Several weeks ago, I overheard a man tell someone that Murfreesboro’s stage theater beat anything in Nashville hands down. He did not know I heard him, but I do agree with him . . . hands down.

With the next course of a delicious, catered dinner between each scene, David Landau’s Murder at Cafe Noir included a lot of fun, a lot of mystery and a lot of great talent. Perfectly cast by Director Jared Scott and set in the Center for the Arts Gallery, Private Dick Rick Archer (Phillip Storvik) sets the mood in the shadows, cigarette between his fingers, hat pulled low over his forehead, casing the patrons of Cafe Noir. Madame Toureau (Sherry Sunday) delights the evening crowd with her charm, her poise, her beauty. In the corner, Sam (Bryan Booth) tickles the ivories of the baby grand ever so slightly, eliciting a soothing, melodious sound. Who could imagine that the murder of not one, not two, but three victims would tarnish the age-old cafe’s reputation forever before dessert and coffee was served?

With a sultry heat and sexiness, the ever-so-lovely Sheila Wonderly (Jessica Theiss) drifted across the cafe and charmed every male patron who had a fork in one hand and a knife in the other (lucky for her). The foxy lady even gave this diner her . . . uh, “evening card.” Oh yes, I was wowed. But with Anthony Cairo (Steven Luster) double checking each patron seated around the meticulously set tables and posturing himself for some black market sales, I knew better than to even wink at Ms. Wonderly for fear the next bullet might be for me.

I also knew to fear the incredible Marie La Rue (Tadajia Jackson) and her Louisiana swamp-style black magic. She could have easily placed a spell on me and caused me to write things in this article that might have had me thrown out of the joint. And the paper as well. Then there was Simon Gutterman (Kinsey Brewer), the security; I still think he and Madam Toureau had a thing for each other, but I felt rather safe. I don’t think he gave me a first glance.

Then there was Thursby. Or was it VanGilder? Or perhaps Rigfield? Whoever, two were dead before I finished my chicken & rice. All three beautifully played by Timothy Stephens, he also carried the comedic torch that Archer lit.

Excellent cast, all stayed in character between scenes, pacing the floor and watching the patrons. So who was the murderer? Why should I give that away? You should have been at the show. Oh, and my compliments to the chef, David Cummings.

MLT Ends Season with Proof

Murfreesboro Little Theatre ended its 47th year on a high note. I have proof of that. Opening night went without a hitch, and the director herself, Ms. Jamie Storvik, had to set out chairs for the sell-out crowd for David Auburn’s Proof. With a stellar cast, newcomer to the ‘Boro stage Starina Johnson wowed the audience as Catherine, the mathematics wizard whose notes (a proof) are questioned by scholars at the university, including her on-again/off-again beau, Hal, played by the ever-so-great Shane Lowery.

Victoria McKinney played the obnoxious sister Claire, and was so real, one could feel the jealousy and hate for her sister permeating across the stage floor. The talented Bob Fish rounded out the cast, first in flesh and blood, then as a ghost, and then back onstage in a past occurrence as the father of the sisters. MLT has a tendency to put on productions that keep you mesmerized, and this play was no different. My hat is off to Anton Minter, who controlled lighting and sound with the highest level of proficiency I have seen at MLT to date.

Congrats to MLT for accomplishing their mission of bringing in new seating to the log cabin. At least sixty-five new, comfortable chairs are on the way, thanks to the generous members and friends of MLT who contributed to this worthy, way overdue cause.

MLT begins its 48th season with fanfare at the Awards Banquet on Saturday, Aug. 21, beginning with dinner at 5 p.m., entertainment at 6 p.m., and the awards themselves at 7 p.m. A complete list of winners (although there are no losers at MLT) will be in my column in September, but an early congratulations to Jamie Storvik, who will become the 2010-2011 MLT President. My hat is off to current prez Charlie Parker, who contributed much to the continued success to the theater in its 47th year.

Hayley Orozco and Caleb Marshall in Bye Bye Birdie

“Birdie” Takes Flight

“Bye Bye Birdie” opened the curtains to a wild, loud, and enthusiastic sold-out house at Center for the Arts on July 30, and the patrons were just as loud and enthusiastic at curtain call. And they had every right to be. Directed by Justin Mangrum, the anticipation for this show has been growing, and the colorful magic put on by some of the best young talent in Middle Tennessee was just incredible.

Caleb Marshall portrays Albert Peterson, and his secretary/love interest is Rose Alverez, played by McKenzie Wallace. Their chemistry is perfection. The dance moves, the singing/duets, and their amiable love for each other, permeates from the stage and leaves you mesmerized. Michelle Quarto portrayed Kim MacAfee, the cute 15-year-old torn between giving Conrad Birdie his good-bye kiss before leaving for the Service, and her beau, Hugo Peabody, played by Matt Sutherland. Miss Quarto always gives her all from the stage, and her talents are a thing of beauty and charm. Mr. Sutherland, a walking/talking gift from the showbiz gods, was impeccable as well. His undertone comedic stance plays so well with his abilities to wow any audience. He is a one-man show on any stage he sets foot on.

I left Conrad Birdie for last here, as Justice Arman literally caused my jaw to drop. I had watched Mr. Arman in several shows in the past, and have always considered him a good actor, but this portrayal on stage blew me away. His acting, singing, body language (and facial expressions) were perfect. He “stole the show” in other words, and upon meeting his parents after the show, they told me how proud they were of him, and I concurred; this young man was simply awesome in this show.

The rest of the cast were great, the singing was beautiful, the costuming was good, the set, with some problems throughout the show, was colorful and and well designed. A nod to Sherry Sunday-Booth as Mae Peterson and Angela Ford as Gloria, I very much loved your portrayals, and your comedic timing was on the spot. The only reservations I had about the show: the lighting technicians must have had opening night jitters, set/prop movements were a little slow and the choreography was not quite as good as I have seen in past shows. Hopefully that will improve as the show continues. The curtains will continue to open through Aug. 15.

The Reviewer to Return to Stage
My friend and colleague Tony Lehew had the distinction of reviewing “Vaudeboro 2010,” which played its seventh season at Out Front on Main for two weekends in July. Yours truly was in the show, thus obviously could not review it, but I wanted to take this opportunity to say what a privilege it was to work with so many incredibly talented people, and I was humbled to be on stage with those with real gifts. My thanks to George W. Manus Jr. and everyone at Out Front for giving me this opportunity.

James Brandon Gwinn, a recent alumni of MTSU, and a man I recognized on the Tucker Theatre stage several years ago of going far in theater/entertainment life, has graduated now from NYU and wowed the Big Apple in so many ways. He brings his talent in a one-man show to Out Front on Main Friday and Saturday, Aug 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m. Call 713-1757 for tickets.

“True West”, a Sam Shepherd classic, runs Aug. 12-29 at Out Front on Main, 7:30 p.m. nightly, 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Starring Buddy Jones, Peter Hawkins, Kelly Northcutt-Hayes and yours truly, this will be my first time being on stage in 30 years. What an honor it is to be on stage with such talent as these three, and here is your chance to critique the critic. George W. Manus Jr. directs.

Last issue, I wrote about some of the top names and how much I loved the show “Best Little Whorehouse” at MLT. With a large cast and awesome talent besides, I left out one of the main stars, Todd Robinson, who played the sheriff and Miss Mona’s love interest. Mr. Robinson, I very much enjoyed your portrayal on the stage, you gave Burt Reynolds a run for his money, no joke. The star on your shirt was not the only thing that shined in that production.

Dear Edwina
I went to see Out Front’s first children’s show, Dear Edwina, Saturday night, July 31. The
show began with the kids being limo driven (Legacy Limousines of Smyrna) to the floral-laden red carpet treatment in front of the theater, with S.P.I.R.I.T. team members providing “security” from the enthusiastic crowd of spectators. The suits, gowns and sunglasses were a sight to behold
strutting up the red carpet.

Gossip and advice columnist Edwina, played by Lydia McLaurin, was incredible; what a wonderful young talent. With a beyond-sold-out house of 68 in attendance, the actors provided a most wonderful show. I was most impressed with Michael Hayes and his “Dairy Queen” song, with the other notables being Macenzie Cummings, Jack Seage, Grace Hayes and Byrd Zachery. A special recognition goes to Nicole Johnson, who gave the actors motivation and kept them on their queues. Rounding out the cast was Ivy Ballenger, Colin McLaurin, Jane Seage, Taylor Matteson, and Samantha Dean, My bows to Sarah Jones-Johnson, Stage Manager, and to the Directors, Chris Carnett and Shara Connell.