As I begin my third year as a writer for The Pulse, pertaining mainly to stage theater in Rutherford County, I reflect on how much I have learned about local theatrical politics, who is in control, how the boards think, which actors involve themselves with a certain stage, the competition between theaters, or lack of competition, and why people react the way they do to the written word. I have made some friends, and some enemies, and still there are others who couldn’t care less about what is written about theater; some, still, do not even know or care that this newspaper is the only medium in the county that gives time and space to theater.

Patterson Shows on Hold

Almost a year ago, The Theatre at Patterson Park’s executive director came to me and asked if I would direct “Harvey,” a comedy about an invisible pooka rabbit, seen only by Elwood P. Dowd, played by Jimmy Stewart in the 1950 movie version of the same name. I was elated and have waited and worked for months in anticipation, hoping to help give that theater a shot in the arm for its lack of advertising and lack of audience participation. As audition time drew near (this past Monday and Tuesday), and I received the playbooks, I was then called by the executive director and was told that due to city cutbacks, all of the theater’s plays were being canceled for the entire season, and that the city was letting go half of the theater’s staff. When economic times get hard, the arts are always the first to go. All the while, the people we elect to run the city would never consider taking a pay cut, or perish the thought of getting rid of a few of their own office staff, to save money for the things that people really would like to keep around. It is a true shame that Patterson Park Theatre will remain dark for the foreseeable future. I am ashamed of my city leaders for doing this to the Patterson Park Theatre. I wish Terry Womack the best; she is a fine person and has worked hard to make Patterson Park Theatre a viable contribution to the theatrical arts of Murfreesboro.

Women of Steel

Murfreesboro Little Theatre kicks off its first stage event for 2009 tomorrow (Friday) night, with “Steel Magnolias,” directed by Wayman Price, and starring some of your favorites. This Robert Harling play, first presented in 1987, then moving to the big screen in 1989, revolves around six northwestern Louisiana women and their steel personalities as they congregate Truvy’s Salon. A powerful Southern comedy/drama, you will not want to miss Lisa Davis, Julissa French, Olivia Scott, Cathy Spencer, Karen Wainright and Jamie Storvik as Shelby. I urge you to call the MLT box office to buy your tickets early. The play runs for two weekends, Feb. 6 – 7 and 13 – 14 at 7 p.m., and Feb. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m.

Austen Plays Smyrna

Smyrna’s Lamplighter’s Theatre begins the romantic Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” next Friday, Feb. 13, for a two-weekend run. Director Greg Wilson states the chemistry and energy of this play has him “chomping at the bit,” and with newcomer Brandon Vestal, and veterans Phil Brady, Margaret Meek and Jordan Stephens rounding out the cast, this show surely will be worth the 20-minute drive up Old Nashville Hwy. The Friday and Saturday night shows start at 7:30, the Sunday shows at 4 p.m.

Tennessee at MT

Tennessee Williams’ “Summer and Smoke” plays for one week only at MTSU’s Tucker Theatre, beginning Feb.18 and running to the 22nd. Times are 7:30 nightly, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Off to See the Wizard

“The Wizard of Oz”?monkeys, munchkins, red slippers and all, oh my!?begins Feb. 20 for three weekends at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts. Mark Saltalamachia directs this classic, and I hope to see a rehearsal before the curtain opens, if Mark doesn’t shoo me away.

Manus Taking Bear’s Reigns

And lastly but not least, Bear Hollow Theatre in Monteagle is running “Sylvia” on Friday and Saturday nights all through February. I know this is a “fur piece” down the beaten path, but it should be well worth the drive, as the dinner is good too. Directed by George W. Manus Jr., this production stars four Murfreesboro actors, Shara Connell, Christopher Carnett, Jeff Harr and Erin Greene. Dinner is at 6:30, the play begins at 7:30, and is $10, $25 if you have dinner. My congratulations to Mr. Manus for being named the Executive Director at Bear Hollow; the theater is located at 11885 U.S. Hwy 41.

See ya’ at the show.