The Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company is kicking off its 15th anniversary season on October 24th with the regional premiere of Ron Hutchinson’s “Moonlight and Magnolias,” a new comedy hit that tells the true behind-the-scenes story of the American movie classic “Gone with the Wind.” TC Jewfolk readers get a special discount to see the show, and one lucky reader gets a free pair of tickets. [Update: Free Tickets No Longer Available.]
“Moonlight and Magnolias” follows legendary producer David O. Selznick as he decides that the filming of “Gone with the Wind” is not working, and stops production, yanks esteemed director Victor Fleming from the set of “The Wizard of Oz,” brings in famed screenwriter Ben Hecht, and locks himself with these two men behind closed doors for five days to rewrite the screenplay on a diet of bananas and peanuts.
Win a FREE pair of tickets to see “Moonlight and Magnolias” at the MJTC!
The MJTC has given TC Jewfolk one free pair of tickets to raffle off to our lucky readers to see “Moonlight and Magnolias” during its run at the MJTC between October 24 – November 15, 2009. To win, between now and 12noon on Thursday, October 22nd, go to the comments section of this blog post and answer this question. Who is your favorite character from the 1939 movie “Gone with the Wind’ and why? We’ll enter your name in our raffle (drawn randomly with the help of The Hat). One submission per person. The email addresses of all people who enter the raffle will be provided to MJTC.
TC Jewfolk Discount:
The MJTC is also offering TC Jewfolk readers a discount on tickets to “Moonlight and Magnolias.” Just call the MJTC’s box office a 651-647-4315 and mention “TC Jewfolk.” Student rush tickets are always available to MJTC shows for just $12.
MJTC Events in Conjunction with “Moonlight and Magnolias”:
- “Moonlight & Magnolias” Theater Discussion with production artists from the show on Oct. 27th at St. Paul’s Merriam Park Branch Library.
- Panel discussion on The Making of “Gone with the Wind” and on themes in the movie including politics and race and Jews in Hollywood with local professors on Nov. 1st.
- Panel discussion on The Film Industry in Minnesota on Nov. 12th. Panelists will include Patrick Coyle, local writer/actor/director who recently released the movie “Into Temptation,” and Lucinda Winters, Exec. Dir. of the MN Film and TV Board. The discussion will be moderated by Melody Gilbert, award-winning independent documentary filmmaker.
More about MJTC’s 15th Season:
The MJTC’s 15th season will also feature a remounting of last year’s hit performance of “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” by Shari Aronson (puppet-maker Chris Griffith won an Ivey Award this year for his puppets in the MJTC’s show last year); the regional premiere of “A Report on the Banality of Love” by Mario Diament, a production exploring the relationship and personal evolutions of influential German philosopher Martin Heidegger and path-breaking political theorist Hannah Arendt; and “Women’s Minyan” by Israeli playwright Naomi Ragen, telling a true story of domestic abuse. Get more information about buying tickets (and student discounts) on the Minnesota Jewish Theatre’s website.
The MJTC was founded by Producing Artistic Director Barbara Brooks in 1994, shortly after the birth of her son. Brooks is excited for the MJTC’s 15th season. “The MJTC moved through infancy, toddlerhood, adolescence, and are now entering young adulthood. The season has great scripts, wonderful artists, audiences who enjoy our work, and long time corporate and foundation support. What more could one want? (well, maybe a little more funding).”
(Photo by Sarah Whiting of Ryan Lindberg as David O. Selznick, Matthew Vire as Ben Hecht, and Marlin Rothe as Victor Fleming in “Moonlight & Magnolias”)
Belle Watling
Because she was a strong, level-headed business woman who treated people fairly.
Prissy, played by Butterly McQueen. 1) Campy line that will be in our language for a long time “I don’t know nothing about birthing babies” 2) The actress was an African American pioneer of the silver screen.
I’ve only seen the movie once, and it had been kind of… overhyped. So I wasn’t that impressed. But I’m fascinated with stories about how it was made, so I think I’ll love the play!
Christopher is the winner of the free pair of tickets to this show! Congrats Christopher. I hope the rest of you check out the show anyway, and with the TC Jewfolk discount! Thanks for participating!