As someone who has loved theater for as long as I can remember, I am always looking for ways to incorporate more of the art into my life. Being a college student, it isn’t always easy to find the time to get off campus and explore the Charleston art scene. That being said, I couldn’t be happier that I discovered the hidden treasure of the Woolfe Street Playhouse. The charming community theater is located just off of King street, in a small barn-like space.
When I heard they would be performing My Fair Lady, a classic, generally large-scale musical, I was curious to see how they were going to pull it off in such a small space. Moments after stepping into the theater, I was speechless. Several people that seemed to be regulars sat waiting in their chosen seats around the three-sided stage. The lights were dim, and the exposed brick offered a cozy, intimate feel. If you like, there’s a bar that offers different selections of beer and wine; the space is perfect for a date night or even a night out with friends. It can even be rented out for your private event, such as a birthday party or wedding reception.
The Village Repertory Company is the theater group in residence at the Playhouse, citing on their website: “[We] create theater that breaks down the barriers between the performer and the audience. We create for our community, from within our community, working with Charleston’s local ensemble of actors and artists.” After initially opening and operating in Mount Pleasant for eleven years, the Village Rep made its way to the downtown peninsula, and to Woolfe street, and they boost a success of many awards and and over 100 productions.
It was abundantly clear the hard work and local talent that went into create this unique version of My Fair Lady. In a cast of only 10 people, the actors were able to beautifully tell their story through song and passionate performance. The actors ranged in age from college students to the elderly, and it was incredible to see such a diverse group be so in sync.
Although the audience was small, it was truly a magical night of theater. If you make the time to find your way to this hidden gem, you will get to experience a side to Charleston’s culture that is utterly unique and beautiful.
