Megan Blevins and Hudson Wilkins in "In the Boom Boom Room"
George W. Manus Jr. continued his edgy, provocative ways in November at Out Front on Main, with David Rabe’s “In the Boom Boom Room,” a hauntingly deepthought tale about the life of a go-go dancer in limbo with her life.
Chrissy (Megan Blevins) is obviously confused about not only where her future is leading her, but why the road is a winding circle of misfortunes. It also becomes evident that her relationship with her parents has propelled her into this happenstance, which includes her affairs with both men and women.
I can think of no other actor in our town who could have portrayed this tantalizing young dancer better than Miss Blevins. She was simply amazing and it was obvious she poured the hapless soul, Chrissy into her heart in order to bring her to light on the stage.
The outstanding cast of actors included Bill Stewart as father Harold, Sienna Hall as her mother Helen, Peter Hawkins as her on-again/off- again male interest Eric, friends Al and Ralphie, played by Hudson Wilkins and Zach Parker, and the other go-go girls (portrayed by Molly Breen, Tia Green and Calli Foster). Each played their part in the dark, gritty spotlight as only Director Manus could have visualized it. A very well done piece of work on the Out Front on Main stage, the lighting, music and set were very befitting and blended oh so well with what Mr. Manus conceived.
It was great to see a packed house the night I was at Out Front. Playing to a packed theater for all 11 performances is a thrilling experience, and the shows at this theater are bringing in the MTSU students in abundance. Good to see.
The multi-talented Murfreesboro home-boy now Big Apple show-star Brandon Gwinn is back on the stage at Out Front for a four-night encore Dec. 16–19. His previous two-night show back in summer was standing room only. I would definitely call for tickets as soon as possible. This showman is wowing audiences all over New York for good reason. Welcome back and welcome home Brandon! Call (615) 869-8617 for reservations.
Anyone who knows me knows I am not a fan of Billy Shakespeare. I loathe his plays as much as mushrooms and olives on a pizza. I wince when one is coming, as I know I have to go and see it, so I bit my lip and put on my smiley-face when going to Murfreesboro Little Theatre in November to see Mr. Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.” What I saw actually brought a real smile to my face and a keen interest in the show.
Director Andy Ford put a modern twist on the storyline, with a newscaster, films of modern-day Rome in the background, storms in the weather forecast, color-coded suits and ties, but alas, the “wherefore art thou” language of Shakespeare. Well, you can’t have it all. With a cast of 16, the Ides of March came far too quickly for me, near the end of the first act.
Todd Seage was impeccable as the stone-faced emperor; he graced the stage with the statesman-like power and suave of a true politician. My hat is off to three new actors on the MLT stage—Jordan Powell as Octavius, Josiah Gibbs as Mark Anthony and Dalton Reeves as Marcus Brutus. These young men literally stole the show with their marked ability to capture the audience, master their portrayals and make me a believer in a Shakespeare production.
With a stellar cast, wonderful lighting and a beautiful set, I left the theater rather mesmerized at a Shakespeare play I will not soon forget. Another incredible job by Mr. Ford, who I was happy to see at MLT, and a stage presence by E. Roy Lee, who has been absent for awhile, concluded a most entertaining evening.
"Scrooge: The Musical" plays at Center for the Arts
The always great Todd Robison will be directing “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge” on the MLT stage starting Dec. 3 and running two weekends with the beloved Jerry Bailey playing the penny pinching Christmas hater, Scrooge. Curtains open at 7 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Go to mltarts.com for reservations.
The Center for the Arts also opens its Christmas season with “Scrooge: The Musical” tomorrow night, curtains at 7:30 p.m., for a two-weekend run. This take on an old favorite will bring in the crowds as well, and is another where reservations are recommended.
See ya at the show!
