Calendar of Events
Friday, October 18, 2024
Theatre Knoxville Downtown: The Elephant Man
Category: Theatre
By Bernard Pomerance
Directed by Sarah Campbell
The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man – the victim of rare skin and bone diseases – he becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel Hospital. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other.
Performances are Thu-Sat 7:30 PM and Sun 3 PM
Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com
Maryville College Theatre: Steel Magnolias
Category: Theatre
The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
Four performances: Thu-Sat at 8 PM, Sun at 2 PM
https://claytonartscenter.com/event/maryville-college-theatre-presents-steel-magnolias/
Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804. Information/tickets: 865-981-8590, www.ClaytonArtsCenter.com
Oak Ridge Playhouse: Dial "M" for Murder
Category: Theatre
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, From the original by Frederick Knott
A masterclass in suspense, “Dial M for Murder” is a riveting stage thriller that weaves a web of deceit and suspense as ex-tennis pro Tony Wendice meticulously plans the perfect murder of his unfaithful wife, Margot. With each twist and turn, you will be drawn deeper and deeper into a plot filled with betrayal, manipulation, and unexpected revelations. As tensions mount and secrets unravel, true motives are laid bare, while audiences are kept guessing and on the edge of their seats until the final, electrifying climax.
GENERAL AUDIENCES
https://www.orplayhouse.com/
