It was a good feeling to get back to Murfreesboro Little Theatre and see a good theatrical show; it has been three months (“Godspell”), and what a pleasure it was to see “Steel Magnolias” on Feb. 7.

My 89-year-old great aunt owned a beauty shop much like the set built for this production, and the memories of being in her shop on a Saturday with my grandmother, listening to the gossip and who-done-its, were brought back in a very nostalgic way. My deepest accolades to Karen Wainwright, Lisa Davis, Cathy Spencer, Julissa French and Olivia Scott; they were exceptional as the “magnolias.” Jamie Storvik was excellent as Shelby, the young bride-to-be, whose health was always in question due to diabetes.

One could see through the humor, and the concern, if not the tart retorts, the underlying friendship of the six magnolias of steel at all times in Truvy’s Beauty Shop. The actors portrayed their feelings right into the audience, whether it was during the time Shelby’s father was shooting the blackbirds out of trees, talk of her upcoming wedding, or the birth of her son, or her untimely passing.

Director Wayman Price has never put on a bad show at MLT, and working on the audience’s emotions is one of his best attributes. Playing to a full house in all six performances, the show could have easily played another weekend to the delight of MLT fans.

The reason it could not play another weekend, however, has to do with over a dozen actors rehearsing for the upcoming “Cheaper By The Dozen,” being directed by Shane Lowery, at MLT beginning March 6. Promising to be a hit on the MLT stage as well, there will be more about this production in the March 5 edition of this column. Go ahead, however, and call the box office for tickets.

“Pride” Production Impresses

Lamplighter’s Theatre, in Smyrna, is staging Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” currently, and it is one of the better shows I have seen there in some time. Being directed by Greg Wilson, the production was well done (would you believe 26 set changes?), colorful, and despite some audio problems in the second act, the 30 or so actors never missed a beat. The lighting was exceptional, and being there on opening night, played to a full house of 450.

My only negative response to this play was the first act being one hour and 40 minutes long. It could have been a wee bit shorter and the second act longer. Some old folks can’t hold their water that long. The play continues through this weekend and is well worth the 20-minute drive up Old Nashville Highway.

Bear Hollow Hosts Dog

This past Saturday night was well worth the 60-mile, 50-minute drive down I-24 to Monteagle, to the Bear Hollow Theatre. It seems a number of Murfreesboro actors have taken over this stage on a permanent basis, and a full house, there to see “Sylvia,” enjoyed their dinner and drinks.

Erin Green, in what I believe was her best performance I had seen, played the talking pooch Sylvia, to her “massa,” played by Brian M. Booth. Mr. Booth is one of my favorite actors in area theater circles, and he was excellent in this as well. Chris Carnett was superb in three different parts, even playing a female in one scene, and Shara Minor Connell, playing the jealous (of a dog) wife, was great and believable.

You might want to call for reservations on this one, which plays two more weekends.

Oakland-ahoma

The Oakland High School drama department puts on “Oklahoma!” this weekend, Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m., and a Sunday matinee. You might want to call ahead on these performances as well; I understand the tickets are going fast.

A Little Tennessee at Middle

And last but not least, MTSU’s drama department is staging Tennessee Williams’ “Summer and Smoke,” which began last night (Feb 18) and continues at the Tucker Theatre through Sunday, Feb. 22.

Curtains open nightly at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

See ya at the show!

UPCOMING AUDITIONS:

“Harvey”

2 – 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28; 2 – 6 p.m. Sunday, March 1

3220 Bell Road, Nashville

Roles available for six men and six women.

Production dates are May 1 – 15.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

For more information, call John Carpenter at (615) 220-6112.