Claudia: Celebrating 80 Years of Community Theatre in Pascagoula
In 1945, the curtain first rose on community theatre in Pascagoula, Mississippi, with a groundbreaking production of Claudia—a choice that would launch eight decades of theatrical excellence in this Gulf Coast community. This touching drama marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that continues to enrich local culture and bring neighbors together through the magic of live performance.
Claudia tells the compelling story of a young woman caught between childhood and adulthood, exploring the universal themes that resonate across generations. Married to David, a promising young architect, Claudia remains emotionally attached to her mother in ways that create tension in her marriage. Her mother, Mrs. Brown, along with David, recognizes that this emotional dependence must be addressed for Claudia to truly flourish as a wife and woman.
The drama centers on one pivotal day when Claudia faces several life-changing situations that challenge her to grow beyond her comfortable but limiting relationship with her mother. These experiences force her to confront fundamental questions about love, responsibility, and what it truly means to be an adult. The story beautifully captures the delicate balance between maintaining one’s essential character while embracing the demands of maturity.
What made Claudia the perfect inaugural choice for Pascagoula’s theatre community was its intimate exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and the bittersweet nature of life’s transitions. These timeless themes spoke to audiences then and continue to resonate today, making it an enduring classic that celebrates both the complexity of human relationships and the courage required to face life’s inevitable changes.
As Pascagoula Community Theatre celebrates this remarkable 80-year milestone, Claudia remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of drama that touches the heart while challenging audiences to examine their own journeys toward emotional maturity and fulfillment.
The Cast of Characters
DIRECTED BY ALYSSA DIAMOND
Assistant Director – Jeanne Walker
Artistic Director – Geri Tomes
Stage Manager – Kelly Smith
House Manager – Rebecca Babilon
Set Designer – John Kremm
FOUR SHOW DATES/TIMES:
Dates
LOCATION:
Assembly Hall at Jackson County Fairgrounds
2902 Shortcut Road, Pascagoula, MS