Stage and Screen - The LocaL

Lights, Camera, Community: CineForge Co-Op’s Annual Slate Hits Mid-Year Stride

Posted on July 2, 2025July 2, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Paul Rowe As the summer heat rises in Columbus, so does the momentum behind the region’s booming film scene. Just six months after unveiling its first-ever Annual Slate, the CineForge Co-Op, Columbus’s homegrown filmmakers’ collective, has proven that the local creative current flowing through the Chattahoochee Valley is no passing trend. And what a first half it’s been. It’s also worth highlighting the recent wave of visiting film productions hosted right here in Columbus…

Playing Dress Up – June 4

Posted on June 1, 2025June 1, 2025 by Editor - the Local

A Closet of Dreams and a Pocketful of Rock-n-Roll Come Alive for One Night Show The Bo Bartlett Center is about to undergo a transformation, morphing from a serene art gallery into a vibrant, intimate closet of dreams. “Playing Dress Up,” a one-night-only musical spectacle on June 4, promises to be an experience unlike any other, a fusion of rock-n-roll energy, childhood nostalgia, and the raw talent of singer Lucy Werner. At the heart of…

The Springer Opera House Secures Historic Grant and Unveils a Season to Remember

Posted on May 8, 2025May 8, 2025 by Editor - the Local

For generations, the grand dame of 10th Street, our beloved Springer Opera House, has stood as a beacon of culture and entertainment. Its ornate façade, whispering tales of theatrical triumphs and community gatherings since 1871, holds a special place in the hearts of Columbus residents. Now, this treasured landmark is poised for an exciting new chapter, thanks to a significant boost from a prestigious national grant and the unveiling of a 2025-2026 season brimming with…

CineForge Co-op / Local Roots, Global Screens: Supporting the Growth of Cinema in Columbus

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Andy Carpenter Watching movies on a streaming platform is a whole lot like having UberEats drop off a meal at your house. Both are convenient, with barely any effort involved at all. There isn’t much prep required, and not much to clean up after … and both tend to obscure all the arduous work the filmmaker who made your entertainment, or the farmer who cultivated your food, had to put in to bring that…

The Energy of Live Rock: The Ultimate MUSIC WAVE Festival Rocks The Varsity in Phenix City

Posted on April 24, 2025May 25, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The anticipation is palpable as you make your way, the air buzzing with the promise of an evening filled with electrifying live rock music. You can feel the energy building with each step, where a sense of community is already taking shape as fellow music lovers gather, ready to immerse themselves in the shared experience. That vibrant festival spirit, that feeling of pure rock energy, is heading to Phenix City. Get ready for the Ultimate…

A Muscogee Homecoming: Springer Opera House Unveils Powerful Stories of Resilience and Sovereignty – Updated Dates!

Posted on April 1, 2025April 2, 2025 by Editor - the Local

April at the Springer Opera House marks a significant homecoming, celebrating the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the original inhabitants of this land. With the world premiere of “The Mvskoke Project” and the compelling one-woman show “On the Far End,” the Springer invites the community to witness stories of resilience, sovereignty, and the enduring spirit of a people whose legacy resonates in our very language. Before European contact, the Muscogee (Creek) people thrived in the Southeast, their…

Keni Thomas: A Hometown Hero’s Musical Homecoming

Posted on April 1, 2025April 24, 2025 by Editor - the Local

The air crackles with anticipation, and a familiar tune hums in the background, as Columbus prepares for a return that promises to reignite the local music scene. Country star and Army veteran Keni Thomas, with his band, Cornbread, is set to perform at The Loft on April 12, in a show that captures not only the spirit of his musical journey but also the deep connections that have shaped his life. This night at the…

Rock Meets Revival: Springer’s Jesus Christ Superstar Set to Steal the Show

Posted on March 6, 2025March 6, 2025 by Editor - the Local

(Columbus, GA) – Hold onto your hats and prepare your vocal cords because the Springer Opera House is about to get a serious upgrade with the much-anticipated revival of Jesus Christ Superstar! Opening Friday, March 7, at 7:30 PM, this thrilling rock opera isn’t just another run-of-the-mill performance; it’s a modern spectacle that fuses gut-wrenching drama, gravity-defying choreography, and a set that will leave you questioning if you’ve wandered into a music festival instead of…

CineForge Co-op

Posted on March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Local Film Needs You! By Paul Rowe As highlighted in the Annual Slate (see January’s edition), local filmmaking is experiencing significant growth. This year, a surge of films are in development in our area, and to transform this into a true cinematic tsunami, we need support, creativity, and ingenuity to bring our productions to life and grow a rich and sustainable industry. Below, you’ll find insider-info on the key challenges our local filmmakers face —…

From the Bottom to the Top

Posted on January 22, 2025January 22, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Frank Etheridge Talk about a glorious full-circle moment. When the raucous, untamed spirit of Ma Rainey takes the same Springer stage where the “Mother of the Blues” first performed 125 years ago at age 14, she rightfully returns as a now-iconic genius finally given her due. While Columbus native Gertrude Pridget (1886-1939) has long enjoyed critical acclaim, it wasn’t until America’s Cultural Reckoning of recent years, which allowed for new voices such as Black…

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