Berea Arena Theater Announces Third Season

The Berea Arena Theater, a community theater group located in Berea, Kentucky, has announced their third season for September 2009 through August 2010. Nestled in the "Crafts Capital of the World," the theater is a wonderful addition to the arts community of Berea. The theater is located at 1835 Big Hill Road in Berea, Kentucky.

Artistic Director and Managing Producer Eddie Kennedy will present a vast array of performances from comedy to melodrama that will be sure to entertain thoroughly and fit any family's budget. Arena features the best of local and regional talent that you could find in any community theater in the area.

Berea Arena Theater is a not for profit organization with all proceeds benefiting cancer patients. Eddie and his wife Norma built the theater to profit Sara Care, a foundation formed in memory of the Kennedy's daughter, Sara, who passed away from a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Sara Care has benefited many cancer patients and has outfitted the University of Kentucky Children's Cancer Ward with TV/DVD combo players since it was formed. There's no better reason than to support the arts by also supporting and helping cancer patients.

The theater is located in the Eastern Kentucky Child Care Coalition building, formerly known as The Forestry Building, a part of Berea College's campus. The theater seats about 100 people and is very personal. No audience member misses a word or a facial expression.

Main Stage productions for the third season include many popular shows. A Thurber Carnival by James Thurber is on stage November 18 - 22 and 27 - 29. Nunsense II by Dan Goggin is featured February 4 - 7, 10, 11, 12, and 14. The Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon goes up March 18 - 21 and 25 - 28. Twelve Angry Jurors by Sherman Sergel is June 17 - 20 and 24 - 27; and Pure as the Driven Snow by Paul Loomis is July 22 - 25 and 29 - August 1.

Special events will run throughout the season. On September 3, 2009, Tom Hubbard, Master Magician presents an evening of illusion and magical feats. On September 12, 2009, Director Trish Ayers presents staged readings called Money Blues by members of the Kentucky Women Playwrights Seminar.

The Gong Show is back on September 24 - 27 for a night of amazing talent and a fun event for the audience to participate and yell at the actors on stage. A Christmas Carol is Eddie Kennedy's traditional production on December 16 - 20. In 2010, step back in television time with Hee-Haw on stage May 13 - 16. Tickets for individual performances are $8.00 and season tickets are $60.00.

www.bereaarenatheater.com