Isaac Malott, Mary Williams, Fred Eiras and Myles Anthony Huffines in TWO’s production of A Christmas Story.
The show goes on: TWO celebrates 50 seasons By Kristi McCabe
T
heatre Workshop of Owensboro is celebrating its 50th season, and the anniversar y is one that is applauded by local acting talent and theater-goers alike. With a rich histor y of producing topnotch comedies, dramas, classics, musicals and youth shows, TWO has proven itself to be a model of excellence in community theater. Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is known as the “longest running show in town,” and its future is just as exciting as its historic past. Fourth Quarter 2013
“Theatre Workshop of Owensboro was founded in the 1950s,” explained Stephen Coppick, Executive Director for TWO. “Its first production, The Man Who Came to Dinner, debuted in December 1955; rehearsals were held at the National Guard Armor y. The group produced shows for a few years, then took a brief hiatus in the early 1960s. People insisted that they do more performances, so Theatre Workshop was resurrected. Now, we are entering our 50th season.” What began with a small group of dedicated performers has now grown into a vibrant Greater Owensboro Business
cultural presence in the community. TWO continues to expand its reach by adding new performances and providing a familyfriendly entertainment venue. “There was a time when TWO performed wherever we could find space,” said Coppick, who was involved with Theatre Workshop as a teenager. “We even held some productions in the basement of the Rudd Hotel on Frederica Street in the early 1970s. Our current location (the Trinity Centre) was built in 1875, and I believe it was the first brick building in Kentucky. It was originally home to Trinity Episcopal 9