It was another hectic and enjoyable month in the stage theater realm of our town. It started with a confusing although hilarious opening night at Murfreesboro Little Theatre, where Mars Camoletti’s “Don’t Dress for Dinner” opened to, once again, a sold-out house. Directed by Sherry Sunday, and starring Phillip Storvik, Lourdes Ann Luster, Miriam Truax, Kinsey Brewer, Jessica May and Anton Miller, this he said/she said comedy seemed to be what everybody needed; the guffaws and shrieks of laughter were enough to sometimes drown out what was being said on stage.
I found not a flaw in this presentation; the set/design was a rustic/cabin-like setting and very “Loweryesque” in its features. It was a fine job once again by Shane Lowery. The lighting, sound and costumes were all very good and well-structured. I was astonished by some of the dialog; there was so much finger pointing and double-speak during the course of the play that the actors really had to put forth effort to not stumble over lines . . . and these particular actors made it seem effortless.
“Everyday Heroes”
Two evenings later, I found myself in a bar, on a Sunday night, watching some “Everyday Heroes” make their mark on society. I saw this show 18 months ago at MLT, and what was good then, was better this time because it was in Liquid Smoke, on the City Square, and you felt . . . well, more at home. Written by our own hometown boy Tony Lehew, and directed by Bryan M. Booth, the character actors were the same, although some were played by different actors than last time. I believe this added to the credibility of the performances and definitely made it a better show. With a cast of 11, and a packed bar, whom the actors intermingled with, it was a fun two hours, and, as last time, was a show that left you thinking about life…your life, and the lives of those you consider close.
Todd Seage played Lou, the Bouncer, and his narration to the audience was not as if he were talking to the patrons and regulars, but holding a bar conversation with each individual.
Every actor played the part to perfection, and with no special lighting or sound, and waving smoke away constantly, it was if you were in your favorite bar Everyday, and you knew who your Heroes were. I really hope to see this play go further, it will raise the bar each time it plays.
Siegel Students turn to “Cats”
With Blackman, Oakland and Riverdale putting on fine theatrical performances in March, it was time for Siegel High School to grace the stage the third weekend in April. And that, they did. “CATS,” which I had seen on Broadway many years ago, opened the curtains at SHS, and opening night played to a full house. The costuming, the set, the background usage, the meticulous blocking and choreography, all were simply stupendous. I simply did not have one allergic reaction!
When the lights went down, one would have thought they were 1,000 miles away, in the Big Apple, the City that never sleeps…anywhere but in a high school in a little conservative town in middle Tennessee. I must hold Ms. Brenda Gregory, the director, in high esteem once again, for being able to put together over 50 teenagers, in cat costumes, with beautiful voices and dance moves, and for putting a show over the top. I wish I had the room in this article to name every student on the stage. Each made the show what it was, and each contributed to an awesome piece of work. The orchestrated music was perfect, not too loud, and each voice could be heard in speaking or in song.
My bows to Matt Sutherland (Rum Tum Tugger), who always adds a little extra to the stage when he is on. What a gifted and talented young man. And bows as well go to Katie Hahn, (Grizabella), who’s rendition of “Memory” touched my heart. It was so very emotional and real. To the Seniors, whom I have watched on stage now for my third year, my deepest congratulations and I bid you the best in your future endeavors.
What an extraordinary job this was by so much talent. One last word, I missed Garrett Troutt in this year’s production. He is also a standout, and his talent on stage was terribly missed.
David Cummings as Fagin, Ben George as Dodger and Jay Hicks as Oliver
“Oliver!”
It has been over a year since I have been in Center for the Arts. But with some good friends on stage, who literally begged me to come, I forked over the $12 (not a senior yet in their book) and saw a most excellent show in “Oliver!” It was Directed by Cyndie Verbeten, I had seen the movie but never the stage play. I must say I was quite impressed. With a cast of 65, including the orphans and Fagin’s Gang, it was non-stop and constant movement. There was great blocking, great choreography, beautiful costumes, and the lighting and sound were very good.
My bows to Jay Hicks, who was realistic and is a great performer playing Oliver. Seemingly ambitious and extremely talented, Mr. Hicks will be an acting force to be reckoned with in years to come on the ‘boro stage. Also deep kudos to David Cummings as Fagin, Gary Davis as Mr. Bumble, one of my favorites Francine Berk as Widow Corney, and deep bows to the young talent Ben George, who was the Artful Dodger. Mr. George is arguably one of the best teen male actors in the ’Boro. I am always quite impressed with his abilities and talents on the stage.
In the reception that followed, Mrs. Verbeten made a special effort to find me and thank me for coming to the show. I appreciated that more than she knows. It was a great feeling to know that someone at the Center appreciated my being there.
The Cast of "The People Speak"
A Grand Opening for Out Front
Opening night was also Grand Opening Night for Out Front On Main, and Executive Director George W. Manus Jr. opened the theater in grand style. “The People Speak,” directed by Chris Carnett is perhaps a beacon of things to come in this theater, as a dozen actors under the lights stood and gave a testament of those famous people who have gone before us, declaring their right to freedom, love, happiness, and to believe that we all have the ability and talent to be who, or what, we want to be. April 29, 2010 will be a date to remember, as another stage theater opened the doors to anyone who wants to be them self. The people have spoken.
With a cast including Jerry Bailey, Sarah L. Jones, Lila Tuck, Cheryle Smith and newcomer Zachary Parker, every one involved did an incredible job. Melissa Hudson was not only a great narrator, but she is a beautiful singer as well. The lighting and sound were good, the “nerves” seemed to be at bay, so it was a successful opening night for Out Front.
Coming in May
There are only two plays in May, but I beg you to miss neither of them! MLT presents “Playboy of the Western World” beginning Friday, May 14, for two weekends. The Log Cabin usually sells out often and quick. So I urge you to go to mltarts.com and buy your ticket soon!
Another venue that I bet you have not heard about in the ’Boro is The St. Clair Senior Citizens Center, with Dave Silverbrand’s “Make Mine Metamucil” playing there Friday, May 21. Dinner is at 5 p.m., the play starts at 6 p.m., and it also plays on Saturday, May 22, with brunch at 9 a.m., and the play following at 10 a.m. Now here is the kicker! You get fed AND get to see the show for only $5. Starring Suzanne Tenpenny, Pat Prosser and Jerry Bailey, this will be a hoot for all to see. The seating holds 150. St. Clair is located on the corner of North Walnut and St. Clair Streets; the number is (615) 848-2250 for reservations. Ms. Linda Burt directs, and it should be a really fun show.
Correction
My apologies to Riverdale’s Mary Ellen Smith, who in last month’s column was referred to as Mary Ellen Richardson.
One last piece of info, MLT is buying new chairs to replace their old ones. If you are interested in helping with this endeavor, you can buy a NEW PADDED chair for just $25. You will have a plaque placed on the chair with whatever you wish to be on it. Call (615) 893-9825 or go to mltarts.com to place your order now!
See ya at the show!
