Local Writer’s Play Opens at MLT

Murfreesboro’s own Tony Lehew is a man of many talents: a singer, songwriter and actor, to name a few. He also keeps my house and yours, and our businesses safe as a Murfreesboro firefighter. Now added to that list is playwright.

“Everyday Heroes,” an original stage play written by Mr. Lehew, opens tonight, Oct. 2, at the Murfreesboro Little Theatre; it’s a story about the common man (and woman) of America, and the trials, temptations, aggravations and truths of everyday life?and the uncommon heroes that we never see or hear about.

This 90-minute production will hit you where it hurts, make you chuckle, perhaps at yourself, and you will leave the theater thinking, “if this is just another chapter of America and her people, am I included in that chapter?”

You will be carded as you enter the lobby of the old log cabin known as MLT, and when you enter in the door between the 70-year-old logs and mortar, you might think you have entered the twilight zone. Instead, you have entered Heroes Bar & Grill, the honky-tonk tavern where everyone knows your name, and perhaps a few other names you have been called.

With draft being poured at the bar, the karaoke a little flat perhaps, and darts hitting the wall around the dartboard, you sit and listen to the characters who make up the regulars, set at their tables, and listen . . . perhaps to memories of your own past . . . or present.

Wayman Price directs this solemn yet mesmerizing piece. It stars Shane Coffey, Skip Hoenhe, Steven Luster, Robert McAdams, Deanna Payne, Olivia Scott, Freddie Snell, Jamie Storvik, Sherry Sunday and Chris Todd.

I previewed the play last week and as it is only playing tonight through Sunday (four days), it is one that you should immediately make plans to see, and congratulate Mr. Lehew and Mr. Price for a great original play that just might, just might . . . well, break a leg everyone!

Kids Were Eggsellent

I attended Patterson Park Theatre’s season premier showing of “Honk, Jr.” last weekend. This production directed by E. Roy Lee is loosely based on the story of the Ugly Duckling was eggselent! The 29 kids in this show, ages 5 to 14, played to an audience of about 100 opening night, and it was everything it was supposedly quacked up to be.

Kaylin Davis did a wonderful job with the choreography; the set and lighting were Disneyesque and would have made Daffy and Donald proud. It was a tremendous storyline, one to make us all remember we are all different, but we all have a purpose. I was glad I went and took a gander at this production, and there was not a turkey on stage anywhere. The music was very pheasant; the only thing I was down on was the lack of programs. Every parent and grandparent wants a program to hold when their child is on stage. I blame that on the staff of Patterson Park however, not Mr. Lee.

Jamie Storvik continues to create beautiful costuming in every play she works with, and this was no different.

Zach Kelley and Michelle Quarto were eggselent in the leads, and with very few parts being a little froggie, all in all this play ended up being a swan song, and I feel very ducky to have been there.

A Little Too Crowded

Lamplighter’s Theatre in Smyrna opened its 2008-2009 season last weekend with “The Music Man” to sold-out crowds, but I was not that impressed with this particular production. The live orchestra was good, but I have seen better sets. The stage was crowded with too many townspeople?they could have used a third less and made it more realistic. Several lead actors made an attempt to overemphasize throughout the play, the comedic timing was a little off and there was just too much “fanfare” and “oh golly gee” on the stage.

I did not understand the constant looking into the lights and smiling during the play either?the actors do not play to the audience in this stage play. It also seemed there was added choreography and singing and lines that had nothing to do with the play itself. The choreography was wonderful, but it could have been even better without so many people.

I always enjoy Greg Wilson in Lamplighter’s plays. He did a great job in this one as well. As good as Steve Burkett did as Prof. Harold Hill, I do think David Cummings did a better job at the Center last year. I always enjoy Rhonda Frazier as well on the stage; she was excellent as usual. I also like watching Kayce Grossman at Lamplighter’s. This young man would do well to do some shows in Murfreesboro as well.

The barbershop quartet was a scene stealer several times, but they were on stage more than Prof. Hill. Ronnie Meek directed this particular production. If it brings in the crowds, so be it. I just would not go see it again.

Looking Ahead

Coming up in October besides “Everyday Heroes” at MLT, is “Fat Pig,” also at MLT Oct. 17-26. The Arts Center of Cannon County in Woodbury begins “On Golden Pond” Oct. 3 and it runs through Oct. 18, doors open at 7 p.m. “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” directed by George W. Manus Jr., begins Oct. 10 and runs through Oct. 26 at Bear Hollow Dinner Theatre in Monteagle?dinner at 6:30, show at 7:30, matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays. MTSU’s Tucker Theatre begins it’s new season with “Seussical: the Musical” on Oct. 22, running through the 25th, 7:30 nightly.

IF YOU GO:

“Everyday Heroes”

When: Oct. 2 – 5

Where: Murfreesboro

Little Theatre

Location: 521 Mercury Blvd.

“On Golden Pond”

When: Oct. 3 – 18

Where: Arts Center of

Cannon County

Location: 1424 John Bragg Hwy., Woodbury

“Fat Pig”