Towngate Theatre presents a Staged Reading of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”

Towngate Theatre presents a Staged Reading of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams at 7pm September 29.

This special program takes place in memory of Bettie Steele—a longtime community theater actor and director and one of Towngate’s founders—who died in February of 2023.

About Bettie Steele

Bettie was instrumental in the development of Towngate, both the physical space and the magic that happens onstage. It was Bettie who first envisioned how the historic Zion Lutheran Church, located in the Centre Market area of Wheeling, could be transformed into a performing arts center. She influenced the Towngate artistic director at the time—the late Hal O’ Leary—to pursue the endeavor. She is also credited with naming the theater.

Bettie starred as “Maggie the Cat” in Towngate’s first ever production in 1969. She went on to perform in 17 Towngate productions from 1969-2004, as well as many special events. She also directed many Parcel Players productions, most notably “Runaways” in 1977.

About the Play

After Brick Pollitt injures himself while drunkenly revisiting his high school sports-star days, he and his tempestuous wife, Maggie, visit his family’s Mississippi plantation for the 65th birthday of his hot-tempered father, Big Daddy. Cantankerous even with declining health, Big Daddy demands to know why Brick and Maggie haven’t yet given him a grandchild, unlike Brick’s brother Gooper and his fecund wife, Mae.

The reading is directed by Dennis Fox. Cast members include Skyler Dye as Lacey, Makayla Carney as Sookey, Gretchen Schneider as Maggie, Alexander Hill as Brick, Rachel Thompson as Mae, Vince Marshall as Gooper, Dee Gregg as Big Mama, Tim Thompson as Big Daddy, Bob McCoy as Sonny, Rylee McCoy as Trixie, Lyric Hill as Dixie, Dennis Fox as Rev. Toker, John Reilly as Dr. Baugh.

Get Tickets

Admission is $5. Purchase tickets online or call 304-242-7700.

Sponsored by Unified Bank.

2023-24 Towngate Theatre Main Stage Season

“Into the Woods”
September 15, 16, 17 & 22, 23, 2023

Staged Reading of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
September 29, 2023

“Biloxi Blues”
November 3, 4, 5 & 10, 11, 2023

“Rabbit Hole”
March 15, 16, 17 & 22, 23, 2024

“Twelfth Night”
May 3, 4, 5 & 10 & 11, 2024

Experience the magic of art onstage…

Towngate is the premiere venue for community theater in Wheeling. Enjoy an intimate theater experience. Marvel at and applaud the talent of local actors. Experience a variety of though-provoking, heartwarming, comedic and historically significant works from renowned playwrights and talented newcomers. When watching a stage production, you are transported into a different world. Escape from reality and feel the energy created by sharing an intimate space with actors and fellow theatergoers. Live action happens right before your eyes. There’s no app for that!  Furthermore, theater is a social experience meant to be shared with one another. So, bring your family and friends and meet new friends, too. And, most importantly, support your local actors, directors, stage managers, set and costume designers. They spend months working to bring characters and stories to life. Their efforts produce amazing art time and time again.

Keeping the Community in Community Theater in Wheeling. . .

Towngate is a cornerstone of creative life in Wheeling and serves as an entertainment destination for residents of the Ohio Valley and beyond. People of all ages and backgrounds gather here to create and experience art onstage. Most of all, Towngate celebrates the essential power of theater to illuminate our common humanity. The community enjoys and participates in hundreds of live performances, classes and workshops year-round.