The grande dame of Nashville theater circles graced the stage of the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts the past several weekends in Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.”
Miss Wesley Paine starred as Amanda Wingfield, the stately matron whose commanding presence on stage was indeed the capable actor I have known for 30 years. She was surrounded by some of our city’s best as well, with the ever wonderful and elegant Lauren Street as Laura Wingfield, and the brilliant Bob Roberts as Tom Wingfield. Kyle Olsen played Tom’s friend and Laura’s old heartthrob Jim O’Connor. I enjoyed the style Mr. Olsen brought to the character but personally thought he was out of his league playing alongside the likes of Paine, Street and Roberts.
The lighting was superb; the stage had a very Tennessee Williams feel to it. Stage Manager Bill Stewart is to be commended, the tech crew did a great job, and I give a very low bow to Director Donna Seage, who put it all together.
Old-Fashioned Radio Journey
Onto the Theatre at Patterson Park, where I took a “Journey to the Center of the Earth” a few weekends ago and watched some awesome imaginative work of Jerry Bailey, Bob Pondillo, Suzanne Tenpenny and Steve & Lourdes Luster, as they put together a “radio show” of the “thrills and appeals” of leading us all into the bowels of the planet. I was impressed, too, with the attention to detail Andy Brown and Chris Phan paid in running the sound effects at just the right moment, and with just the right amount. Along with all the “thrills and chills” was Charlie Parker on the keyboard, just in time for the next “commercial announcement.”
I enjoyed this thoroughly and hope to see more of this type of stage entertainment.
No Seat for “Angels”
I am wondering if some director and producer got their drawers in a wad with me a while back at the Arts Center of Cannon County. I tried twice in the past several weeks to go to Woodbury and see “Honky Tonk Angels” to see what all the fuss was about. Twice I was told politely they did not have a seat for me. Now whether the place was sold out or no, I called in plenty of time, there is no reserve seating, and when they do sell out, they enjoy just placing people in the aisles anyway.
They are putting on “Tuna Christmas” Dec. 5 – 20 (6:30 p.m.) and at $25 a pop, I wonder if a Pulse press pass will get me into that show either. Hummf! The third smallest town in Texas would be proud.
Youth Continue “Godspell”
After seeing the wonderful “Godspell” at First Methodist a few weeks back, I could not wait to see it again, especially at Murfreesboro Little Theatre. I was not disappointed, as the lighting, choreography and acting were nothing short of perfect; only what you would expect from Jesus Christ and Co. The tiniest of additions were noticed, and the confidence of everyone hit a high note. Of all the stage theater I see, I am most proud of the talent and the achievements of the area youth, and the way they give back to community theater. I look forward to watching them on our stages for years to come. Directors Gary Davis and Dennis Pessar collaborated in an incredible job, and Dennis Pessar on the keyboard is awe inspiring within itself. This man darts in and out of theaters, does not ask for the spotlight, yet always does a beautiful job on the ivories.
Christmastime Nearly Here
Nothing is slowing down now: Murfreesboro Little Theatre begins the “12 Days of Christmas” Dec. 3 lasting until the 14th. These are special events for all, but benefit children’s charities. The festivities are nightly beginning at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., culminating with the membership party on Dec. 14. I urge everyone to go to MLT on any or all of these nights for wonderful holiday spirit and warmth. I want to be there to hear Dennis Pessar and Charlie Parker on the pianos together!
Another Radio Throwback
Lamplighter’s Theatre in Smyrna is putting on “It’s A Wonderful Life” beginning Dec. 4 and running through the 14th. This classic from the Jimmy Stewart/Donna Reed black-n-white movie is being staged as a radio show, with veteran actor, producer, director and announcer Sam Dalton coming to the stage alongside several dozen Saltshaker actors for this inspiring Christmas event. Curtains open nightly at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 4 p.m.
How ’bout that . . . another radio show!
Ghosts of Christmas
The Center Players open the curtains Friday, Dec. 5, for Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” Directed by Andrew Ford, this has always been a favorite of mine and is another I cannot wait to see. Production time is 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Another One Bites the Dust
It is with great disdain that I report Todd Seage leaving as managing director of Murfreesboro Center for the Arts. Supposedly effective at the end of the year, it seems only yesterday that I was reporting on his taking over the reigns at the Center. This is the third manager the Center has seen in recent times, and along with some of the competent board members leaving as well, it makes one wonder just who really is in charge of the Old Girl, and who is running good people off.
The Center will never get back on its feet if the change of hands continues to be the sleight of hands instead. Todd and wife Donna seemed to have a handle on putting pieces back together at the stately old building which houses the Center Players and some mighty fine plays. I hope this departure is not just another sign of backstage bickering of ego-driven divas, but it will be hard to replace Seage. I wish him the best and hope to see him and his family back on stage soon.
See ya’ at the show.
