Editor:

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the community theatre festival of the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Birmingham. One of the true highlights of that festival was Theatre 98’s production of The Trip to Bountiful, one of two Alabama community theatres which had advanced to the regional level.

The production was dramatic, poignant, and lovingly acted from start to finish. The adjudicators of the festival thought so, as well, as they recognized Leslie Johnson as the festival’s Best Actress for her performance as Carrie Watts.

This was Theatre 98’s first time to represent Alabama at the community theatre southeast regional, and they represented Alabama well. Not only was the show well-produced, but the cast and crew were a delight to meet and make acquaintance.

I look forward to visiting Fairhope at some point in the near future and seeing more of Theatre 98’s work first-hand. I’m sure the community is as proud of its theatre as I am impressed by it.

Community Theatre Festival Chair

Venice, Fla.