Piedmont Players Theatre is celebrating 50 years with a gala anniversary celebration Saturday. In honor of the milestone, we asked people to name their favorite shows. Whether they’re staging a big extravagant musical like “Evita” or a cerebral drama like “The Farnsworth Invention,” Piedmont Players always leaves us wanting more.
It is hard (to choose) between “Sound of Music” and “Guys and Dolls.” They both had stellar casts, very professional-looking sets, and costumes that were appropriate to play and feel of the show.
—Kathy Pulliam
“1776” the first time around. I made costumes, worked props, helped with the set and learned more about the making of our country than I ever did in history class. Phenomenal cast with Rod Harter directing.
— Ann Bostian
?”Evita” with Debbie Hubbard as Eva Peron! It was the first musical at the new Meroney! Also, both versions of “1776” (especially the first one, when the soldier dropped out and I ended up singing his solo at the end of Act 1. It was the first and only show in which l ever had to sing)!
— Rick Anderson McCombs
“Hello Dolly,” in Keppel with Scott Holmes and Pat Vaughn. “Sweeney Todd” was great too!
— Cindi Graham
The show I enjoyed watching the most was “Return to the Forbidden Planet.”
— Bob Paolino
“Guys and Dolls” or “Oklahoma”
—David Earl Beck
Seussical!
—Kathy Vestal
For musicals, I’d say “Sweeney Todd” and “Secret Garden.” For comedies, “The Cocoanuts” and “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” For dramas, “The Farnsworth Invention,” “Shadowlands” with Kurt Corriher and “The Graduate” with Ketti Overcash.
— Deirdre Parker Smith
“Return From the Forbidden Planet.” We went twice. We have some amazing talent in this town.
— Frances Miller
The best in my opinion was the first I saw: “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” I remember hearing Carol Bost sing and she blew me away. My next favorite was “Children of a Lesser God.” Kevin Eddinger learned to sign, and I was mesmerized.
—Diane Peoples
“Oliver,” “Hello Dolly,” “Evita,” “Jesus Christ Superstar”
—Sam Post
— Georgi Goss
I’d have to say “Charlotte’s Web” when my daughter Jacque was in her first play at Piedmont Players. They had Flying by Foy (Peter Pan rigging) for the play and she got to fly around as Charlotte the Spider. I have enjoyed so many plays over the years but this got her started in a lifelong love of acting so it is special for me. We are so lucky to have Piedmont Players (Meroney and Norville theaters) in Salisbury!
—Pamela Thompson
The one everyone thinks about quickly is “Hello Dolly.”
—Hoyt McCachren
“Evita, by far.”
— Jean Wurster
“Noises Off.” Without a doubt.
— Christin Duncan
“1776” (the second time around)
—Drew Sechler
“The Laramie Project”
—Lori van Wallendael
“Rumors”
— Claudia Galup