The mission for The Plaza Arts Center has remained the same for the past 15 years and will continue in the future: striving to bring quality entertainment to Eatonton and its surrounding communities and impacting area youth by giving them opportunities to learn about the arts.
In 2023, The Plaza hosted artists from all over the country, each month bringing something new to Lake Country.
The year started with The Doo Wop Project, a group of Broadway veterans performing soulful classics. Next, comedian Karen Mills delivered laughs to a nearly sold-out theater, and to wrap up the first quarter, One Night in Memphis featured performers who rocked The Plaza stage as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins.
The spring season opened with an outdoor concert series at The Plaza featuring Sounds of Georgia from the Georgia Players Guild, followed by some of the most fun months as about 100 kids filled The Plaza for all the summer camps.
Also, the Broadway Intensive program with The Arts Barn was a huge success in its third year, bringing Seussical the Musical to more than 1,000 patrons over several shows. OPAS played a part in this by providing scholarships to each of the student participants, greatly alleviating the burden of finances for each of them.
More than 200 kids took part in The Plaza’s free After-School Arts Program in 2023. Plus, each free community event – May Day Celebration, Halloween, and Christmas at The Plaza – attracted more than 200 participants.
Probably the biggest party of the year, though, came in September with another outdoor show when the A1A band came out and celebrated the life of Jimmy Buffett. More than 800 people came out to The Plaza’s lawn to dance and sing the night away just a week after Buffett’s passing.
And who could forget Tokyo Joe as Elton John bringing the classics to The Plaza stage? The theater was filled to the brim with people of all ages for a truly magical night.
In addition, The Plaza Alliance for the Performing Arts (PAPA) produced two incredible plays: The Odd Couple and Twelve Angry Jurors, shows that brought in theater lovers from all over the area. As always, the PAPA actors were perfectly cast, and the directors proved that hard work pays off for everyone.
The Plaza’s 15th entertainment season most definitely was one for the books and the 16th season in 2024 promises to be even better. More than ever, it has become apparent The Plaza is here for a reason.
From local youths coming back after participating in camps to visiting free community events to volunteering opportunities to acting in PAPA productions, or simply by purchasing tickets to a show, citizens of Eatonton and its surrounding areas remain the most important contributors to The Plaza Arts Center.
For 2024, The Plaza staff looks forward to providing even more opportunities to bring the arts to Lake Country. The Plaza would not be where it is today without its members, donors, and patrons, and for that, it offers sincere thanks to everyone involved.