BIRMINGHAM — Virginia Samford Theatre will mark its 99th year this fall with the launch of The Season of Hope, a lineup focused on family, inclusion and resilience.

The season opens Sept. 18-21 with the Alabama premiere of “Carole Cook Died for My Sins,” a solo show written and performed by Birmingham native Mason McCulley. Directed by filmmaker and theatre artist Cameron Watson, the play traces McCulley’s journey from Alabama to Hollywood while honoring both his late mother and his mentor, actress and Lucille Ball protégé Carole Cook. The production explores themes of grief, addiction, chosen family and healing.

“Coming back home to Birmingham, and to the Virginia Samford Theatre, is deeply meaningful to me,” McCulley said. “To premiere my play on this historic stage feels like coming f

See Full Page