Documentary film celebrates first 100 years

The Shreveport Little Theatre has long billed itself as one of the oldest continually producing community theatre groups in the United States. This year, they’re putting that claim on display in the form of a documentary celebrating the 100-year history of the little playhouse on Margaret Place.

Managing and Artistic Director Robert Darrow, Ph.D., said the project had been a long time in the making. “I think we’ve worked on it for three years. A lot of research has transpired out at Northwest Louisiana Archives under the direction of Dr. Laura McLemore and her staff.”

Darrow credits Andy Shehee, the Centennial Sponsor, for making the effort possible and others who have contributed time, talent and money to help tell the tale of this Shreveport icon.

Fairfield Studios is producing the video with the direction of Clint McCommon. The musical score was written by Winston Hall, who will also play keyboards for the soundtrack. Joining him will be Jennifer Carsillo on violin and Eric Gardner on bass.

Darrow said the most daunting task has been deciding what not to include in the story. He said the archives housed on the campus of LSU in Shreveport include the John Wray and Margaret Mary Young collection. That couple was one of the earliest teams to produce shows for the group.

The documentary will be screened on the weekend of May 6, 7 and 8. The public will get a chance to see it at either 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, or 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. A special screening for patrons attending the Centennial Gala will be held on May 6. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the SLT box office, by calling 318-424-4439, or online at www. ShowTix4U.com.