Stage Company blessed with a Christmas miracle

The Stage Company feared it might be curtains on their season.

Even as they rehearsed for a Christmas show two years after the pandemic, their finances still had not recovered COVID’s upheaval or the transition to a new venue.

Sparse attendance left most shows in the red, and if that trend continued, The Stage Company would have no choice but to end their 2022-2023 season only three shows in. Worse, they would not have enough to reopen next season.

Director David Carroll mentioned these worries to the Daily American Republic, which led to a special feature ahead of the opening night of “A Christmas Carol.”

The community responded — 200 people total turned out to see six performances of “A Christmas Carol.”

“With each successive show, it seemed like our numbers just went up and up, and I think word of mouth advertising helped us a great deal there,” said Carroll. “(As well as) the DAR, without which I don’t know what we would have done. You guys got people in the door to talk highly about it afterward.”

He gave an honest assessment of The Stage Company’s position. They aren’t out of the woods yet and still need to earn enough to finance the 2023-2024 season, but they’re optimistic about their prospects.

Carroll announced his goal is to end the season in such a way that “we will have plenty of money to be a little bit more comfortable next season with our shows, and not be penny-pinching the way we have been.”

Everyone can find something to enjoy with The Stage Company, from intense musicals such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” to poignant comedies like “Maternal Instincts” and playful children’s productions. Theater rewards audiences with a storytelling experience beyond what screens can create.

“The characters become more real. You’re not just seeing it on a screen, you’re seeing people going through those emotions firsthand. You’re right there with them,” he explained in a previous interview.

They also reward communities with creativity, camaraderie and passion. The DAR is excited to continue supporting The Stage Company and all of Poplar Bluff’s vibrant artistic community.

Upcoming shows are “Maternal Instincts,” followed by “Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt.” The order and dates of the shows may be subject to change, but auditions for “Judy Moody” are set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23-24 at The Method Playhouse inside First United Methodist Church.