I love this time of year in Santa Rosa County when we finally start feeling the chill of the holidays. Even the name of our beloved county has "Santa" in it.
Now even better, is knowing that there is a place you can go to get warmed up form the inside out. I have found such a place in the heart of downtown Milton, the county seat. The exact location is the historic Imogene Theater. The source of the warmth is an original play by Shay Moran that focuses on the humor, drama, life, and family of fictional Fred and Velma Flynn, which is being directed by Dave Cook of Panhandle Community Theater and Olive Baptist.
New sets have been created just for this production and original music as well. Ya'll will laugh at the antics of the youngest daughter DeeDee, who just happens to be a major "tom-boy." You'll empathize with Freddie Jr. as he aspires to be the Varsity kicker on the football team his senior year and has to face new realities. Of course there is the beloved Grandma Millie who has passed on to beyond the veil but her influence is still felt somehow.
Of course the discovery of how precious "old" love can be between Fred and Velma as they chart new courses for their family to navigate. Having been married for many years and facing the trials and tribulations we all face in life, the gentle humor and devoted kindness of two people in love, will continue to resonate long after you leave the theater. Then there are the stories about Chumuckla Springs Resort and Spa, Floridatown Hotel, and Dance Pavilion, Bagdad Trans-Oceanic Merchant Business, and the story of young love at NAS Whiting Field.
As all southerners know, we can remember Grandma through her kind actions and joy of life. Even better is that they're true and they enable you and I to look into history and see easily why Grandma had such "A Beautiful Life." You'll laugh, you'll sing and perhaps get a misty eye or two but…the warmth of hearth and home will be felt all the way down to the very marrow of your bones.
The Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation is the Florida state-designated arts and culture entity for the county. The foundation has an all volunteer board so all proceeds go to promote arts and culture in our schools and community.
The Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation, in collaboration with the Santa Rosa Historical Society, Panhandle Community Theater, and Santa Rosa Writers Group has created an atmosphere of culture, history, collaboration, and talent that will reverberate for years to come.
Performance dates are Nov. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, seniors 55 and over $10, and K-12 students are $5. Information can be found at www.sracf.org. Of course you can call the 324-2875, 983-5040, 623-4379, 982-4544, or 981-1100 for tickets.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: A Beautiful Life