The month of September has a lot to look forward to; from Sexaholics to Crimes of the Heart and the deliciousness of Willy Wonka Jr, this month has a little something for everyone. This is yet another good month for theater, although the argument can always be made that there is no bad month for theater. Let’s dive in and learn what is going on this month, it is very exciting.
I will start with Out Front On Main, which will be showing the very racy play Sexaholics. It’s about two sex addicted people who cannot control themselves. We first meet them while they are in the throes of a mad sexual encounter. We soon learn that they are both married to other people and that this is just a one-night stand. The woman, Julie, starts to feel guilty and starts talking about wanting to get some help with her sex addiction while the man, Tony, thinks that there is nothing wrong with this addiction. Eventually they both get into recovery and we see them when they have their “urges” under control. But of course all is not well. This play is both amusing to and disturbing to watch.
This show will only run Sept. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. so come and watch this show with me and let’s enjoy this as much as we did watching last month’s The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Visit outfrontonmain.com or call (615) 869-8617 for more information or reservations.
Murfreesboro Little Theatre has two things going this month to participate in. They will be having auditions for the great all-American show Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. The auditions are Sept. 10-11 from 6-8 p.m. (with show dates Nov. 9-11 and 16-18). As always, make sure you can commit to those nights and to all of the rehearsals before trying out.
Kara Kemp, Cathy Spencer and Laura Schlesinger play in Crimes of the Heart
Murfreesboro Little Theatre is showing Crimes of the Heart Sept. 7-9 and 14-16. Crimes of the Heart is a Southern tragi-comedy, rated PG-13, it has a little language but is mostly just adult themed. This play takes place in Hazlehurst, Miss., and is about how three sisters, a cousin and a lawyer come together to help the youngest sister get out of trouble with the law after she just shot her Senator husband in the stomach. This show promises to be extremely funny and entertaining. Please go to mltarts.com to make reservations and to see what is coming up in its 50th season.
Willy Wonka Jr. will once again grace the Murfreesboro stage, this time at The Center for the Arts. This show is about Mr. Willy Wonka hiding five golden tickets in chocolate bar wrappers for five lucky people, and whoever finds these tickets will get a free tour of the Wonka factory and will also win a lifetime supply of chocolate. This show will show you the worst and best of the human mind and you will fall in love with some people and hate others. This is a great kids show to see and is always entertaining to watch. The Center for the Arts will be performing this show Sept. 7-23 and before the Sunday matinees you can have lunch with the oompa loompas at 12:30. For more information on this and their other programs, visit boroarts.org.
I look forward to all of these shows and more as the year progresses.
Judas’ Stop in Out Front
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis presented by Out Front on Main, Inc was a fantastic dramedy. Directed by George W. Manus Jr., this production expressed simplicity in all technical aspects. However, the acting itself is far from simple.
Peter Depp as Jesus, Blair Thompson as Judas and Michael Adcock as Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
The defense in the case of Judas Iscariot, Fabiana Aziza Cunningham (played by Holly Amber) is one unique “leading” lady. This challenging role was executed wonderfully by Amber. She took her defense and opposition in court to a whole new level. I felt as though I was sitting in the court room with her. The prosecution, Yusef El-Fayoumy, played by Patrick Goedicke will have you rolling. His outlandish and flattering behavior and personality really gave excellent contrast to the somewhat uptight defense. The back and forth between these two is nearly flawless. Possibly the most impressive aspect of this show were the characters themselves. The audience is taken on a ride through history where we meet personalities such as Saint Monica, Sigmund Freud, Pontius Pilate and even Satan himself. Each actor portraying their respective roles really had a set character down. Due to double casting, most actors played several roles, this in no way brought down the feel of the show. Actors not only changed clothes, but entire personalities, accents and demeanors. This is something not commonly found in community theater.
As stated above, all the technical aspects of this production were very simple, understated even. Upon entering the theater you see a simple platform and very few set pieces. It was only when the actors entered the stage did the set come to life. Anything larger, fancier and brighter would have taken focus away from the action onstage. The costumes had the very same effect. Everything was very modern and simple. This seemed to really force the actors to take on a very distinguished character. The set, costumes and lights, while acceptable, did nothing to assist actors in any special way.
Manus did an excellent job on casting, and it really showed.
Playing in September
Chicago
7:30 p.m. Sept. 14, 15, 21 and 22; 2 p.m. Sept. 16 and 23
The Arts Center of Cannon County
1424 John Bragg Hwy.
artscenterofcc.com
Crimes of the Heart
7 p.m. Sept. 7, 8, 14 and 15; 2 p.m. Sept. 9 and 16
Murfreesboro Little Theatre
702 Ewing Ave.
mltarts.com
Man of La Mancha
Man of La Mancha
7:30 p.m. Sept. 7, 8, 14 and 15; 4:30 p.m. Sept. 9 and 16
Lamplighter’s Theater
14119 Old Nashville Hwy., Smyrna
lamplighterstheatre.com
Sexaholics
7:30 p.m. Sept. 13-15
Out Front on Main
1511 E. Main St.
outfrontonmain.com
Willy Wonka Jr.
7 p.m. Sept. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22; 2 p.m. Sept. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23
Murfreesboro Center for the Arts
110 W. College St.
boroarts.org
