Mitchell, a one woman play about the author written by Melita Easters, has prompted an
extension at the Ansley Park Playhouse thru July 31.
“Atlanta audiences love this play because they love anything about Margaret Mitchell and
Gone With the Wind, especially during this 75th anniversary summer of the book’s publication,”
said Ansley Park Playhouse Owner John Gibson, “Between the positive press and the
receptive audiences, we knew we had to extend the run.”
The highly entertaining play tells the story of the reclusive author’s life before and after she
became a publishing sensation. It stars Kandace Christian, a Tennessee based actress and
former Miss Mississippi. The play includes an audio visual component of rarely published
photographs and newsreel footage from the movie’s Atlanta premiere.
Largely in Mitchell’s own words, the play is based on the author’s articles, the thousands
of letters she wrote and the one hour long radio interview she gave in 1936 as edited and
organized by Melita Easters. Additionally, Easters incorporates her research of literary sources
and biographies to construct an engaging and historically accurate picture of Mitchell’s life.
The July show dates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays include a number of “Talk Back”
sessions which offer audiences the opportunity to interact with the actress and playwright, a
feature which has been surprisingly popular, Gibson said. Amongst those attending earlier
Talk Back sessions have been the author’s first cousin, senior citizens with fond memories of
having known Margaret Mitchell and a Morehouse Medical School professor whose medical
school scholarship was paid for by Mitchell.
“Audiences just love being able to share reminiscences of Margaret Mitchell and to ask
questions,” Gibson said. “Melita has a vast knowledge of her subject and answers questions in
an engaging and entertaining fashion.”
A former newspaper reporter and GPTV producer, Easters has been a political and community
leader in Atlanta for more than 30 years, including service as founding chair of Georgia’s WIN
List, a political action committee to elect more women to office in Georgia.
She has served on
and chaired numerous non-profit boards and committees.
The July run of the show includes two “Multi Generation” performances which offer the
opportunity for a family outing with free admission for family members older than 80 and one
child under 12 per ticketed adult or older sibling. “These family friendly days will allow several
generations to enjoy a performance which is likely to spark conversations and reminiscences
within a family,” Easters said. “These dates also celebrate the grand story telling tradition of the South and the fact that Margaret Mitchell honed her storytelling skills and learned about the
Civil War on the laps of elderly relatives on Sunday afternoon visits.”
This anniversary summer production stars Kandace Christian, Miss Mississippi in 1992. She
has a long list of stage credits in the Nashville, Tennessee area and has twice won recognition
as Regional Best Actress for her work. She is featured as a vocalist on several Disney albums.
Director for the production is Johnny Peppers, a Nashville based producer, director, actor and
entrepreneur. Dramaturge for the production is Jaz Dorsey, who possesses a long theatrical
resume and is the grandson of former Georgia Governor Hugh Dorsey.
To reserve seats, call the theatre at 404-875-1193 or use this link to the APP reservations
page: https://www.ansleyparkplayhouse.com/mmreservations.html The play has a website:
www.mrsjohnmarsh.com
Historical Perspective on the Novel for possible use as a separate copy block:
Gone With the Wind was published 75 years ago on June 30, 1936. With almost 100,000 pre-
publication copies printed, it debuted as a Book of the Month Club selection for July. Glowing reviews
hailed the book. The Washington Post called it, “A great book … without a dull page.” In The New York
Times, the reviewer said, “This is beyond a doubt one of the most remarkable first novels produced
by an American writer. It is also one of the best. In sheer readability, it is surpassed by nothing in
American fiction.”
The novel won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize and became one of the best selling, most widely translated and
beloved books of all time. The book has sold more than 30 million copies and has been translated in 40
languages.
The David O Selznick movie adaptation starring Vivien Leigh and Clarke Gable won 10 Oscars. The
movie continues to be recognized as one of the greatest and most popular movies ever made. It is
seen as the epic film most representative of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
SHOW DATES:
Friday July 8 – 8 p.m. – Talk Back: author & actress will speak/answer questions following play
Saturday July 9 – 8 p.m. Talk Back followed by sing along with Kandace at La Pietra Cucina’s
piano bar across the hall
Sunday July 10 – 2 p.m. Multi Generation Day and Talk Back: author & actress will speak/
answer questions following play
Friday July 15 – 2 p.m. Matinee — Talk Back: author & actress will speak/answer questions
following play
8 p.m. —
Saturday July 16 – 2 p.m. Matinee — Hat day with prizes awarded for best hats worn to the
play and Talk Back: author & actress will speak/answer questions following play
Friday July 22 – 8 p.m. Talk Back: author & actress will speak/answer questions following play
Saturday July 23 – 2 p.m. Matinee and Talk Back: author & actress will speak/answer
questions following play
Friday July 29 – 2 p.m. Matinee — Multi Generation Day and Talk Back: author & actress will
speak/answer questions following play
8 p.m.
Saturday July 30 – 2 p.m. Matinee and Talk Back: author & actress will speak/answer
questions following play