January-February 2023

continued from Memories and Milestones, page 29
The opening night audience included several
NewPlayFest representatives, including AACT President
Kristi Quinn and Education Coordinator David A.
VanCleave, Carrie Blomquist from Dramatic Publishing
Company, and Linda Lee from the Jack K. Ayre and
Frank Ayre Lee Theatre Foundation, which sponsors the
festival.
About Midland Community Theatre
Founded by Art Cole, Midland Community Theatre (MCT)
marked its 75th anniversary in 2020. MCT produces
musicals, comedies, dramas, mysteries, melodramas,
and children’s theatre in three performance
spaces, along with diverse educational classes and
programming. The company’s annual programming
includes a membership season of nine productions;
a Summer Mummers fundraiser for the theatre’s
operating fund (since 1949); a theatre school offering
after-school classes; the Pickwick Players, offering teen
classes, workshops, and three productions; Applause
Players, a drama therapy program for youth with autism
and their families; and Centerstage, an after-school
project for teenagers who are not involved in Pickwicks.
Midland Community Theatre
Midland Community Theatre Executive Director Tim Jebsen receives
a check from Linda M. Lee of the Jack K. Ayre and Frank Ayre Lee
Theatre Foundation on opening night of the world premiere of Of
Men and Cars, October 21, 2022, in Midland, Texas
About the Playwright
Jim Geoghan’s play Only Kidding ran off-Broadway for
two years and was nominated for two Drama Desk
Awards, including best play. Light Sensitive has had 80
productions and was nominated for the Joseph Jefferson
Award in Chicago. Other plays include King of City Island,
Two Gentlemen of Corona, and Ug the Caveman Musical,
for which he wrote book and lyrics. Geoghan also writes
and produces television. He created The Suite Life of Zack
and Cody for the Disney Channel and was nominated
twice for Emmy Awards. Other television credits include
writing for Family Matters, Silver Spoons, and Facts of Life.
Midland Community Theatre
Opening night of the AACT NewPlayFest 2022 production on Of
Men and Cars, by Jim Geoghan, at Midland Community Theatre
in Midland Texas
Front row (left to right): Carrie Blomquist (Professional Leasing
Director, Dramatic Publishing Company), Kristi Quinn (AACT
Board President), Daryl Berry (cast), Daniel Collins (cast), Jeri
Morgan (cast), Linda M. Lee (Jack K. Ayre and Frank Ayre Lee
Theatre Foundation), David A .VanCleave (AACT Education
Coordinator, AACT Dramaturg)
Middle row (left to right): Ben Spencer (Director), Brent Mealer
(cast), Elijah Rivera (cast), Brandon Thomason (cast), Melanie
Collins (cast)
Back row (left to right): Sarah January (cast), Natalie Lopez
(Sound Operator), Joel Lopez (Light Operator), Sarah Cotton
(Stage Manager)
30
AACT SPOTLIGHT