New Branson area theatre company opens with max capacity cabaret performance in support of community nonprofit

PRISM Theatricals launched their premiere event on Wednesday June 24, with astounding success. TAPS on Downing Street brewery was full to capacity as performers from the Branson area sang songs about love of community, partners, family, friends and our planet. The “Feel the Love Benefit Concert” event was organized, in part by Maddy Bridges, a teacher in the Branson School system, and the creative board of PRISM Theatricals, a newly established nonprofit community theatre organization that exists to create a safe and accessible space to present meaningful stories to our community. 

“Our vision for PRISM is to add to what the theatre community is able to provide in the Branson area, not replace it. There are so many stories to tell, we are excited to tell some of the stories nobody else is telling in our area,” said Michael Prince, Sitting Chair of the PRISM Creative Board. The “Feel the Love” Concert was not as much about benefitting PRISM Theatricals, though, this night was a fundraiser for Abide in Love Springfield. An excerpt from the Abide in Love website states their mission: “Abide in Love Springfield fosters compassion, dignity and community with those detained by ICE in the Greene County Jail. It is our mission to provide support to immigrants in our community by fostering opportunities for increased friendship and understanding of immigrant issues and providing limited financial assistance in times of demonstrated need.” 

Event co-organizer Maddy Bridges said, “I was inspired to help this organization because they’re helping people during the most tumultuous time of their lives; regardless of their immigration status, they’re still humans.” At the event, Maddy spoke about the work of Abide in Love and the ways to get involved and donate. The event raised over $500 for the organization. 

PRISM Theatricals was also able to announce the next show for their fall season and their first full-length production. The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize Winning play, “August: Osage County” will be performed at the Branson Community center, in the round. Show dates are October 16 and 17, and admission will be free of charge. Audition announcements will be made on PRISM Theatrical’s social media accounts soon. When asked why “August: Osage County” was such an exciting choice for the organization’s first play, director and vice chair of the PRISM Creative Board, Jeremiah Reeve, said: “’August: Osage County’ is one of the most brilliant and honest plays in recent history. It doesn’t flinch from the truth, but it brings enough laughs that we can face it.”

Then, after 17 songs by 21 performers, the Feel the Love concert ended with the entire cast, and eventually the whole max capacity crowd, singing “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love.” Michael Prince concluded, “What a beautiful ending to a beautiful night and an amazing way to introduce PRISM Theatricals to our community.”

Learn more about Abide in Love at https://www.abideinlovesgf.org/

Learn more about PRISM Theatricals at https://prismtheatricals.org 

Contact PRISM Theatricals at info@prismtheatricals.org