Just like the Savior they cling to in the storyline, the original Murfreesboro cast of “Godspell” has risen from the grave and moved from the dark confines of the Gallery at Center for the Arts (a year and a half ago) to the mystical lights of the log cabin known as the Murfreesboro Little Theatre.
Beginning tomorrow night, Nov. 14, Director Gary Davis brings back to life the Good News of St. Matthew, with young veteran Luke Quarto reprising the role of Jesus Christ. Mr. Quarto is smooth and confident as the Man from Nazareth, his lead role is just the style he is good with, and I commend Mr. Davis for bringing him back. Jesus’ best friend was John the Baptizer, and Evan Scott steps into the role with ease and without hesitation. Mr. Scott also plays Jesus’ betrayer Judas as well, and doing the 180 turn seems also to be an easy task for Luke’s real life roommate.
Speaking of Mr. Scott, however, I am sure he had to be “on his toes” during the performance I saw at First United Methodist Church last Friday night, as his main squeeze is also on stage and has excelled as a choreographer and actor. Kaylin Davis, young as she is, has become one of Murfreesboro’s best in choreography, and this show is no different when it comes to dance and movement. I applaud her efforts.
A breakdown of the other actors gives credible evidence to the wonderment and love of this show: Benjamin George, Emily Davis, Gavin Dillinger, Jessica Theiss, Kate Walwrath, Kaylie Hackett, Mallory Carter and McKenzie Wallace. Knowing these actors, and knowing their backgrounds, leads me to believe this story of Jesus is coming from the heart of each individual, a witness to their faith. They are not just actors on stage with lights, but teens with the Light in their personal beliefs. This is what makes the story awe inspiring and believable.
This performance plays for two weekends at MLT, Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Go if for no other reason than to have your heart blessed.
Also beginning on Friday, Nov. 14, for a weekend, the Theatre at Patterson Park brings an old time “radio show” broadcast our way on stage with “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Starring director Jerry Bailey as the radio host, a covey of well-known Murfreesboro actors perform the visual attractions and sound effects, With Charlie Parker leading the musical scores, you will also see (hear) MTSU Professor Bob Pondillo, Steve and Lourdes Luster, Suzanne Tenpenny, and several more leading us into the center of our world. For only five bucks, sit back, close your eyes, and listen to the radio, onstage for this miraculous adventure Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m., and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Beginning tonight, Thursday, Nov. 13, the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts opens it curtains to Tennessee Williams’ most enduring classic, the 1944 hit “The Glass Menagerie,” for a two-week run. Director Donna Seage hopes to pack the house for Nashville actor Wesley Paine as Amanda, MTSU theatrical veteran Lauren Street as Laura, Murfreesboro actor/director Bob Roberts as Tom, and Kyle Olsen as Jim in this honest, comedic, timeless production. The lights go down 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and 2 p.m. on Sundays through the 22nd.
If you wish to have a little fun and a lot of laughter, run down John Bragg Hwy this weekend or next to see the escapades of three country girls who reunite for a Christmas show like none other in “Honky-Tonk Angels,” playing at the Arts Center of Cannon County.
Okay, so sometimes an error is made while attempting to please everyone, or make ’em mad, in theater articles. Such was the case last time when I referred to the two cats in “Seussical” at MTSU. I mentioned Matthew Frazier Smith and Bradley Pennington and the magical part they brought to the stage. It seems Brendan Johnson’s roommate really got his drawers in a titter because I did not mention Mr. Johnson, who was the actual “other cat” not Mr. Pennington. I apologize Brendan, it was all a case of my not reading the playbill correctly. You were fabulous. And by the way, Brendan, let your roommate know that Bradley Pennington was the Mayor of Whoville?he mentioned in his letter “he did not know who the hell Bradley Pennington is.” All you have to do is read the playbill.
One final note, it is with great regret and disgust that I have to mention Todd Seage has resigned as Director of the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts, effective after “The Glass Menagerie.” That is three they have gone through in a little over a year. I have immeasurable respect and love for Todd and Donna Seage, and consider this a crime. I also understand several of their most knowledgeable and respected board members have left as well.
The Old Girl is never going to get her feet back on the ground at 110 West College St. if some power controlling divas backstage (or behind the stage) don’t calm down and get their “act” together. At this “stage” of the game that is being played, The Center is going to be nothing more than “the center” of controversy if a completely new board is not elected soon to run this theater. Who is it that is running everyone off? Perhaps “Clue” should run a production here soon.
