Letter From The Director

From the moment we decided to do Purlie we knew we had a story to tell. We knew we would face challenges in casting, rehearsals and getting the show to Production.

Dr. Beatrice Allen and I became friends about 4 1/2 years ago when we met at the city council meeting. She is George Allen's wife - my city councilman. When we met, we talked about the Theatre, and I invited her to come check us out. She told me we had one problem; We didn't have anything representing BLACK HISTORY. I told her I wanted to very much honor Black History, but I needed help. And, that's how the BLACK HISTORY ANNUAL SHOWCASE was born. 

The first two years we presented a three day workshop honoring Black History, along with a special FREE workshop from a national choreographer for the youth in the community to be able to work with a professional mentor. Last year, when we came across the licensing rights for PURLIE, we saw the opportunity to honor Black History Month more deeply by presenting the stage show PURLIE VICTORIOUS along with the Black History Showcase. 

This month of February celebrating Black History Month has been a whirlwind. We have faced challenges! We have had brick walls slammed in our faces at every turn. We've had to replace two actors, and less than two weeks ago, we were faced with closing the show when our supporting actress suffered a physical injury. I refused for us to be beaten down! Then, a miracle happened and Tonicia Price answered our distress call. She came in and stepped up to the challenge to play the role of Missy. We could not be more grateful. Our new motto is "Where every story Meets its stage" and OCT has not only this story but many stories to tell. 

It takes a lot to present quality shows like PURLIE VICTORIOUS, our upcoming teen presentation of THE OUTSIDERS, and RENT. It takes physical and financial support to make sure that community theatre does not die. OCT is dedicated to being a safe place for a variety of all cultures and individuals. Theatre is therapy. Theatre people get you. Embrace you. And Love you. Opelika is a community rich in cultural varieties - that is WHO we are- and OCT aims to embrace every ounce that we can gather and soak up. We are expanding, we are growing , we are not going to back down. 

I want to thank every single person who has worked on this show- my actors, my tech and stage crew, my consultants, my lighting and sound my BOARD members, my loyal O-Act parents who have volunteered and helped with concessions and tickets. I didn't include names because I was afraid I would leave somebody out so I just listed categories so I can make sure I'm covered. Thank you from the bottom of my heart..

Finally, I want to say, WE need your Help! Your Support ! Your love ! We need YOU keep this theatre alive!

Remember " Every story deserves a stage"! And we want OCT to be that Stage for the Opelika Community and surrounding area!

Now - RELAX! SIT BACK! SILENCE YOUR PHONES - and ENJOY THE SHOW!

Marty Moore. Executive Director

Digital PlayBill

About The Cast and Team

JAMIE LOWE - PURLIE VICTORIOUS JUDSON is an Opelika native who is proud to continue his theatrical career with Opelika Community Theatre in his first role with the company, Purlie Victorious. He has previously worked with Open Book through the East Alabama Arts Association and with Auburn Area Community Theatre. He is glad to finally be working with a theatre company in his hometown Jamie is a graduate of Opelika High School. He has a passion for politics and ran for a city council seat in Opelika in the last election. Purlie says " ALERT, AWAKE UP ON YOUR TOES " and enjoy the show!

JESSICA MIA ANGELOU HARIS - LUTTIEBELLE GUSSIEMAE JENKINS - 27-year-old teacher and mother of 2, is a dedicated and accomplished individual. She has a son and a daughter. Hailing from Tuskegee, Alabama, Jessica is the daughter of Bishop Jessie Harris and Evangelist Gloria Harris. She currently teaches 6th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Tuskegee Public School. Throughout her high school years, Jessica was the soprano 1 section leader in the school choir, performed in show choir, and starred in the play *Grease*. She also trained in dance for 10 years, studying tap, jazz, ballet, baton, and pointe. Her passion for the arts has remained strong, and she enjoys the opportunity to continue nurturing that passion through her involvement with the Opelika Community Theatre. After graduating high school, Jessica attended Alabama State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in literature. Her love for the arts and teaching continues to inspire those around her, both in the classroom and on stage.

WESLEY KNOX - CAPTAIN STONEWALL JACKSON COTCHIPEE - Who better to play the role of the fascinating character Ole Cap'n than veteran actor director Wesley Knox? Wesley began doing community theatre in 1980, and since that time he has been in numerous productions including -" Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", "Born Yesterday", "Blithe Spirit", "Arsenic and Old Lace", "The Tender Trap", "The Miss Firecracker Pageant", "NUNSENSE - The Musical","NUNSENSE - The Second Coming", "Daddy’s Dying- Who’s Got The Will ?", as well as several Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre productions. Wesley joined OCT about 7.5 yrs ago debuting in the MISS FIRECRACKER PAGEANT, and he has been a loyal, contributing source to making OCT successful. He has directed several shows for OTC - Daddy’s Dying - Who’s Got the Will ? In 2015, CLUE in 2023 and NUNSENSE: The Mega Musical. Wesley also directed a production of " Dial “M” For Murder", and served as President on the Board of Directors of Lee County Community Theatre in the 1980’s. Wesley has also appeared in TV, movies and music videos. Wesley is a native of Dadeville and Lake Martin and is now a resident of Opelika. Wesley serves on the OCT Board of Directors and will be directing "ALWAYS PATSY CLINE" Later this summer. 

TONICIA PRICE - MISSY JUDSON - Tonicia is diving back on stage after a decade hiatus. She is a wife, mother of three, and Auburn University graduate. Her first role in high school was Tituba in The Crucible. From there she went on to perform in Grease, Cinderella, Alice’s Wonderland, and attended two summers at California State Summer School for the Arts. Praise dance and worship skits have sustained her until OCT took a leap of faith in casting her as Aunt Missy. She accredits all of her success in this production not only to the amazing directors, cast, and stage crew but most importantly to her husband Jesse. She quite literally could not have done this without him! 

KALEB CLARK - GITLOW JUDSON - is a proud alum from Opelika High School, currently studying a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Performing Arts. He would love to give his thank to friends and family for helping him pursue his dreams and encourage him to become a theatre performer. 

DR. BEATRICE ALLEN - IDELLA LANDY - was prepared to be the Ass't. Director on PURLIE until some unforeseen-able circumstances altered our production course. She graciously stepped into the role of Idella Landy who is just as fiery and feisty as Ole Cap'n Cotchipee and proves to him she is his match. She has been an educator all of her life, and wears many hats in the community. She is on the Board of Directors of OCT and is also Co-Chairman of THE ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY SHOWCASE with OCT. She is the proud wife of Ward 1 Councilman George Allen. Idella will tell you "He that keepeth his mouth shut - keepeth his life!" 

ERNEST GOLDEN - CHARLIE COTCHIPEE - Ernest is excited to be playing Charlie in Purlie Victorious. Ernest has done several plays for Opelika Community Theater such as Odd Couple and a skit as Elvis, along with several murder mysteries over the years. Ernest works as a Respiratory Therapist and enjoys Golf and disc golf. 

NICHOLAS LECLERC - THE SHERRIF - has lived in the area since late 2019. Nicholas spent most of his life metro Atlanta. He is the Scrum Master at OnegaFi in Columbus, GA. This is Nicholas' 3rd production with OCT where his previous roles were in CLUE and THE WIZARD OF OZ. Nicholas' also played the role of Doody in GREASE. In High School he played a cop in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE and is playing the sheriff in PURLIE. He has been a t -shirt artist and is currently a competition miniature figurine painter. He is married to Barbara Leclerc and they enjoy being in shows together. Nicholas is also part of the stage and tech team. 

BARBARA LECLERC - THE DEPUTY - is married to Nicholas who is playing the Sherrif. Barbara was born a GA peach and she graduated from Auburn with a BS in Mathematics. Barbara is an IT Professional in the financial district. Barbara made her stage debut in "CLUE: ON STAGE" as the sassy French Maid, Yvette, and has since been seen in several other shows including THE WIZARD OF OZ. She says she has a blast stepping out of her comfort zone. In her spare time, she loves to ride bikes, drink margaritas and walk on the beach. Barbar is also part of the stage and tech team. 

DR. REBECCA COXWELL - STAGE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR - is making her debut working behind the scenes after starring in two feature shows DADDY'S DYIN' -WHO'S GOT THE WILL & THE WIZARD OF OZ. She has been married to Lee Coxwell for 19 years. They both have lived in Opelika all their lives and can't see living anywhere else. "Becky" has been teaching in Chambers County School System for 22 years, teaching 7th Grade Civics and currently teaching Teacher Education. She also gets to travel around with GP-38, a local country band, where she helps with photography and merchandise. She and her husband have a passion for classic cars and are members of Low and Slow Cruisers, and The East Alabama Old Car Club. She was a rhythm guitar player and singer in the Rivercrossers Gospel Group and in her free time she enjoys playing and writing music. 

KALYNN HILL - LIGHTING/SOUND. Kalynn is excited to be back at the tech booth for her second tech production with OCT . She helped manage lights, and sound board for the Wizard of Oz. Kalynn is in the 8th grade and has a passion for all things theatre. She has played lead roles in shows such as “FROZEN JR.” and “THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER.” In her free time she likes to make dragon art, draw, collect Pokémon cards, train her dog, and play video games.

DREW BRASFIELD - SOUND/TECH - has grown up with OCt for the past 8 years. He has done it all - from being on stage to being a stage tech, to lighting and sound. He prefers being on the lighting and sound side than to being on stage.

GABRIELLE LURNS- LIGHTING/SOUND - has been with OCT going on 4 years. She's a student in the O-ACT program and has a strong love of theatre. She loves being on stage and performing but is now trying her hand at the technical side. She has competed with OCT in Trumbauer Jr. Theatre Competition in Montgomery - where she has been awarded Superior and Excellent ratings. 

SILVIA MARCHETTI- STAGE MANAGER - is trying her hand with this production to learn the backstage mechanics of stage managing. She has performed with OCT in MEAN GIRLS, and THE WIZARD OF OZ. In her spare time she works at Tractor Supply and spends time with her two horses riding and competing. 

LEE COXWELL -TECH/STAGE CREW- is a native of Opelika. He is married to Dr. Rebecca Coxwell and owns his own Mechanic Business. He got pulled into Purlie quite by accident but we are so glad to have him on board.

LIBBY HERRING - SET DESIGN/LIGHTING - is one of the founders of OCT, and a Board Member. She wears many hats - set design, stage crew, lighting, make-up and where ever she is needed. She hates being on stage but prefers the background. She has won awards for her makeup artistry in theatre. 

KAYLA STEFFEY BATES- MEDIA DESIGN/MARKETING- is a mom of 2 amazing young men and creative professional with a deep passion for music, performance, and digital media. With over 20 years of experience as a professional vocalist and performer across multiple genres, Kayla has dedicated her life to the arts. As a soprano and multi-instrumentalist, she has earned numerous accolades for her musical excellence, including 25 sectional ISSMA medals and 12 state ISSMA medals across multiple instruments, as well as NATS 1st and 2nd place honors. Her classical foundation includes 9 years of focused vocal training and 15 years of professional experience across various musical styles.In addition to her musical career, she is an accomplished media designer and business consultant. She founded Interstellar Cre8tions, LLC/ Interstellar Creative Consulting, where she works as a Creative Opportunity Specialist. In this role, assists businesses in identifying and capitalizing on missed opportunities for growth, focusing on graphic and website design, business branding, and social media marketing. She is currently working towards completing her DBA. Kayla joined OCT to rekindle her love for music and acting. She is the Vocal Instructor for O-ACT classes and she is making her return to the stage with RENT in several minor roles. She will also serve as the music director for BEETLEJUICE JR. this summer and is most excited to take on the role of Patsy Cline in ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE.