Weekend of Magic Kicks off at The Ned

This weekend the city of Jackson celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Children and Teen Theatre with the production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”. Being the first production of the city’s theatre program for youth in 1974, it was only fitting for the celebration to capture the magic of the classic once again.

On Thursday morning, the upstairs of the old city hall building adjoining the Ned was turned into a tea room for little princesses to enjoy tea, crumpets, scones, handpies, and other sweet delights in royal fashion. The entire setting was the creation of Megan Weatherford. “I wanted the little ones to walk into the room and gasp and feel special”, she says. A crumpet, by the way , is like a cross between an English muffin and a pancake. I’d never thought to ask before.

Before the tea party, the little princesses had photos made with Cinderella and the Prince and afterward went over to The Ned for the show.

Weatherford has been working on the princess tea party since January and is thrilled to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration. “I’ve seen how theatre brings people together of all ages. Some children have trouble finding their place in the world and can find their place in theatre, many make life-long friends and even grow up to marry “, says Weatherford.

She should know the value of the camaraderie. She has a husband, two teenagers, and two little ones who love the stage but Weatherford believes her talent lies in organizing, which is highly required backstage and behind the scenes, and with an eye and imagination like hers she’s a backstage supermom.

Part of the weekend celebration includes a reunion after the Saturday matinee for former ‘theatre kids’ to get together and share precious memories.
For showtimes and tickets visit tix.com..