Opening Night Success for "The Shine from Dead Man's Bottom"

by Rocky Macy

Theatre Goer

A very successful production of  "The Shine from Dead Man's Bottom," a hillbilly comedy, opened at the beautiful Paramount Theatre in the old town section of Goldsboro, North Carolina, yesterday evening.  The play was flawlessly performed by the Spotlight Theatre Company, a local dramatic group with several members who serve, or are married or related to people who serve, at the nearby Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Last nights' performance was the world premier of the play which was originally written by this tired old typist many years ago.  Having the pleasure of seeing it brought to life on stage, especially after such a long incubation period, felt like a wonderful reunion with old friends.   Watching Mean Nadine, Booger, Little Mammy, Big Pappy, Sheriff Potts, the Granny Woman, Preacher Payne, Harley O. Bandana, the revenuers, and Trapper Joe all become animated and tell their tales of life and love in the hills of rural America was an absolute pleasure for the old goat who wrote it so long ago.

The set was very well designed and constructed, easily the equal of  theatre sets built by groups with far more resources, and the lighting and sound were also of a professional quality.  Add to that a well rehearsed cast who knew their lines and hit their marks, and the result was absolutely exceptional.

I would like to sincerely thank the Spotlight Theatre Company for doing such a professional job with"The Shine from Dead Man's Bottom."  I enjoyed it immensely and am looking forward to tonight's final performance.