I catch myself between shows every so often, while someone on stage is busy with a hammer, a paintbrush, in the prop room getting furniture and old wall pictures, or setting lights and sound for the next big adventure on the Rutherford County stage.

I am so delighted that Carol Reed with the Arts Center of Cannon County has embraced The Murfreesboro Pulse and myself in the past month, enticing me with kindness, on-time press releases, and a sure-fire press pass when I walk in the door of the theater. I hope the kindness continues during my future reviews and critiques of the productions in that beautiful theater.

I enjoy, as well, being able to walk into the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts on any afternoon, unannounced, and talk with Todd or Gary or Sherry or Jesse. I continue to learn things I never knew about theater, even after 30 years, and enjoy conversing for 20 minutes or so.

Going into the offices of Patterson Park is also warm and inviting, and although chatting with Terry and Jeff, or Michael, Chris, and perhaps Elizabeth, I do of course get a reserved conversation sometimes, since Patterson Park is owned by the city, and the Parks and Rec folk get a little antsy if you ask too many questions or attempt to dig too deep. I still miss George and Raemona there.

I have not had the pleasure of really meeting anyone at Lamplighter’s except two of their directors/actors, Greg Wilson and Wilhelm Peters. However both are gracious, and their desk always greets me by first name at every play I review.

I also enjoy walking into Tucker and Studio theaters at MTSU. My old alma mater has not changed that much over 35 years, but the students in the lobby perhaps wonder who the old man is with the Pulse shirt, pen and paper. I get a kick out of that. But the actors there always treat me with respect and I humbly respect them back for their warmth and kindness. And I appreciate Jeff, who always takes time out to speak.

I always, however, look forward to Murfreesboro Little Theatre’s productions. That old log cabin is unique, small and oh so family oriented. No one’s there during the afternoons to sit and converse with. They do treat me as a theater critic so I feel just out of the box sometimes attempting to talk with anyone associated with MLT. I love when Shane has a bottle of red wine waiting for me when I go in to see a show, though. It makes the old tired reviewer more relaxed and I get a feeling of belonging when he sets a glass down before me just before the lights dim.

Theater in Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Woodbury is set in its ways. There is a bit of hostelry, a pinch of ego, and distance in trying to get them to work together most of the time. But the magic word is “set.” They are firmly implanted in their Boards, in their cornerstone toughness and their stalwart ways. Although one is still trying to find its mark in town, they all still seem to work better than any stage theater in Nashville. They all plod along without dinners, only one has an awards show, and they cannot seem to, or want to, work to build each other’s reputation. I would love to see the day when they all can work together, effortlessly, in harmony to build stage theater here that will be the lighted marquee for all of Tennessee to see.

Now . . . on with the shows. Friday, Aug. 8, begins “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at Murfreesboro Center for the Arts. Director Jesse Cannady has another winner on the stage, with awesome talent from Seigel High School’s recent production of “Fame!” (Chip Steen, David Corlew and Jason Witt), and his own “Suessical: The Musical.” With Maggie Richardson, Kaylie Hackett, Sarah Jackson and Erin McMahon rounding out the gang, and with Dale Richardson as the choreographer, and Riverdale High’s Brenda Williams’ musical score, this will be a terrific, fun show to see. It runs through the 24th.

At the Arts Center of Cannon County, “Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story,” also begins on Friday, Aug. 8, with MTSU’s Ian Hunt (“Stomp”) portraying the legendary Buddy Holly. This production is directed by Scarlett Turney, and they are looking for a great turnout. They will get it! This also runs through the 24th.

A sneak peek of director Andy Ford’s “Fiddler on the Roof” tells me of another Center hit down the road, along with director George W. Manus Jr.’s production of “The Laramie Project” at MLT, long overdue and needed, also coming soon.

MLT’s 2007 – 2008 Awards Ceremony is Saturday, Aug. 9, and if it’s anything like last year, the sequins, chiffon and bow ties will be everywhere, the red carpet leading out to Ewing Street in elegance!

See ya’ at the show!