It is one of those times in the publication of great newspapers and productions of great plays that I have to write PREviews instead of REviews about local theatre events on the horizon. I will own up though, that I did see these “previews” in rehearsals and am greatly convinced that you should take a few hours out of your hustle and bustle of buying Christmas presents, putting up the tree and baking apple pies to see some wonderful stage shows.

At the Murfreesboro Little Theatre, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night opens Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. and promises to be a presentation of a different sort directed by Marc Mazzone.

With a cast of 12, this presumably comedic Christmastime work of Billy Shakespeare is taking on another type of twist without the 17th Century set or costuming. The actors are all very warm and gracious, and very professional in their work. You will know several of the talented people on the MLT stage, such as E. Roy Lee and Shane Lowery. Most all the others are from the New Bear Players out of Nashville.

This presentation may not suit all of Shakespeare’s loyal Murfreesboro fans however, as I did not see the comedy in the play, and I thought the blocking to be quite bizarre. The music was of a different sort as well, I think Mr. Shakespeare would wince at what was being done to this piece of literature. I highly commend the players for their talents and abilities. I think they are the only reason to come to MLT and see Twelfth Night.

Over the river and through the woods . . . and beginning Friday night, Nov. 30, as well, The Lamplighter’s Theatre in Smyrna presents Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, the almost autobiographical tale of four sisters and their lives in the Civil War era.

MTSU theater student Angela Calcaterra portrays Meg March, the vain oldest daughter of a family struggling with surviving the War Between the states. Along with sisters, Jo, Beth and Amy, their journey into womanhood through stress, hardship and tragedy will have you in tears one minute and laughter the next.

This stage-play, by Salt Shaker Productions, will be well worth your drive up Old Nashville Highway.

Beginning next Thursday night, Dec. 6, Brian M. Booth’s direction opens A Christmas Story at the Center for the Arts. In association with The Center Players, this stage adaptation of the movie classic will bring warm hearts together to watch Ralphie, played by Christian Powers, attempt to enjoy Christmas as only a child can, hoping for his Red Rider BB gun. Doug Allen plays adult Ralph and Ralphie’s father, Lila Tuck as his mother, and Jack Seage as his little brother Randy. A large cast once again takes over every inch of the Center stage, and Mr. Booth and his production associates were hammering away last week at what promises to be a beautiful set when the show opens.

This Jean Shepherd classic tale will leave a definite spirit of Christmas in your heart upon leaving. A must see.

On Dec. 1 – 2 BelleAire Baptist Church will present Christmas at the Murphys at 6 p.m., I’m sure you would receive a warm welcome and holiday blessing from this play.

Also, on Saturday, Dec. 8, Christmas at Cannonsburgh will hold its annual holiday event from 2 – 4 p.m. New this year, Shane Lowery and Jamie Storvik will portray Bob and Mrs. Crachett of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” along with Mrs. Storvik’s two daughters, and Alex Abelle playing Tiny Tim, all as the Crachett children. E. Roy Lee will be in period costume as well in the Cannonsburgh schoolhouse, telling Christmas stories. From what I understand, a jolly visitor from the North Pole will also be on hand to see one and all.

In the next issue of The Pulse I will bring to print the actual reviews/critiques of the above plays, and give an update of what our fine stage theaters will be presenting in the 2008 season. See ya at the theater!