First off, I want to apologize to George W. Manus Jr. at Bear Hollow Theatre in Monteagle. While reviewing “Sylvia” in the last issue of The Pulse, and giving bows to its cast, I failed to mention that Mr. Manus was the director of the show. That venue will continue to grow in recognition as long as George and actors from Murfreesboro are onstage there.
Also my apology to Bryan M. Booth, who starred in “Sylvia,” and received the just adieus in the last issue, but in the photo Jeff Harr was recognized. Mr. Harr left the show just two weeks before it began (to take the directorship from me in “Harvey” at Patterson Park), and Booth stepped in to do the wonderful job as Sylvia’s “master.”
Great Rendition of “Summer”
MTSU’s Drama Team put on a wonderful production of “Summer and Smoke” at the Tucker Theatre for a five-day run. With a beautiful set, masterful lighting and an awesome cast of 12, this was one of the better shows I’ve watched at the Boutwell Dramatic Arts building, and Derrick Raley and Brandee Kent were great and believable as Dr. John Buchanan Jr. and Alma Winemiller.
Although with smaller parts, I always enjoy seeing Lauren Street, who played Mrs. Bassett, and Ben Dawson, who played Gonzales. As a fan of Tennessee Williams’ works, this was the first time I’d seen this stageplay, and although the late Dr. Dale McGilliard was to be the original director, John Mauldin did a wonderful job in the direction, and his comments in the playbill on McGilliard were most kind and appreciative. The show was a great justice to Tennessee and McGilliard.
“Oklahoma” at Oakland
The following night I was honored to go to Oakland High School and see its production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”
The musical was fun to watch, well received by a sold-out audience, and scored by a live orchestra. I was awed by the terrific acting, the incredible choreography and the beautiful, meticulous set and scenery built and painted by the students. Michael Petrone played Curly McClain and Keaton Shearron played Laurey, the lovestruck couple who played hard to get with each other. Of course a wedding was in order toward the end. Both have beautiful voices to go along with that “beautiful morning and beautiful day.”
I was awed, too, by the voice of Carl Glenn, who played Will Parker, and his dance steps, along with the hired hands and cowboys, and those of the “town girls.” The show’s scene stealer, and he does this in every show he is in, was Spencer Ford, who played Ali Hakim. Mr. Ford has great skills and tremendous variation on any stage. The students and crew, as well as their acting coaches, voice and dance teachers, and all involved in directing these students, should feel very proud of the great work they performed.
“Dozen” at MLT
Coming up March 6 for a two-weekend run at Murfreesboro Little Theatre is “Cheaper By the Dozen,” directed by Shane Lowery. As MLT continues to pack ’em in, theatergoers are encouraged to call the box office for reservations. Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.
The MLT is the city’s oldest continuous community theater, located at 702 Ewing Blvd, between the Hospital and the University.
Note: MLT has cancelled the high school edition of “Les Miserables” in April, and instead will be producing “Into the Woods” on the same dates, April 17-19 and 24-26.
See ya’ at the show!
