January 7, 2020

CONTACT: Connie Sutherland

Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum

404-358-1825 

csutherland@mariettaga.gov

MARIETTA – It’s been 80 years since the Academy Award-winning movie, “Gone With the Wind,” premiered, yet the 1939 film classic starring Vivien Leigh remains one of the most popular movies of all time. On January 17, 2019, this milestone will be celebrated with an opening night performance of Moonlight and Magnolias, a play by Ron Hutchinson.  The four-person play tells the true story of producer David O. Selznick’s quest to finalize the screenplay of Gone With the Wind, by luring, and then locking, screen writer Ben Hecht and director Victor Fleming, in his office for 5 days, with a diet consisting only of peanuts and bananas. Mayhem ensues as Selznick learns that his writer has never read the book, and he and Fleming must act out Margaret Mitchell’s story, scene by scene. Keeping the bananas and peanuts flowing, is the loyal Miss Poppenghul, Selznick’s assistant.  The event, which includes an opening night reception (complete with Scarlett O’Hara), is hosted by the New Theatre in the Square.  In its fifth year, New Theatre in the Square continues to offer top-notch entertainment to the Marietta community.  The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum has drawn visitors from all 50 states, and more than 70 counties in its 16 years in Marietta. 

The Cast

Chad Darnell, in the lead role as David O. Selznick, has worked as a casting director on more than one hundred television shows and feature films. They include the recently released Liam Hemsworth thriller, Killerman, and the series Florida Girls. On stage, he most recently appeared as “Hedwig” in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. In between rehearsals, Darnell is commuting to and from L.A., preparing to direct his feature film, The Undertaker’s Wife, which begins filming in L.A. in February. He will also direct the feature film Joey Stefano during summer 2020.

Channeling the social conscience of writer Ben Hecht, is Joseph Quimby. Quimby’s Navy career spanned 28 years as a journalist and public affairs officer, before retiring with the rank of commander. In the theater, he has worked on stage in Plaza Suite, and most recently in HBO's Watchman series, as a featured background actor.

Chuck Morris, as director Victor Fleming, is an attorney by day, but still finds time for his love of the theater. He is co-founder of the Cedartown Theatrical Performers’ Company, and has directed, produced, and appeared in many productions in Cedartown, as well as in nearby Rome, GA.

Connie Sutherland’s role as Miss Poppenghul, comes naturally, due to her profession as director of the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, and her knowledge of Marcella Rabwin (the real Miss Poppenghul). Sutherland was also in Our Town, and wrote and directed The Wind Has Left, written for the 75th anniversary of Gone With the Wind, and performed at the Murray Arts Center, including cast member from the movie.

Directing is Prodan Dimov, who has been with the New Theatre in the Square for two years. He is also Founding Artistic Director of Metropolis Theater, and an actor and director of Bulgarian origin who has lived in the United States since 1996. He earned a B.F.A and an M.F.A. in Acting in 1983 and a PhD in Theater Arts in 2012 from Krastio Sarafov Higher Institute for Theater and Film Arts in Bulgaria. His abundant professional experience has been accumulated in the areas of acting, directing, and teaching primarily in three countries: Bulgaria, Russia, and the United States.

Tickets for “Moonlight and Magnolias” are on sale now. Ticket prices are $22.50, $25, and $30, with a senior discounted ticket price for the performance on Wednesday, January 22nd.

SHOWTIMES:

January 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 – 7:30 p.m.      January 19, 26 – 2:30 p.m.    January 22 – 11:00 a.m.

February 1 – 7:30 p.m.

For more information, go to www.theatreinthesquare.net, or call 770-426-4800.  

MEDIA/MEDIA CONTACTS:

Connie Sutherland, Marketing and Media – Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum

(404) 358-1825 | csutherland@mariettaga.gov

Raul Thomas, Owner/Operations - Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square

(770) 426-4800 | rthospitality@gmail.com

Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square is an American professional theatre in Marietta (Cobb County) Georgia. Opening its doors in July 2015 with The Birdcage, the theatre has received accolades for its quality productions during the past four years. For the holiday season, Theatre’s production of Gift of the Magi played to sold-out audiences during its run.  New Theatre in the Square also offers theater education opportunities for youth and adults, including workshops. Operated by Owner and General Manager, Raul Thomas, the facility is used as a performing arts center, with theater as the anchor.  Located at 11 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, GA.  770-426-4800.  www.newtheatreinthesquare.com

The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum is housed in Historic Brumby Hall, a pre-Civil War home built in 1851.  After 15 years at the historic Marietta square, the museum relocated in April 2018 to its current home.  The museum, whose collection includes original artifacts from the film and the author, sees more than 10,000 visitors each year.  Annual events are hosted by the museum as well. The three-day 80th anniversary event held in June this year, saw visitors from across the U.S., as well as from abroad.  Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 472 Powder Springs St, Marietta, GA.   770-794-5576 www.gwtwmarietta.com