CROSSVILLE —
Energy streamed from the stage of the Adventure Theater on the opening night of Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge. As an audience, we found ourselves “Way Out Back and Beyond,” with the sight and sound of bluegrass music pulsating through us. The year is 1930. We are in a tiny isolated cabin that doubles as a general store and, at times, a speakeasy.
Onstage musicians Douglas Waterbury-Tieman on fiddle, Colin Cahill on banjo, John Dobbratz on mandolin, ukulele, and “spamjo,” Drew Robbins on guitar and Tony Greco on bass, keep the action moving through 15 engaging songs. Occasionally they jump in to become part of that action.
Lauren Marshall, music director, plays Hazel Grubbs, a youngish widow with an eye out for a golden boy of her own. Marshall has played a wide variety of roles in her few years here. The role of Hazel is a contrast to those she has played in the past.
Newcomer Anna Baker brings both acting talent and vocal skill to her role as Maggie McFarland. She has performed both opera and musical theater in her native New England. The voices of Baker and Marshall complement one another as they sing of “The Little Log Cabin” they would each like to be sharing with a golden boy. Hopes are that audiences will be seeing and hearing more of Baker in the coming months.
The ever versatile Daniel Black plays Maggie’s father, J.M. McFarland, who runs the store with the speakeasy on the side and a moonshine producing still out behind.
Greg Pendzick skillfully transforms his usual gentle, winsome personality into outlaw Clayton Monroe. Wielding a shovel, Clay has attacked his father rather than marry the wealthy widow his father selected to be his wife. The inhabitants of the cabin are eager to protect him from the law. As you would expect, a love triangle develops. Baker sings hauntingly of this “Golden Boy.”
Austin Price struggles to define the character of Luther Coffey, the man scheduled to wed Maggie in two days. Coffey’s bravery is tested when he hears groaning in the nearby ditches. Is he supposed to protect his betrothed? He leaves such concern to the outlaw until he realizes Maggie (Baker) has turned her eye toward another man. Outlaw Clay (Pendzick) might be more exciting to a young girl than the ever-available Luther (Price). As always, Price brings unique skill and agility to remarkable dances. His Luther displays unexpected brilliance in offering his competitor a “First-Class Ticket” and a suit of clothes to get away from the cabin and from Maggie.
The audience exploded with laughter at the entrance of the incomparable Jason Ross, sporting the emblem of the law and seeking to find the outlaw. Ross plays Leroy as dark and dangerous. At the end of the first act, he forcefully sings that he is “Nowhere Near Done.” Ross and Marshall vocally duel as they sing, “That Ain’t Him.”
Opening night was approached with some trepidation. Can the classic Irish play, John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World, be translated into a bluegrass musical set in Appalachia? The answer now is a resounding “yes.”
John Fionte designed a rustic set of sharp angles and unexpected side rooms. By slightly elevating the musicians, he has enabled them to be either part of the action or in the background.
Costume designer Renee Luttrell had a good time transforming the musicians into neighbor ladies. Pendzick is wonderfully filthy in his appearance. The rest of the cast is not quite seedy, but heading in that direction.
Choreographer Donald Frison has introduced remarkable dance sequences demanding unique skills that are executed flawlessly.
Thanks to Director John Fionte, who was introduced to this show as part of National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Festival of New Works, audiences are witnessing its first production outside New York. Jim Crabtree, producing director, wrote: “The outrageous humor, romance and mayhem are all set to an irresistible, infectious, contemporary bluegrass score.”
I hope you will join in celebrating this addition to the Playhouse season. The house was packed on opening night. Arrive early enough to read the synopsis of this unique new musical by Peter Mills and Cara Reichel. John Fionte says in his note from the director: “I promise, it’s not like anything you’ve experienced – or anything you’re expecting. I hope it’s even better.”
As a member of the opening night audience, it is much better than could have been imagined. Do order your tickets.
Things To Do
Review: Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge a unique musical experience
- Things To Do
-
-
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band to appear at CCP
As Roy Rogers was to the Sons of the Pioneers, so Leroy Troy — “The Tennessee Slicker, the Sultan of Goodlettsville” — is to the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band. Banjoist and songster Leroy Troy is a true good ol’ boy from Goodlettsville, Tennessee, which is now a northern suburb of metro Nashville. But long ago, it was the country home to a great number of Grand Ole Opry performers.
-
REVIEW: Time to revisit 'Smoke on the Mountain' at CCP
This is the 20th anniversary production of the beloved Smoke on the Mountain. Opening night felt like a reunion, seeing dear friends from years past and accepting the fact of change.
-
Gospel artist Parker in concert July 13
One of America’s most exciting gospel artists Ivan Parker will be at the Palace Theatre, 72 S. Main Street, Crossville, on Saturday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m.
-
Broadway, International Asian Star is King in CCP's The King and I
He has starred in Broadway’s Miss Saigon and traveled world theaters as the King of Siam. Now Herman Sebek, one of the world’s most prominent Asian-American actors, is again crowned “King” in Cumberland County Playhouse’s lavish new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, The King and I. Featuring a cast of over 70 actors, this spectacular musical will open on June 14.
-
June 17 concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity
The Swing Street Big Band, under the direction of Bill Schneider, is hitting Crossville again, this time partnering with Habitat for Humanity for a benefit concert with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity’s building program in Crossville.
-
CCP announces 2013 Triple Threat summer camp
Children ages 5 and up are invited to participate in a week long theatre camp that has become a tradition at the Cumberland County Playhouse. Playhouse professionals will teach acting, singing and dancing in a fun-filled setting which has proved to be an enriching and exciting atmosphere.
-
PAART presents a summer of great women vocalists
Performing Artists Alliance of Rural Tennessee (PAART) remaining 2013 First Fridays performance events feature an eclectic lineup of artists and genres. The summer months are filled with talented women vocalists singing the blues (and a little country).
-
Swing Street Big Band begins Fairfield summer dances June 1
The 18-member Swing Street Big Band will play for the first of three summer ballroom dances at the Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center at 7 p.m. June 1.
-
CCP presents the 20th anniversary production of Smoke on the Mountain
Heaven is eternal, but 20 years of Smoke on the Mountain are heavenly for the Cumberland County Playhouse, “Tennessee’s Family Theater” and home to the state’s largest theater audience of over 135,000 annual visits.
-
Tickets on sale for June 1 Fairfield Big Band Dance
Tickets are on sale for the June 1 big band dance at the Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center.
- More Things To Do Headlines
-
Ex-Hit Man's Past Is a Shock to Some Neighbors
Fans: Gandofini 'Put New Jersey on the Map'
Does Future of Human Race Depend on Kansas Mine?
Reining in 'Bad News' Sports Parents
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
