Fayette Community Theatre Performs Gatsby at Columbus Bicentennial

Fayette County Community Theatre recently delighted an audience of more than 225 people at the Stafford Opera House in Columbus. The Chamber of Commerce and the Columbus Bicentennial Committee invited the La Grange based organization to perform an encore of The Great Gatsby which the group performed at the Fair Pavilion November of 2022. All of the main cast returned for the performance, albeit with a few changing roles, and only three of the dance/extra performers were not able to return. They were recast and joined by three additional crew members.

“There were a few challenges moving all of the props, the set, and all the personnel to Columbus,” said FCCT Executive Director and co-director of the production Heather Barthelme. “It was a big ask of the cast and crew to commit back in September of last year, to have a gap from November to February, and the to start rehearsals back up beginning in January for the February performance, but it was well worth it. We were so excited to bring this performance to a whole new audience, to introduce our theatre to a neighboring county, and even to have some La Grange residents join us when they were unable to attend the November performance, or wanted to see it a second time. I’m so proud of this accomplishment” she said.

Barthelme also expressed her gratitude for Columbus Chamber Events Director Janet Hollman’s invitation and willingness to work with the theatre on this partnership. “Janet and her team were so welcoming and supportive and we couldn’t have asked for a better collaboration,” Barthelme said. They are both hopeful that they can partner again to bring more productions to the Stafford Opera House.