Calendar of Events

Visit the Ijams Hallway Gallery in April to view photography by David Liles!

This former CPA loves color and high contrast, and his works are often abstractions that are achieved through color, pattern, shape and detail (or lack thereof).

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Thu-Sat 8 PM, Sun 3 PM

by Paul Rudnick
Directed by Courtney Woolard

A young and successful television actor relocates to New York, where he rents a marvelous, gothic apartment.

With his television career in limbo, the actor is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet onstage, but there’s one problem: He hates Hamlet.

His dilemma deepens with the entrance of John Barrymore’s ghost, who arrives intoxicated and in full costume to the apartment that once was his. The contrast between the two actors, the towering, dissipated Barrymore whose Hamlet was the greatest of his time, and Andrew Rally, hot young television star, leads to a wildly funny duel over women, art, success, duty, television, and yes, the apartment.

Reviews
…unapologetically silly and at times hilarious…affectionately amusing about the theatre…
—NY Times

“…fast-mouthed and funny…It has the old-fashioned Broadway virtues of brightness without pretensions and sentimentality without morals.”
— Village Voice

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Theatre students at Pellissippi State Community College have collaborated with a Brooklyn playwright on a new play that will debut this weekend.

“Our Tempest” by Jake Brasch will be performed six times at Pellissippi State: at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, April 1-2 and April 8-9, as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays, April 3 and 10. All performances will be held in the Clayton Performing Arts Center on the college’s Hardin Valley Campus, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

This marks Pellissippi State’s second collaboration with The Farm Theater in New York. Brasch wrote the first draft of the play in collaboration with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, in fall 2021, culminating in a workshop with minimal technical elements. Brasch then revised the play based on that experience and worked with Pellissippi State to bring “Our Tempest” to life in a full-scale production this spring.

“Our Tempest” follows a group of Theatre students from a small liberal arts college in Tennessee as they devise a production focusing on climate change using Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” as a starting point. Things don’t go exactly as planned, and as the students reveal their individual fears and insecurities, they discover they need each other, too. “Our Tempest” stars 10 Pellissippi State students, with a crew that includes both students and alumni. In addition to climate change, the play also delves into issues of race, gender, sexuality and religion – with one role double cast so that the audience and actors can look at one of the characters through those different lenses.

Purchase your tickets online at www.pstcc.edu/arts. "Our Tempest” has a run time of 1 hour 45 minutes with no intermission, and the play is recommended for ages 13 and older.

All Campus Theatre, a student run organization dedicated to creating theatre for students, by students, on campus is producing a student thesis at the Lab at Clarence Brown Theatre.

"Callaway", written by Emily Pope, 22, invites us into a story that seems far off from today but is actually more relevant than ever. Set in the South, midst of the Civil War, Callaway is a family drama about reflecting on the past, challenging inner ignorance and asking the age-old question: what is the right thing to do? The cast and crew have spent the last three months asking themselves those questions as they rehearse for the show.

Matt Boshears, 22, and Brooke Premo, 19, lean into their characters (Joshua and Dulcinea Callaway) as they bicker on the porch about Joshua leaving his post in the Confederacy. Dulcinea pleads for Joshua to leave the war, the cause rooted in the Southern states desire to keep slavery in its society. Boshears felt drawn to this story and Joshua’s character, reflecting on the arc of Joshua and his own growth through the process. “It makes us uncomfortable at times but that’s part of its beauty. There can’t be any kind of change or growth without discomfort.”

Through the process, the cast has found themselves asking hard questions of their character’s why for rejecting or maintaining the 1860s societal norm. Each character has a journey that the audience as seen in themselves, or others. Pope writes those hard moments with the heart of humanity pulsing through each syllable. There is no stereotype within the play. Left with the raw vulnerability theatre gives an audience to see, they are left with knowing there is more work to be done.

Callaway will be performing at the Lab Theatre at the Clarence Brown Theatre. The shows are April 1st at 7:30pm, with a talkback, April 2nd at 7:30pm, and April 3rd at 2:00pm. Reserve tickets: https://forms.gle/Hzkaw3RUrAdxdh6x9

All Campus Theatre is a student organization at the University of Tennessee dedicated to producing student work, and giving students opportunities to explore in theatre. Contact us at theatre@utk.edu, or visit our website at https://allcampustheatre.weebly.com/ to learn more.

The Refugee King, a new play by Ethan Norman

March 31, April 1 & 2 @ 7:30 PM, April 3 @ 2:30 PM

You know the story. A long time ago, Jesus lived, died, and rose again. We tell it and re-tell it, and for good reason. But to what end? How does it really affect our daily life two thousand years later? The Refugee King is a fresh, vibrant play with music wherein a couple finds themselves in a story – unfolding at a kitchen table like yours – where they must choose to be like Jesus or like everyone else.

The WordPlayers is a 501(c)3 theatre company. The Refugee King is sponsored by Warren & Kathy Payne, Leslie A Hull and Accentuate Communication. Upcoming programming includes Hello, Dolly! at the Bijou Theatre.

Performed at the Old City Performing Arts Center, 111 State St., Knoxville. Tickets are $18-$22 on the weekend and March 31 is Pay What You Wish Admission. Tickets are available at www.oldcitypac.com and at the door. For more information, please see www.wordplayers.org or call 865-539-2490.

Facebook: The WordPlayers
Twitter: @wordplayers
Instagram: wordplayers

Celebration of the pieces at a reception on Sunday, April 3 from 2 to 4 PM.

The show is intended to answer the question: “What do you love?” We have asked our members to lend us up to six of their favorite pieces to share with the community to show a range of what speaks to and moves each of the individuals. In essence, it will be curated by the larger group, rather than a single person and, therefore, we are hoping it will be both diverse and dynamic.

There are all sorts of reasons people collect art. In most cases, artwork is displayed in our homes or work spaces, but in others it may not be. Most people buy art because they love the imagery and want to live with it to create a feeling or mood in their living space. The work may echo feelings, emotions, or memories they cherish. They may offer a range of emotions from comforting and soothing to exciting or invigorating. Work may also titillate the imagination, beckon stories, or challenge viewers to define or describe their subject matter. These may inspire ever changing reactions or a sense of renewal and inspire different feelings as one looks at the work over the long term. Some of us own pieces that have familial ties or generational importance. These items may involve references to one’s heritage or aspects from the culture or cultures from which they hail. Still others invest in artwork, hoping it will rise in value and that they will see a large return on that investment. While I concede this happens, I believe these individuals are in the minority. What we choose to love and live with says a lot about each of us—who we are and how we live. For this reason, we are asking our member collectors to select what they would like to show. We want your/their choices to make sure we do not slant the exhibition through a single individual’s filter.

One collector has offered to show a series of 13 Dali works that Dali created as illustrations for Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland. The set is delightfully colorful and depicts the chapters of the book. These should be as enchanting to view as the book was to read! We are looking forward to sharing in the joy these pieces will bring to everyone who sees them. Other items that will be exhibited include a piece or pieces that were purchased while traveling. For one of the owners, her work takes them back to that experience, the newness and freedom the trip inspired. In addition it was a new type of work that has inspired her own thinking and creations since. It is those anticipated experiences that prompt us to offer this exhibition. To share these works our members are opening their experiences to others and allowing our viewers to make that journey with them. That communication should be as interesting or thought – provoking as the works themselves.

Oak Ridge Art Center, 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Hours: Tu-F 9-5, Sa-M 1-4. Information: 865-482-1441, www.oakridgeartcenter.org

The play will be performed Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM.

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation will present a live production of Jackie & Me by Steven Dietz and adapted from the book by Dan Gutman.

Ten-year-old Joey Stoshack is a headstrong young boy with a special talent for time travel. When Joey is assigned to write a report on an African American who has made an important contribution to society, he uses his special ability to go back to Brooklyn, New York, in 1947. He meets one of baseball’s greatest players, Jackie Robinson. Joey plans on writing a prize-winning report, but he doesn’t plan on a trip that will forever change his view of history and his definition of courage.

"[Kids] learn about Jackie Robinson, racial discrimination and restraining one's temper to achieve a larger goal. … The show is truthful, fun and filled with worthy life lessons for kids." -Chicagocritic.com

The play is performed by 14 talented young actors, from ages 9 to 18. Joey will be played by Oak Holden, who is making his KCT debut. He will be joined by Elijah Clemes and DeShayla Foley, who will portray Jackie and Rachel Robinson.

The show is directed by guest director Derrick Washington, Jr. who is a former KCT participant.

KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.
Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

By Qui Nguyen, Directed by Casey Sams
Carousel Theatre

After the death of her teenage sister Tilly, Agnes discovers an untouched “Dungeons and Dragons” campaign in Tilly’s room. In an effort to connect with her sister one last time, Agnes enters the imaginary “Dungeons and Dragons” world she once mocked. She uncovers levels of her sister that she didn’t know existed in an action-packed adventure filled with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ‘90s pop culture.

The Pay What You Can Preview performance, where patrons can name their own price, will be held Wednesday, March 23rd. Half of the proceeds from PWYW tickets will benefit Girls Inc. of Tennessee Valley. Behind the Scenes Sunday will take place following the Sunday, March 27 matinee. A Designer Talk Back will take place Sunday, April 3rd following the matinee. And, an Actor Talk Back will take place following the April 10th 2:00 pm matinee. The Open Captioned performance also is Sunday, April 10th at 2:00 pm.

Free and convenient parking is available in the Upper Parking of McClung Tower Garage (G2) on Volunteer Boulevard. This show addresses themes of bullying and homophobia and contains depictions of violence, mild sexual content, and mild profanity. Those with auditory and visual sensitivities should be aware loud noises, theatrical haze and flashing lights occur at times in this production.

https://clarencebrowntheatre.com/plays/she-kills-monsters/

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Artist-of-the-Year: Alex Foster
March 21 – May 1, 2022

GEOFFREY A. WOLPERT GALLERY
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, https://www.arrowmont.org/visit/galleries/exhibition-schedule/

Meet the artist Mon Mar 21, 7-9 PM

At Barrelhouse, it’s important to us to support local artists of all kinds, so every six weeks we have a new visual artist on our taproom wall! Meet the artist, Lauren Kelley, and see her bold, colorful paintings as well as have the chance to purchase. https://www.facebook.com/events/s/meet-the-artist-lauren-kelley/698915158144022/
https://www.instagram.com/laurentheabstractartist/

Barrelhouse – Gypsy Circus Cider, 621 Lamar St, Knoxville, TN 37917
https://gypsycircuscider.com/barrelhouse-by-gypsy-circus-knoxville/

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 World's Fair, the Museum of East Tennessee History announces the opening of a new, one-of-a-kind exhibition, "You Should've Been There!," in the Rogers-Claussen Feature Gallery from March 19 to October 9, 2022.

The exhibition’s theme is not only a nod to the international exposition’s marketing catchphrase, “You Have Got to Be There! The 1982 World’s Fair!,” but also an acknowledgement that four decades removed, there is a generation of East Tennesseans who were not alive to experience the historic event.

Organized by the East Tennessee Historical Society and the Knox County Public Library, “You Should've Been There!” traces the fair’s development from conception to the pivotal moment when The Wall Street Journal referred to Knoxville as a “scruffy little city” and questioned its ability to host an international event. More than 11,000,000 visitors from around the world were informed and entertained in the various pavilions, exhibitions, and attractions put on by 22 countries and some 50 private organizations. Popular souvenirs were shirts and buttons proclaiming, “The Scruffy Little City Did It!”

The fair’s theme, “Energy Turns the World,” played to the region’s reputation as a technology and science center. For example, it was at the 1982 World’s Fair that users were able to try out a touchscreen for the first time. Elo, a Knoxville-based company, debuted the touchscreen technology, then known as "talk back" computers, in the United States Pavilion. To honor this spirit of innovation, “You Should've Been There!” incorporates engaging touchscreens alongside displays of original fair materials from pickle pins to deely bobbers and everything in between.

To learn more about the exhibition, please visit: https://www.easttnhistory.org/1982worldsfair

"You Should've Been There!" is an official event of the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 World's Fair. To learn more about upcoming commemorative events, please visit: http://www.knoxvilleworldsfair.com.

East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Museum hours: M-F 9-4, Sa 10-4, Su 1-5. Information: 865-215-8824, www.easttnhistory.org

In a year like no other, Arrowmont's 2021-2022 Artists-in-Residents lived and worked together in the intimate environment of shared housing and adjoining studios. Their 11-month residency culminates in a group exhibition, now on display in the Sandra J. Blain Galleries at Arrowmont.

Please join Elizabeth Belz, Horacio Casillas, Kyle Cottier, Naomi David Russo, and Lena Schmid at the closing reception for their exhibition, "Party of Five." The reception is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
May 13, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Sandra J. Blain Galleries
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, 556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Information: 865-436-5860, https://www.arrowmont.org/visit/galleries/exhibition-schedule/