From the Great Swamp to the North Pole Honoring History. Unearthing Miracles. Dazzling Audiences.

St. Marys Little Theatre has raised the bar on entertainment with its 12th season of compelling community theatre entertainment.

“Enriching lives through performing arts” is the mission of this theatrical group that makes its home at Theatre by the Trax in St. Marys. And if sold-out productions and standing ovations are any indication, St. Marys Little Theatre’s (SMLT) actors, tech crew, and volunteers can consider their mission accomplished.

In 2011, live theatre returned to Downtown St.

Marys after an absence of several years. Since then, some of Broadway’s most beloved shows have been performed onstage just 10 blocks from St. Marys’ waterfront. Numerous original productions have graced the stage as well.

SMLT’s offerings are as diverse as its audience beginning with Man of La Mancha as SMLT’s opening show 12 years ago—perhaps one of live theatre’s most challenging productions. Other award-winning shows including The Fantasticks, continued ...

Camelot, Steel Magnolias, and 9 to 5 came to life onstage as local performers displayed their awesome talents.

Visitors who come from out of the area are amazed that a small town like St. Marys has such an impressive collection of talent.

“Not only do we have our long-time residents to draw from,” said Barbara Ryan Harris, founder and chair of St. Marys Little Theatre, “we also have people from all over the country who are drawn to our community by Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.”

Ryan said that lots of military families find a second family when they join St. Marys Little Theatre, a welcoming family of actors, techs, and volunteers who represent a varied cross-section of our population.

“We have business executives, political figures, homemakers, retirees, entrepreneurs, and lots of children involved in the success of our community theatre,” she said.

In a repurposed railroad building that was originally scheduled for demolition, magic-making is an everyday occurrence for St. Marys Little Theatre.

Ryan Harris said that SMLT is making a mark on tourism which means a shot in the arm for the local economy.

“More and more people are planning their destination continued ...

based on experiences they can enjoy,” she said. “With recent shows depicting early life in the Okefenokee Swamp and the history of St. Marys, people can learn more about who we are as a community while enjoying entertainment of the highest order.”

SMLT’s Call of the Swamp which was its 12th season opener, drew fans of Okefenokee Swamp from all over—people eager to learn more about the wildlife refuge that is steeped in history and adventure.

From its first scene that has a young girl sitting on the porch of a shack with a cocked shotgun, to the ending where a swamp witch brings two cross-starred lovers together, Call of the Swamp brought smiles and tears to audience members as they immersed themselves in a story that even included dancing alligators.

SMLT’s holiday show for this season, Miracle at the North Pole, was another smiles/tears-production. When a little girl in St. Marys, Georgia, saves Christmas for some misfit toys at the North Pole, everyone rejoiced. Even the Grinch would have loved this story.

The board of directors for SMLT counts on the public to help support performing arts by donating their time and money, and they are grateful at the outpouring of support—mostly coming from people who have seen a production and understand the time, energy, and continued ...

Georgia Governor Kemp and Marty Kemp, Sugar and CB Yadav in St. Marys.

dedication it takes to put on high quality shows.

“With the financial help of the community, we can continue to create state-of-the-art performances that we can all be proud of,” said Gloria Hurley, SMLT board member and co-director of Miracle at the North Pole.

Debra Parsons, SMLT board member, co-director of Miracle at the North Pole, and producer of Call of the Swamp said, “We have the talent. We have the passion. And we have an extraordinary venue. And we are confident that our future productions, like our past ones, will be shining examples of what can happen when altruism, hard work, and unleashed love for the arts join hands.” For more information about St. Marys Little Theatre, visit StMarysLittleTheatre.com or call 912-729-1103. P

Don’t Miss EVENING WITH THE STARS

Presented by ST. MARYS LITTLE THEATRE March 3-12, 2023 At Theatre by the Trax Get tickets at www.StMarysLittleTheatre.com or downtown St. Marys at Once Upon a Bookseller

CALL OF THE SWAMP

BILL BAGGETT BROOKS NETTUM CARLOS SEMIDEL CAROL MOORE DAVE REILLY JOHN & ROZ TOSCHACH KATHLEEN CONSTABLE LARRY RATLIFF LEE HUTTON LESLIE SANDERS LISA FLOYD LORI SANDY-GOEWEY MARDJA GRAY RICK FREY SARAH BRAUSCH SHAWN AND ANGELA HALLIWELL SKIP HARRIS STEVE ROYER TERESA HUNTER THELMA JENNINGS WOMEN’S FOOD ALLIANCE

MIRACLE AT THE NORTH POLE

AMY WALWYN BERRIOS & LEON GUERRERO BILL BAGGETT BILL CREED & ANN CREED BROOKS NETTUM CAROL MOORE DAVE REILLY DAVID WYTTENBACH DEBRA PARSONS DOUG VAUGHT FRANK & ROSEMARY SHOBER JEFF SEAL JOHN & ROZ TOSHACH KEN & PATRICIA RICHIE LESLIE SANDERS MARDJA GRAY PAMELA & JEFF PURSLEY PAMELA SIKES SKIP HARRIS