July 9, 2024
Contact:
Susan Goes, Executive Director
(541) 942-8001 or [email protected]
Cottage Theatre opens world-premiere drama Tennessee Wet Rub on August 9
Cottage Grove, OR — Cottage Theatre continues its 2024 season with the world premiere of Tennessee Wet Rub, a mouthwatering drama about bias, bonding, and BBQ presented under the auspices of the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) 2024 NewPlayFest. Written by Wisconin playwright Kim E. Ruyle, the play runs from August 9 - 25, 2024 at Cottage Theatre, 700 Village Drive in Cottage Grove.
Tennessee Wet Rub was chosen for production from an entry pool of 300 scripts submitted for consideration to the bi-annual AACT NewPlayFest. The plays underwent a four-tiered peer review process prior to the winning scripts being selected. Cottage Theatre is one of six theatres in the country chosen to give one of the world premiere productions. The five other winning plays are being premiered by theatres in Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Nebraska.
In Tennessee Wet Rub, Hank and Bertha, a white couple in their sixties, are huddled in their rural BBQ joint as snow swirls outside. It is January 1951; the power is out and the worst blizzard in Tennessee history is keeping all the customers away. What better time to experiment with a new wet rub recipe? A startling knock at the door reveals Arleta, a shivering white teenager, and Dunk, her 20-year-old black fiancé; their car has slid into a nearby ditch. While the storm rages, values and compassion are put to the test, as Hank and Bertha wrestle with what to do with this law-breaking couple. The situation grows even more turbulent with the arrival of the Deputy Sheriff. Flavored with simmering tensions, and slowly simmering BBQ, Tennessee Wet Rub is a riveting drama spiced with unlikely bonds and shared passions.
Cottage Theatre's production of Tennessee Wet Rub is directed by Stanley Coleman, supported by Randall Brous as Stage Manager. Set Design is by Tony Rust, Costume Design by Kali McDonald-Kelley, and Lighting Design by Amanda Ferguson.The cast features Mark Allen as Hank Dunwiddie, Kim Fairbairn as Bertha Dunwiddie, Alana Merz as Arleta Easter, Clarence Miller as Dunk Freeman, and Lucas Wieckowski as the Deputy Sheriff.
Tennessee Wet Rub is on stage for three weekends at Cottage Theatre from August 9 - 25, 2024. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm.
Tickets are available online at www.cottagetheatre.org or by phone at (541) 942-8001. Tickets are $29 for adults and $15 for youth. All seating is reserved and advance purchase is recommended.
Cottage Theatre, founded in 1982, produces a year-round season of plays and musicals featuring talented Lane County performers. The theatre also offers year-round educational programs for youth. A member of the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT), Cottage Theatre is one of just six theatres in the country selected to produce a world premiere as part of the AACT 2024 NewPlayFest. The theatre is known for its strong production values, in keeping with its mission of "engaging and enriching our community through the magic of live theatre."
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