Theatre. “While we are saddened by her departure, we are grateful to her and support her decision wholeheartedly. We will conduct a thorough national search and will be very thoughtful about who we choose as her successor.”

The search committee consists of an accomplished group, all of whom have either been a board officer or past president for Mill Mountain Theatre. Each committee member has had the honor

to work beside Poole and understands what it takes to maintain the level of excellence she has established. Search committee members include Nancy H. Agee, Jack Avis, NL Bishop, Nancy O. Gray, Cynthia Lawrence, Bill Lee and Macel Janoschka. Cynthia Lawrence, a past president of Mill Mountain Theatre will chair the search committee.

“Finding the best match for my role is paramount to me and I am confident that this is the appropriate time to explore options. Mill Mountain Theatre is running efficiently and financially sound and we are celebrating our organization’s 60th birthday, making it an attractive time to find the best candidate,” explained Poole.

A thought leader in the theatre industry, Poole will work alongside the dedicated search committee to find the premier candidate to assume her responsibilities. Additionally, she plans to remain on staff until the appropriate person is hired.

“Ginger gave this theatre life in times when it would have been easier to simply close the doors. She had a vision and worked effortlessly to ensure that her vision became a reality, and we’ve all benefited from her perseverance,” said Rev. Dr. William L. “Bill” Lee, current Board President of Mill Mountain Theatre. “She will leave behind enormous shoes to fill but as the saying goes, the show must go on.”

After 35 years of dedicated service to the entertainment and theatre industry and 18 years at Mill Mountain Theatre, Poole is excited to explore other opportunities within the community while continuing to support the artistic and cultural growth in Roanoke.

“I am filled with a lot of hope for the future of Mill Mountain Theatre and I hold an immense amount of gratitude to everyone that I had the privilege to work alongside,” concluded Poole.

For more information about the national search, please visit www.millmoutain.org or email Cynthia Lawrence, search committee chair, at search@nullmillmountain.org

About Mill Mountain Theatre:

For 60 years Mill Mountain Theatre has shown artistic excellence in the region and is known nationally for its work in the theatre industry. Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of theatre artists and audiences through conservatory classes and programming aimed at education and community engagement, Mill Mountain Theatre is committed to ensuring the long term economic and artistic sustainability of the performing arts in the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia.

Mill Mountain Theatre Presents “Bright Star”

The Sun is going to shine again. From the clever and hilarious minds of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell is “Bright Star,” an original musical based on a true story.

A musical rooted in bluegrass music, Appalachian culture and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. “Bright Star” features the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, “Bright Star,” tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s.

This musical follows a literary editor, Alice Murphy as she meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, “Bright Star” is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.

“Bright Star” opens the Fringe Series on the Trinkle MainStage at Mill Mountain Theatre. “The Fringe Series tackles challenging topics and shares different perspectives as we invite our audiences to step into someone else’s shoes.” Said Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole. “We later encourage our audiences to discuss these important topics and hope to shed light on these difficult subjects.”

Returning to the director’s chair is Christiansburg native, James Madison University Alumni and Broadway star, James Moye. Moye worked on the original workshop for “Bright Star,” before it hit the big stage on Broadway. He returns to Mill Mountain Theatre after directing the 2021 production of “Million Dollar Quartet.” Moye has over 14 credits for both Broadway and Off-Broadway, including “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Aladdin,” “Dog Fight,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” and “Ragtime” to name a few.

“Bright Star” will feature a live band with Sam Saint Ours (Keys/Conductor), JT Fauber (Drums), Michael Havens (Guitar) and Jeff Hofmann (Upright Bass).

The creative team for Bright Star includes James Moye (Director), Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Nick Kepley (Choreographer), Sam Saint Ours (Music Director), Peppy Biddy* (Production Stage Manager), Erin Alexis Markham* (Assistant Stage Manager), Jimmy Ray Ward (Scenic Designer), Bill Webb (Lighting Designer), Jackson Yowell (Props Designer), Jennie Ruhland (Costume Designer), Savannah Woodruff (Sound Designer), Matt Shields (Director of Production) and Sydney Poole (Wardrobe).

“Bright Star” will take place from September 13th through October 1st on the Trinkle MainStage. For more information, visit millmountain.org or call the box office at 540-342-5740.

Sponsors and Grantors for “Bright Star” include 5Points Creative, B.J. Preas, Business Solutions Inc., Davidson’s Clothing for Men, Delta Dental, Fire Station One Boutique Hotel, Innovative Insurance Group, Pinnacle Financial Partners, The Candy Store, TheRoanokeStar.com, Trane Technologies, The W.E. McGuire Foundation, TXTUR, Zenbusiness, Actors’ Equity Association, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, Theatre Communications Group, Center in the Square, Radio IQ/WVTF, Friends of the Fringe and Virginia Commission for the Arts.

About Mill Mountain Theatre-Mission Statement

SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST MMT NEWS!