Grandstreet launches new studio theatre
Published: March 24, 2009
Grandstreet Theatre in Helena inaugurates its new performing space, The Grandstreet Studio, with two one-act comedies, “Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star.”
Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 27-April 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5.
Written by James McLure, these companion plays take place on two different sides of small-town Maynard, Texas, on one outrageous day. One play features three gals, the other, three guys.
Originally presented in New York in 1979, Grandstreet’s version of “Laundry and Bourbon” stars Ty House, Sarah Scott and Orlinda Worthington. Elizabeth and Hattie while away the afternoon on Elizabeth’s porch, sipping bourbon and Coke and trying to laugh the time away while waiting for the wayward Roy.
Is he cheating on Elizabeth? What’s happened since his return from Vietnam? Leave it to the flamboyant, self-righteous Amy Lee to spill some shocking gossip that all the town seems to know already…
“Lone Star” picks up the story with Roy, former high-school football hero, who is hanging out at the local watering hole with his brother Ray. Roy loves three things: his country, his sexy young wife and his 1959 pink Thunderbird. The town geek Cletis arrives, with his own mind-blowing tale that changes the brothers’ life forever.
Yet through it all, our evening ends with high good humor, as ironic and true as life itself. “Lone Star” features Matt Mhoon, Nelson Rickman and Nick Bell.
Grandstreet Theatre has used The Studio on Fuller St. for theatre school classes for the past four years. “We’ve always hoped to use the space for smaller, more experimental shows,” says Tom Cordingley, Grandstreet’s managing director. When two younger directors (Nathan Wright and Lauren Mackie) came to Grandstreet with the idea of producing the two McLure plays, artistic director Stephen Alexander felt it was time to make the leap.
“Our Mainstage shows serve a wide audience, and are often geared toward families,” says Alexander. “There have been a few exceptions – riskier ventures that challenge our audiences.” But the Studio gives a chance for “newer directors to stretch their wings,” he added.
In addition, the $10 price for tickets makes theatre accessible to everyone.
Grandstreet hopes to present shows at The Studio throughout the coming years. “We always welcome new voices in the community,” says Alexander. “We’re delighted to have the space to try it out.”
Tickets are $10; call 406-442-4270 for details or visit www.grandstreet.net.
thank you
