Let them entertain us

I have not posted recently because my mind has been full of decidedly non-theater related subjects - i.e., the economy, the presidential election, the general state of the world, etc. But this blog is not a forum for such things, so I have abstained from making comments here. (But I couldn't hold back on my Facebook page.)

But what has society always turned to in order to forget our woes? The art of play-acting. Whether with actors on stage, a voice coming out of a box, or moving pictures, mankind has always been able to relax for a few hours, forget the troubles and imagine themselves in another time - and nothing can compares with the sheer captivation of live theater. Even during the Great Depression, the federal government recognized the need for people to lose themselves in a show and started the Federal Theater Project to keep actors employed and keep audiences' morale up.

So I encourage us all to indulge in a little reprieve. Take in a show - for those in Georgia, the Fabulous Fox theater in Altanta has some gems playing this season. Don't want to splurge on gas money? Take a look a bit closer to home. Theater Albany is currently running The Woman in Black. And, of course, Sumter Players presents The Gift of the Magi next month. Don't live in southwest Georgia? A quick search at www.citysearch.com should fill you in on the theater offerings in your area. Check it out - if it doesn't relieve your stress, I'll give you your money back!*

*I will not actually give you your money back, but I will send you a sincere letter of apology.