Theater Spotlight of the Week: Jana Walters

by Shawn Parikh

With Belles opening this weekend, I decided to get some insight into McKinney Repertory Theatre by featuring the director, Jana Walters. And perfectly enough, she was also a founder of the theater company.

We start off by talking about her beginnings and how she founded McKinney Repertory Theatre. I ask her about the community response to it over the years and what genre of shows attract most patrons. She talks about why they choose certain shows for the season and its McKinney appeal.

She talks about the reason Belles was picked for their season and how she came about directing it. Since she is also an actress, she talks about her preference over directing and what it is like to be on the directorial side.

We end by talking about what she wants the audience to walk away with.

Belles is about six sisters. Peggy's still in Memphis caring for Mama, who's in the hospital because of some bad tuna. The phone calls Peggy makes to her five sisters to let them know set the long distance phone lines on fire and make for an intriguing story of vivid characters and involving conflicts. The show runs through October 12 and you can purchase tickets online or by calling 214-544-4630.