Collierville Parks, Recreation
& Cultural Arts Department

440 W. Powell Rd.
Collierville TN. 38017
(901) 853-3225

Cultural Arts

The Harrell Performing Arts Theatre, through the Collierville Arts Council, is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the performing arts. 
We are always looking for volunteers.  If you would like to get involved in your local community theatre, please contact us.

Wayne Warren
Cultural Arts Manager
[email protected]

Richard Logston
Technical Production
Manager

Tressia Shields
Administrative Specialist
[email protected]

Who We Are

The Harrell Performing Arts Theatre, through the Collierville Arts Council, is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the performing arts.  Established in September 1987, we seek to advance and strengthen community bonds by developing interest in the arts.  We fulfill this purpose by producing theatre, music, and dance performances that continue to be an expression of the community�s talents, values, needs, resources, and aspirations.

          Revenue for the Arts Council is generated through ticket and subscription sales, donations, and fundraising.  As a part of these efforts, we offer opportunities for corporate sponsorship.

          During the last season, more than 8,000 people attended Collierville Arts Council productions.  The Harrell Theatre seeks to provide a balanced selection of dramatic pieces; in the past, we have produced such diverse offerings as Cheaper by the Dozen, Little Women, The Sound of Music, Annie, The Odd Couple, Nunsense, The Music Man, The House at Pooh Corner, Wood and Strings Puppet Theatre, The Best of Bernstein, and Driving Miss Daisy.

          Additionally, the Arts Council sponsors school matinees for certain productions throughout the year.  Children from the city of Memphis and surrounding counties attend these performances, which are offered at a discounted rate.  This year, we had more than 3,000 children to attend performances of The Match Girl�s Gift.

          The Harrell Theatre encourages members of the community to volunteer their time working for our various productions. These volunteers come to special work days where they assist with set construction, painting, and all kinds of scenic work.  Volunteers also help with finding props, sewing costumes, and putting up posters.  Volunteers run the light board, the sound system, and the follow spot.  They usher and help with house management and box office duties. Interested volunteers should call Wayne Warren at 853-3228.

Upcoming Productions

2005 � 2006 Season

'Twas the Night before Christmas
 
Based on the famous Christmas poem �A Visit from St. Nicholas,� �Twas the Night before Christmas dramatizes the events surrounding the composition of this timeless poem.   

It�s 1822 in New England, and Dr. Clement Moore, amateur poet, is stuck for ideas. It�s a Moore tradition for him to write a poem at Christmas for his wife and children, but this year he seems particularly dull.  It takes a magical mouse, some dancing sugarplums, and an unusually jolly neighbor to inspire Dr. Moore�s imagination. 

Come see the Moore family, the dancing sugarplums, and most importantly, Santa Claus at the family musical �Twas the Night before Christmas.  It�s the best way to celebrate the tradition of family and the holiday season.

Play Dates:
December 3 � 18, 2005 (Saturday & Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m.)

School Matinees are available.

Directed by:  Amy Hanford

For more information, call the theatre box office - 853-3228.

Future Productions at the Harrell Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus Christ Superstar is the first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced on the professional stage.  It is a rock opera dramatizing the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus Christ Superstar first exploded onto the stage in 1971 and it was clear that the musical world would never be the same again.

Play Dates
February 17 � March 5, 2006
Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00
Sunday Matinees at 2:30

Tickets
$12.00 (Adults)
$10.00 (Children/Students/Seniors)
Family Membership - $60.00

Group rates are available
Box Office:  901-853-3228

Broadway Babies
May 5 - 14, 2006

The Sound of Music
July 14 - 30, 2006

Classes

The Arts Council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Harrell Theatre.  The 2005 board members are:

Walter Rook
Claire Greer
Ralph Lorenz
Robin Markle
Philip Arensberg
Trena Street
Deanna Elick
Deborah Murdock
Randy Tedford
John Vincent
Betty Werne

  �To develop, promote, assist, and coordinate the arts in the town of Collierville, Tennessee, and surrounding areas; to perform other charitable services for the town of Collierville and surrounding areas; and to enable those who wish to make an artistic contribution to the community of Collierville . . .�

            This has become the purpose of the Collierville Arts Council since becoming a tax-exempt nonprofit organization in 1989. In order to fulfill these goals, the Arts Council has a desire to increase the interest of the community in the arts and to assist any with a wish to make an artistic contribution.  The Arts Council hopes that the Harrell Theatre continues to be an expression of the community�s talents, values, needs, resources, and aspirations.

            Revenue for the Arts Council is generated through individual ticket sales, membership sales, donations, and fundraising.  As a part of these efforts, the Arts Council offers a corporate sponsorship package.  Contact Wayne Warren at 440 West Powell Road, Collierville, TN  38017.