Evita, Judas, Xanadu and Black Fox Coming to Murfreesboro Stages this Month

This month, theater patrons of Middle Tennessee have a lot to look forward to. There are several shows coming up that will entertain a variety of people. If you love a musical, be sure to visit the Center for the Arts. Opening Aug. 10 and running through the 26th is Evita, directed by Cyndie Verbeten. Evita is the story of Eva, a poor young girl from Argentina who grows up to marry the Argentine president. She quickly learns that the way to the top is to sleep with powerful men. Eva soon becomes a hero to the poor working class. You do not want to miss this powerful, heart-wrenching story.

Also coming up at the Center are auditions for On Golden Pond on Aug. 5 and 6. This show runs Oct. 5–21. Along with that, auditions for A Chorus Line are on Aug. 20 and 21; this show will run Nov. 2–18. Visit boroarts.org for more information and to make reservations.

For a complete change of pace, Out Front on Main will present The Last Days of Judas Iscariot written by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Directed by George W. Manus Jr., this story tells of a court case of the ultimate fate of Judas Iscariot. Using flashbacks to an imagined childhood, this story will call testimony of figures such as Mother Teresa, Caiaphas, Saint Monica, Sigmund Freud and Satan. Judas runs Aug. 23 through Sept. 2, Thursday–Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. Out Front on Main is located at 1511 E. Main St. For reservations and more information, call (615) 869-8617 or visit outfrontonmain.com.

The Arts Center of Cannon County proudly presents Xanadu, the musical comedy adapted from the cult classic film starring Olivia Newton-John. This over-the-top, hysterical roller-skating musical spoofs the 1980s film about a beautiful muse who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach and inspires a struggling artist to go after his biggest dreams: the first roller disco. This show is hilarity on wheels for anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired! Get ready for disco balls, rainbows and a wild score with songs such as “Magic,” “Evil Woman” and “Suddenly.”

Xanadu is directed by Dr. Darryl Deason and runs Aug. 10-25. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. I recommend getting there early to secure an “A” pass for seating and then go eat at The Blue Porch, the in-house restaurant. If you make reservations, you do receive a 10 percent discount at the restaurant. Tickets for Xanadu are $12 with discounts available for students, seniors and groups and may be purchased by calling the Arts Center box office at (615) 563-ARTS (2787) or visiting artscenterofcc.com.

Finally, we have the Murfreesboro Little Theatre. Coming up at MLT is the Annual Awards Ceremony and Membership Meeting on Aug. 11. The picnic begins at 5 p.m., with the membership meeting at 6 p.m. and the awards show at 7. So for good food and entertainment with a recap of last season come on out and enjoy. Also coming up at MLT is See Here, Black Fox. This original show tells the history of Murfreesboro, which is being performed in celebration of Murfreesboro’s 200th Anniversary.

This also kicks off the start of MLT’s 50th season. So to commemorate two historical events, be sure to come and support this production! See Here, Black Fox runs Aug. 23-26. Call (615) 893-9825, visit mltarts.com or find MLT on Facebook for more information and reservations.

If you get a chance, do go see any and/or all of these shows. As always, if you audition for a show, be sure you can make all the performances before you commit. Enjoy what Middle Tennessee Theaters have to offer this month, and be sure to support the arts.