In a dark winter night Readers Theatre Repertory takes its audience to Appalachia with a Romulus Linney tale, Tennessee, directed by Wendy Wilcox. Music and song from the region complete the production, enriching the storytelling with the sound of the mountains.
Considered a "front porch playwright" for his tales of rural life – often addressing themes of faith and loss – Romulus Zachariah Linney IV spent his boyhood in the South, and died one year ago this month. He is considered one of country's finest writers, a quintessential American storyteller.
"We've told several Romulus Linney tales at Readers Theatre Rep, and we’re always circling back to him," says Wilcox. "His voice is of a native son, with stories so internal and intimate, while addressing these huge themes. Staging Linney, giving him to our audience, is tremendously satisfying."
Rounding out the evening will be poetry and music from Appalachia. Says Wilcox, "Tennessee is about a dreamlike journey, and we want to surround the audience with the experience."
The cast includes Hadley Boyd, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Patrick Tangredi, Kenneth Sergienko, and Norman Wilson.
Shows start at 8PM, always run about one hour, and admission is $8.00.
Readers Theatre Repertory's 50-seat house at Blackfish Gallery requires special care for our guests. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and walk-ins should arrive by 7:30P. All reserved seats will be released to walk-ins at 7:55P sharp.
Blackfish Gallery, 420 NW 9th Av., Portland, 97209
Performances are Friday and Saturday, February 10th and 11th, 2012
For Information and Ticket Reservations: 503.295.4997; info@readerstheatrerep.org
Readers Theatre Repertory was founded in 2001 to tell "small stories with big ideas at their heart," tales that alternately amuse, confront, assuage and inspire. Using one-act plays as the text, the company focuses on intimate human relationships to explore universal themes. Through these stories and through educational outreach and affordable ticket prices, RTR is committed to developing, expanding and diversifying Portland's theatrical audiences. The company's mainstage season is at Blackfish Gallery in Portland's Pearl District.
If you'd like to read the article about RTR that was featured in the Oregonian, CLICK HERE
If you'd like to read the article about RTR that was featured in the Willamette Week, CLICK HERE