Friday, December 11, 2009
Will Call: Tips & Tidbits for the Theatrically Inclined
Posted by Chris Davis on Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 3:27 PM
- Sister
Voices of the South's annual Pre-sent Pres-ent opens this weekend and it promises to be a hot ticket. VOTS, a growing company of theater professionals devoted to producing original work with a Southern accent, has really come into its own in recent years. Their success has been aided in no small part by Pre-Sent Pres-ent, an unorthodox holiday show blending modern dance with music, storytelling, and all manner of surprises. This is the show that introduced Steve Swift's incredibly popular character Sister Myotis Crenshaw to the world so heed my sound advice: If you think you might want to attend, it's a good idea to reserve seats in advance.
If you prefer something a little more devilish Circuit Playhouse's flawed but still quite wonderful production of The Seafarer continues through Dec. 20. But this week I'm pushing Souvenir at Theatre Memphis. It's a strange and wonderful valentine to Florence Foster Jenkins, an eccentric tone deaf soprano whose devotees included Noel Coward and Cole Porter. It's an offbeat joy featuring an exceptional performance for Memphis songstress Jude Knight. Yes, I smell Ostrander.
Check the Flyer's theater listings for details
Now, for something completely different, here are some pictures from Langston Hughes' Black Nativity at The Hattiloo Theatre.
Originally titled "Wasn't it a Mighty Day," Hughes' "gospel song play" which opens with the classic "Go Tell it on the Mountain" has become a cultural institution. TBN's selection of traditional gospel-ized carols makes it a great choice for anybody hoping to get the spirit while getting in the spirit.
Also, don't forget about New Ballet Ensemble's Nut Re-Mix, a unique re-telling of The Nutcracker blending ballet with elements hip hop. Details here.
Comments (4)
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It wasn't (mostly). In fact it was a nice thread holding all together. There were some less then stellar moments and the closing piece was terrible--a compiled narrative acted like an Obsession commercial--but it may have been the best effort yet. At least the best I've seen. When it's on it's wonderful: an excellent reminder that Memphis doesn't just have community theaters, it has a community of performing artists.
I really wanted to like this, but just didn't...the thing with the candles (it started with picture frames and votive candles), and dancer wallowing all over the floor around the candle...Lord!
Yes, that was one of the show's weaker moments. On the night I was there a girl seated to my left turned and said, "I just don't understand all that wallering around on the floor." But the dance piece responding to Elmwood was excellent and the transitional pieces were light and fun. The great thing about a variety show like this is that the worst of it never lasts very long. Of the eight main pieces I only disliked the one you mention and the closing sketch.
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