Richelle Putnam

http://www.meridianstar.com/archivesearch/local_story_156150618.html - The Meridian Star

'A Mother's Son' presented at the Roxy Theatre
Cheryl McLain/News Editor
The Newton Record
NEWTON — The long-awaited production of “A Mother’s Son,” a Civil War period historic play will be presented by Newton Theatre Company at the Roxy Theatre in Newton. The play will be presented Thursday night at a special invitation presentation and then open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.

The directors, cast, costume designers and stage hands have worked very hard to make this the most unforgettable production the people of Newton and surrounding areas, hopefully, have ever seen.

The play, a year and a half in the making, is based on documented historic facts in the town of Newton and reflects the lives of many of the town’s residents during that era.

“All the cast are from the Newton area and have been working really hard to make this play one that will steal your heart,” Rachel Beeland said. “This play is all about Newton from the writers, to the characters and story itself.”

Writers Anne McKee, Richelle Putnam and Ralph Gordon brought to life an “unknown soldier” from Doolittle Cemetery, gave him a name and a family and based it on events that actually happened in Newton with Grierson’s Raid and the burning of The Depot.

“The idea for this story came about when Malcolm White (President of the Mississippi Arts Commission) came to town to visit the Chamber last year,” Beeland said. “We went into Robert Garvin’s shop and he saw a picture of an “unknown soldier” from Doolittle’s Cemetery Garvin had made.

Beeland said she had told White they needed to raise money for the building next to the theatre and needed some ideas.

“Malcolm told us that we should write a story about the “unknown soldier” and put it on stage and we could make a lot of money,” Beeland said. “At that time our eyes lit up and Angie Burks and I went to see Robert Garvin. He in turn called Ralph Gordon and Ralph contacted Anne McKee and Richelle Putnam and that is how the idea came about.”

The song lyrics for the play were written by Richelle Putnam and Ralph Gordon and music for the production will be sung by Richelle Putnam who will accompany herself on the guitar. Barry Roebuck with Roebuck and Sons Music has worked with the music and the recordings.

Directors for the play are Beeland, Nancy Brand, Joe Pugh, costuming by Lynn Pace, Nancy Brand and Karen Freeman, sets by Paulette Trammil and Charles Pace.

The cast of characters include Leigh Ann Whittle, Lauren Acord, Cody Strait, Katrina Kennedy, Senator Terry C. Burton, Craig Leonard, Daniel Lee, Addie Watts, Kristen Walker, Robert Ray, Frank Kirtley, Jarod Armstrong, Ashton Acord, Heidi Armstrong, Randy Weaver, Vicki Richardson, Sarah Mutziger, Alora Ryans, Dustin Alexander and J’ Marks Dubose.

“We hope that our play accurately portrays the history of Newton,” Gordon said. “We would like to thank Rachel Beeland, Joe Pugh and Nancy Brand for giving us this opportunity.”

And as for this writer, I can’t wait to see this production that is set during the Civil War because I for one am a Civil War buff who grew up with a “Gone With the Wind” book in my hand. And as Margaret Mitchell wrote in the beginning of her book; “There was a land of Cavaliers and Cotton Fields called the Old South. Here in this pretty world, Gallantry took its last bow. Here was the last ever to be seen of Knights and their Ladies Fair, of Master and of Slave. Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream remembered, a civilization gone with the wind.’’
- The Newton Record

'A Mother's Son' presented at the Roxy Theatre
Cheryl McLain/News Editor
The Newton Record
NEWTON — The long-awaited production of “A Mother’s Son,” a Civil War period historic play will be presented by Newton Theatre Company at the Roxy Theatre in Newton. The play will be presented Thursday night at a special invitation presentation and then open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.

The directors, cast, costume designers and stage hands have worked very hard to make this the most unforgettable production the people of Newton and surrounding areas, hopefully, have ever seen.

The play, a year and a half in the making, is based on documented historic facts in the town of Newton and reflects the lives of many of the town’s residents during that era.

“All the cast are from the Newton area and have been working really hard to make this play one that will steal your heart,” Rachel Beeland said. “This play is all about Newton from the writers, to the characters and story itself.”

Writers Anne McKee, Richelle Putnam and Ralph Gordon brought to life an “unknown soldier” from Doolittle Cemetery, gave him a name and a family and based it on events that actually happened in Newton with Grierson’s Raid and the burning of The Depot.

“The idea for this story came about when Malcolm White (President of the Mississippi Arts Commission) came to town to visit the Chamber last year,” Beeland said. “We went into Robert Garvin’s shop and he saw a picture of an “unknown soldier” from Doolittle’s Cemetery Garvin had made.

Beeland said she had told White they needed to raise money for the building next to the theatre and needed some ideas.

“Malcolm told us that we should write a story about the “unknown soldier” and put it on stage and we could make a lot of money,” Beeland said. “At that time our eyes lit up and Angie Burks and I went to see Robert Garvin. He in turn called Ralph Gordon and Ralph contacted Anne McKee and Richelle Putnam and that is how the idea came about.”

The song lyrics for the play were written by Richelle Putnam and Ralph Gordon and music for the production will be sung by Richelle Putnam who will accompany herself on the guitar. Barry Roebuck with Roebuck and Sons Music has worked with the music and the recordings.

Directors for the play are Beeland, Nancy Brand, Joe Pugh, costuming by Lynn Pace, Nancy Brand and Karen Freeman, sets by Paulette Trammil and Charles Pace.

The cast of characters include Leigh Ann Whittle, Lauren Acord, Cody Strait, Katrina Kennedy, Senator Terry C. Burton, Craig Leonard, Daniel Lee, Addie Watts, Kristen Walker, Robert Ray, Frank Kirtley, Jarod Armstrong, Ashton Acord, Heidi Armstrong, Randy Weaver, Vicki Richardson, Sarah Mutziger, Alora Ryans, Dustin Alexander and J’ Marks Dubose.

“We hope that our play accurately portrays the history of Newton,” Gordon said. “We would like to thank Rachel Beeland, Joe Pugh and Nancy Brand for giving us this opportunity.”

And as for this writer, I can’t wait to see this production that is set during the Civil War because I for one am a Civil War buff who grew up with a “Gone With the Wind” book in my hand. And as Margaret Mitchell wrote in the beginning of her book; “There was a land of Cavaliers and Cotton Fields called the Old South. Here in this pretty world, Gallantry took its last bow. Here was the last ever to be seen of Knights and their Ladies Fair, of Master and of Slave. Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream remembered, a civilization gone with the wind.’’
- The Newton Record

Tickets on sale for 'A Mother's Son'
Cheryl McLain/News Editor
The Newton Record
NEWTON — The directors and cast are working really hard to prepare for the opening of “A Mother’s Son” to be presented by the Newton Theatre Company at the Roxy Theatre. The production is a Civil War period historic play set in the town of Newton. The production will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.

“This play is depicted upon documented historic facts in the town of Newton and commemorates the hope of all Mississippians,” Rachel Beeland said. “All the cast are from the Newton area and have been working really hard to make this a play that will steal your heart.”

The play was written by local writers Richelle Putnam, Anne McKee and Ralph Gordon and the music for the play was written by and will be sung by Richelle Putnam.

“... the people that received special invitations need to RSVP immediately as seats are filling up,” Chamber of Commerce Director Angie Burks said. “You also do not need to wait to buy your tickets at the door for the Saturday and Sunday productions because we expect this is going to be a sellout play.”

Tickets for the production are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at Newton County Bank, Newton Chamber of Commerce, Bank Plus, The Coffee Cup Cafe, Regions Bank and McBeth Drugs. For more information you can call Rachel Beeland 601-683-3752, Nancy Brand 601-683-3273 or the Chamber of Commerce at 601-683-2201.

- The Newton Record

Tickets on sale for 'A Mother's Son'
Cheryl McLain/News Editor
The Newton Record
NEWTON — The directors and cast are working really hard to prepare for the opening of “A Mother’s Son” to be presented by the Newton Theatre Company at the Roxy Theatre. The production is a Civil War period historic play set in the town of Newton. The production will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.

“This play is depicted upon documented historic facts in the town of Newton and commemorates the hope of all Mississippians,” Rachel Beeland said. “All the cast are from the Newton area and have been working really hard to make this a play that will steal your heart.”

The play was written by local writers Richelle Putnam, Anne McKee and Ralph Gordon and the music for the play was written by and will be sung by Richelle Putnam.

“... the people that received special invitations need to RSVP immediately as seats are filling up,” Chamber of Commerce Director Angie Burks said. “You also do not need to wait to buy your tickets at the door for the Saturday and Sunday productions because we expect this is going to be a sellout play.”

Tickets for the production are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at Newton County Bank, Newton Chamber of Commerce, Bank Plus, The Coffee Cup Cafe, Regions Bank and McBeth Drugs. For more information you can call Rachel Beeland 601-683-3752, Nancy Brand 601-683-3273 or the Chamber of Commerce at 601-683-2201.

- The Newton Record

Beeland, Crenshaw honored by Chamber
Cheryl McLain/News Editor
The Newton Record
NEWTON — The 55th annual Newton Chamber of Commerce banquet was quite a success no matter how you measure it.

The highlight of the banquet was the naming of the Man and Woman of the Year. The big winners were Joe Beeland and Kay Crenshaw.

Of most everything that happens whether it’s the chamber, the theatre, the church, the businesses community or someone getting married, both the man and woman, Joe Beeland and Kay Crenshaw, can be found working tirelessly to make it a success, Burks said.

Guest speaker, John Johnson, of WTOK-TV, told the story of the runner who was injured during the race but continued, and as he crossed the finish line hours behind everyone else he was asked why he put himself through the agony and pain? Johnson’s answer was his goal was to finish.

“This applies to us in business, in Chamber, in economic development and even our personal lives,” Newton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Angie Burks said. “We must keep on going till we get to the finish line, not to just start out and then quit because we cannot finish first.”

The United Givers Fund Chairperson, Donna Pace, was honored by Tim Thomas for her work as UGF chairman this past year.

The election of the new chamber president, Kay Crenshaw, promises to bring on a series of new ideas and organizations for the Chamber with the upcoming new year, which began on Monday, July 2, 2007.

“If you are not currently a member of the Chamber of Commerce and would like to be more involved in the community, please contact us at the chamber office 601-683-2201,” Burks said. “We would like the participation of new businesses and individuals so that we are serving the community in a way that helps everyone.”

If you have ideas and suggestions, please let the board members and director know.

Burks said the chamber will keep going with such annual events as the Loose Caboose as well as looking for new events to add, as well as bringing visitors and new businesses to town.

“As you can see we already have a busy year ahead of us, but we are looking forward to it with a downtown grand opening, ribbon cutting pretty soon as we have several new businesses that have just recently opened,” Burks said. “I am excited about all that we have going on in Newton already and look forward to another year of success as we begin to lay plans in place starting next week with our first meeting of the new chamber board.”

Entertainment of the evening was a special surprise when Richelle Putman, president of the Mississippi Writer’s Guild, introduced a song she has written for a story about an unknown soldier from Doolittle Cemetery titled “A Mother’s Son.”

The song is part of a play that was written just for the town of Newton with the same title by Putnam, Anne McKee and Ralph Gordon, all members of the Guild.

“The production will only be put on in Newton,” Newton Theatre Co. President Rachel Beeland said. “We are honored and touched by this script and it is going to be something you will never forget.”

Portraying the unknown soldier at the banquet was Frank Kirtley of Decatur, who walked among the crowd mysteriously as Putnam sang the song.

Burks also thanked the businesses that donated items for the silent auction as well as the chamber’s corporate sponsors, Newton County Bank, Regions Bank, Garvin’s Piggly Wiggly, La-Z-Boy, ESCO, Newton Regional Hospital, Wal-Mart and the City of Newton.

“We would also like to give another thank you to John King of Mississippi Power as our past president who has worked tirelessly on the power for our Loose-Caboose Festival among his many other responsibilities as Chamber president,” Burks said.

- Newton Record

Beeland, Crenshaw honored by Chamber
Cheryl McLain/News Editor
The Newton Record
NEWTON — The 55th annual Newton Chamber of Commerce banquet was quite a success no matter how you measure it.

The highlight of the banquet was the naming of the Man and Woman of the Year. The big winners were Joe Beeland and Kay Crenshaw.

Of most everything that happens whether it’s the chamber, the theatre, the church, the businesses community or someone getting married, both the man and woman, Joe Beeland and Kay Crenshaw, can be found working tirelessly to make it a success, Burks said.

Guest speaker, John Johnson, of WTOK-TV, told the story of the runner who was injured during the race but continued, and as he crossed the finish line hours behind everyone else he was asked why he put himself through the agony and pain? Johnson’s answer was his goal was to finish.

“This applies to us in business, in Chamber, in economic development and even our personal lives,” Newton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Angie Burks said. “We must keep on going till we get to the finish line, not to just start out and then quit because we cannot finish first.”

The United Givers Fund Chairperson, Donna Pace, was honored by Tim Thomas for her work as UGF chairman this past year.

The election of the new chamber president, Kay Crenshaw, promises to bring on a series of new ideas and organizations for the Chamber with the upcoming new year, which began on Monday, July 2, 2007.

“If you are not currently a member of the Chamber of Commerce and would like to be more involved in the community, please contact us at the chamber office 601-683-2201,” Burks said. “We would like the participation of new businesses and individuals so that we are serving the community in a way that helps everyone.”

If you have ideas and suggestions, please let the board members and director know.

Burks said the chamber will keep going with such annual events as the Loose Caboose as well as looking for new events to add, as well as bringing visitors and new businesses to town.

“As you can see we already have a busy year ahead of us, but we are looking forward to it with a downtown grand opening, ribbon cutting pretty soon as we have several new businesses that have just recently opened,” Burks said. “I am excited about all that we have going on in Newton already and look forward to another year of success as we begin to lay plans in place starting next week with our first meeting of the new chamber board.”

Entertainment of the evening was a special surprise when Richelle Putman, president of the Mississippi Writer’s Guild, introduced a song she has written for a story about an unknown soldier from Doolittle Cemetery titled “A Mother’s Son.”

The song is part of a play that was written just for the town of Newton with the same title by Putnam, Anne McKee and Ralph Gordon, all members of the Guild.

“The production will only be put on in Newton,” Newton Theatre Co. President Rachel Beeland said. “We are honored and touched by this script and it is going to be something you will never forget.”

Portraying the unknown soldier at the banquet was Frank Kirtley of Decatur, who walked among the crowd mysteriously as Putnam sang the song.

Burks also thanked the businesses that donated items for the silent auction as well as the chamber’s corporate sponsors, Newton County Bank, Regions Bank, Garvin’s Piggly Wiggly, La-Z-Boy, ESCO, Newton Regional Hospital, Wal-Mart and the City of Newton.

“We would also like to give another thank you to John King of Mississippi Power as our past president who has worked tirelessly on the power for our Loose-Caboose Festival among his many other responsibilities as Chamber president,” Burks said.

- Newton Record

Local talent sparks weekend Country Concert at Roxy
Ralph E. Gordon
Special to The Record
NEWTON — Barry Roebuck has never played the Nashville scene or had a million-seller hit, but his reputation as a musician in this neck of the woods speaks for itself. Barry has been making music since he started playing the drums for his father at the age of nine.

If you’ve never heard him play I suggest you attend the next performance like the one he produced at the Roxy Saturday May 26. If you hand Roebuck a musical instrument he will make music come out of it ever which way you can imagine. Music comes natural to him.

With the blessings of Rachel Beeland and the Newton Theatre Company, Roebuck assembled some of the finest talent in the country music business for the Memorial Day Weekend performance. Most of the talent was homegrown, including the steel guitar man, Newton County’s own Charlie Harrison. Many of the performers who graced the Roxy stage had worked with famous musicians such as Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and gentleman Jim Reeves. Roebuck also brought May and Mackey, a husband and wife team from Scotland. The Scottish duo has been performing Jimmy Rodgers music in Europe before bringing their act to the States.

Country music fans received a special treat as the band Back Roads with lead singer Larry Blackburn’s narration of the history of country music, starting with music from the Jimmy Rodgers era and ending up performing contemporary country.

Newton had two young performers to dazzle the crowd, too. Faith Westbury performed the Loretta Lynn hit “Coal Miners Daughter “followed by Heidi Armstrong singing the classic Bill Monroe tune “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”

The most memorable moment of the afternoon performance came as Senator Terry C. Burton paid tribute to America’s war veterans who gave their lives in defense of our freedon. Burton asked the crowd to remember our fallen heroes with a moment of silence. Vocalist Richelle Putnam ended the 10 -second silent tribute with “America The Beautiful”, and there was not a dry eye to be seen in the Roxy as Ms. Putnam’s gentle soul penetrating voice resonated within the walls of the historic old theatre.

Beeland seized the opportunity to plug the play “A Mother’s Son“, which was written by Richelle Putnam, Anne McKee and this writer. The Newton Theatre will present the play later this year which will include several original songs written by the Putnam, McKee and Gordon trio.

In addition to the music, the audience was entertained by columnist and playwright Anne McKee. Ms. McKee, who never fails to charm an audience with her humor and appreciation of Mississippi heritage, introduced the Scottish duo with a short narrative salute to Jimmy Rodgers and his music.

The grand finale was performed by Rick McWilliams the great nephew of the legendary Jimmy Rodgers as he was backed up by Bob Saxon and the group Swing Shift from Chattanooga.

Roebuck has also booked similar performances in Corinth, Mississippi as well as in Arkansas.

- The Newton Record

Local talent sparks weekend Country Concert at Roxy
Ralph E. Gordon
Special to The Record
NEWTON — Barry Roebuck has never played the Nashville scene or had a million-seller hit, but his reputation as a musician in this neck of the woods speaks for itself. Barry has been making music since he started playing the drums for his father at the age of nine.

If you’ve never heard him play I suggest you attend the next performance like the one he produced at the Roxy Saturday May 26. If you hand Roebuck a musical instrument he will make music come out of it ever which way you can imagine. Music comes natural to him.

With the blessings of Rachel Beeland and the Newton Theatre Company, Roebuck assembled some of the finest talent in the country music business for the Memorial Day Weekend performance. Most of the talent was homegrown, including the steel guitar man, Newton County’s own Charlie Harrison. Many of the performers who graced the Roxy stage had worked with famous musicians such as Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and gentleman Jim Reeves. Roebuck also brought May and Mackey, a husband and wife team from Scotland. The Scottish duo has been performing Jimmy Rodgers music in Europe before bringing their act to the States.

Country music fans received a special treat as the band Back Roads with lead singer Larry Blackburn’s narration of the history of country music, starting with music from the Jimmy Rodgers era and ending up performing contemporary country.

Newton had two young performers to dazzle the crowd, too. Faith Westbury performed the Loretta Lynn hit “Coal Miners Daughter “followed by Heidi Armstrong singing the classic Bill Monroe tune “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”

The most memorable moment of the afternoon performance came as Senator Terry C. Burton paid tribute to America’s war veterans who gave their lives in defense of our freedon. Burton asked the crowd to remember our fallen heroes with a moment of silence. Vocalist Richelle Putnam ended the 10 -second silent tribute with “America The Beautiful”, and there was not a dry eye to be seen in the Roxy as Ms. Putnam’s gentle soul penetrating voice resonated within the walls of the historic old theatre.

Beeland seized the opportunity to plug the play “A Mother’s Son“, which was written by Richelle Putnam, Anne McKee and this writer. The Newton Theatre will present the play later this year which will include several original songs written by the Putnam, McKee and Gordon trio.

In addition to the music, the audience was entertained by columnist and playwright Anne McKee. Ms. McKee, who never fails to charm an audience with her humor and appreciation of Mississippi heritage, introduced the Scottish duo with a short narrative salute to Jimmy Rodgers and his music.

The grand finale was performed by Rick McWilliams the great nephew of the legendary Jimmy Rodgers as he was backed up by Bob Saxon and the group Swing Shift from Chattanooga.

Roebuck has also booked similar performances in Corinth, Mississippi as well as in Arkansas.

- The Newton Record

Meridian singer and songwriter Richelle Putnam welcomed downtown visitors and workers to the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience courtyard on Thursday as she performed at The MAX’s monthly Brown Bag Concert.

The Brown Bag Concert series brings local artists and the community together in a come-and-go style concert providing downtown workers with a nice break from the office and an opportunity to hear local musicians and artists perform live.

In addition to writing songs and lyrics, Putnam is an accomplished author and has taught multiple creative writing courses at Meridian Community College and through libraries and schools. She is also listed by the Mississippi Arts Commission as both a roster artist and a teaching artist and received the Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Fellowship in 2014 and again in 2021. - The Meridian Star