An intriguing plot, imaginative children, talented actors, and clear weather on Saturdays for an outdoor theater — all the ingredients were there for a appealing children's play at Jacksonville State University. Written by JSU drama student Gatlin Alldredge, Two Monkeys, a Porcupine and a VERY Wise Turtle which ended August 8 played to about 170 people, receiving good reviews from all accounts. The amphitheater is at the corner of Alabama 21 and 11th Street. And, there was an extra performance for "Kids First" at First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville.

It's enough to make Alldredge feel motivated to write another play, and that's in his hopes and plans "As they say, I'm waiting for an inspiration," the drama major shared.

The inspiration for Two Monkeys play proved to be a solid one. It was penned with adults in mind, as well as children although children were entertained by the animal characters. It is about finding one's own identity in today's world, despite discouraging peers. Parents told him after his play that their children talked about the theme, even acting out some of the characters at home. "I thought about this theme a long time and decided to share it with all ages," Alldredge said. "I felt the lesson in it was something everyone could take home with them."

Now it's a new theater season and time to put on his actor's hat. JSU's is offering six productions at the Stone Center. The season's opener is The Man Who Came to Dinner, a comedy starting Oct. 1 followed by Conquistadors a drama starting Nov. 19, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, opening Feb. 18, and the Senior production, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, a comedy beginning April 8. The last two productions are Eurydice, a drama, opening May 13 and the farce Relatively Speaking opening June 24. For subscription tickets or other information, call 782-5648. Beauty and the Beast, a musical will run two weekends; the rest of the plays are presented one weekend, or four productions.

Community Actors' Studio Theatre features several actors from Jacksonville in its musical Annie Get Your Gun which opens September 11 at the JSU McClellan Theatre. This is CAST's 10th anniversary season. Judy Shealy ("Annie", the best shot around) is in the title role, and others in the Jacksonville area taking parts are Robin Bauer, Anthony Dickson, Chris Harris, Howard Johnson, Linda Lee, Zach Mashburn, Scott Van Patton, and Mike Stedham. Dawn Hurst is a stage manager. November 12 is opening night for the comedy Moon Over Buffalo, followed by Southern Hospitality, starting February 4 — and a production to be announced with April 29 as the first night. CAST productions are performed two consecutive weekends. For tickets call 820-CAST (2278).