Here at the Rylander, everyday is an event!  In the past month we have had all types of shows: cirque, a comedic play, a birthday party, and stand up comedy!

On September 12^th, The Golden Dragon Acrobats were welcomed back to the Rylander stage.  The crowd clapped, cheered, oooh’d, and ahhh’d as the world-renowned acrobats jumped, climbed, threw, tossed, and hurdled themselves and each other into the air!  People were out of their seats with excitement as they watched one acrobat climb a series of stacked chairs all the way to the Proscenium arch!

The Sumter Players presented Harvey, a comedy about an invisible Púca rabbit, on September 17^th, 18^th, 19^th, & 20^th .  The audience laughed at the hysterics of Elwood P. Dowd and the effect his friend, Harvey had on his sweet caring sister, Veta Louise Simmons.  Eventually even the audience was seeing Harvey as a Sumter Player’s member dressed up like the giant Púca.

Former United States President, Jimmy Carter celebrated his 85^th birthday at the Rylander Theatre on September 27, 2009.  600 guests attended the Carter celebration and enjoyed the musical and dance performance of St. Genevieve High School choral and dance troupes.  The students sang to Rosalyn, Wind beneath my Wings, because they had heard that it was Jimmy’s favorite song to dedicate to her.  The second act of the show was a highly acclaimed performance by pianist David Osborne.  David played many songs that were popular when Mr. Carter was running for President.  The Grand finale ended in the Rylander park where Jimmy and Rosalyn cut his beautiful Winn-Dixie birthday cake.

On October 3^rd, 2009 Comedy and laughter shook the stage as James Gregory and Steve Mingola took over the crowd and made them laugh out loud.  Guests showed up early with anticipation, just lining up outside the historical theatre.  The Albany Rock 103 radio station sent a representative to stand outside the theatre.  As patrons walked up they received koozies and t-shirts for being loyal listeners and supporting the radio comic, James Gregory.  All of the audience members laughed at the relatable stories and jokes that the two comics told.  It was a fun might for all who attended.

As you can tell, it has been quite a busy month in the life of the theatre, but the Rylander staff has enjoyed every minute of it!