Ellington

Q. I've noticed for years the signs at Fortification and Monroe Streets pointing south indicating some sort of "Community Children's Theater." And I've hunted for it, but I can't seem to locate where it once was. You know anything about this? — Mystified on Monroe

A. Eureka! I have found IT! The building to which the sign refers is at 1000 Monroe St., the northeast corner of Monroe and Moody (south of Fortification). It was and still IS the Community Children's Theater.

But what is it, you ask. First of all, the building is not where the plays are presented, but where all the preliminary work is done. Second, children do not act in these plays; they are acted to. The actors are all women, and they perform plays for children in the Jackson area—some 10,000 each year, I understand. And they have been doing so for 67 years! (I do not believe it is the same group of women, though. Too bad. I for one would love to see a 90-year-old woman playing Peter Pan, especially since it looks like Michael Jackson may not be available for the part. Oops. Michael isn't even a woman—is he?)

The truth is that Community Children's Theater is a Jackson institution. It was founded in 1937 by the Junior Auxiliary of Jackson, the precursor of the Junior League. It is now an independent organization run by volunteers who act, direct, design sets, make costumes. Planners produce and book one play each year. This year the Junior League has revived its association with the CCT, assisting with the annual production. You may call Community Children's Theater at 354-1191.

Q. Although I consider myself a Mississippian and a liberal Democrat, I now live most of the year in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where I am a devoted reader of your column. I found your recent column (May 19-25, 2004) most interesting, especially the concept of Democrat and Republican brains. I thought you would find the following comment of interest as well. It concerns Democrat and Republican backs. Yes, backs. Once I treated myself to a therapeutic massage for my aching back. Afterward, the therapist (a Mexican) asked me if I was a Republican or a Democrat. "Democrat," I replied without hesitation. "I thought so," came the answer, and the massage therapist continued in perfect English. "You see, I can tell whether an American is a Democrat or Republican just by the feel of their backs. Republicans have more tension." JoAnne, I rest my case. Oh and by the way, my back is all healed now.
— Devoted Reader

A. Thanks for writing (and for reading, too!). I think if we keep working on this political anatomy concept, we'll be able to run the parties. Or at least the 4-H Club. (You know: head, hands, health and heart.) We've got HEAD and HEALTH covered; and we know that Democrats got all the HEART. I'm still working out the HANDS part. Now this is real political science.

And that's the truth.

JoAnne welcomes your questions, no matter how odd. Send questions to Ask Joanne, JFP, P.O. Box 2047, Jackson, Miss., 39216, or fax to 510-9019.

Previous Comments

ID

69336

Comment

Finally, someone who knows about the Chidren's Theater that in not a theater! I must admit I've been curious since I was a child and my dad worked in Belhaven. We'd ride down Fortification St. and I would notice that sign and wonder why we'd never been. Even when I lived in Belhaven and the Heights no one knew the answer. JoAnne, you know-it-all! Thanks for resting my wonder on that sign and its meaning!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-07T11:21:45-06:00

ID

69337

Comment

Wow! So that's the deal. At one time a few years ago I actually tracked down the building but I never did any research on it. Very cool!

Author

Lewis Beard

Date

2004-06-08T12:49:40-06:00