Street Theatre Company, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to producing affordable, accessible and thought-provoking theatrical performances in Middle Tennessee, recently announced its presentation of "Popcorn" at a private residence located at 1312 Stratton Avenue in Historic East Nashville beginning Friday, July 11, and running through July 27. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m.
Set in the home of Oscar-winning movie director, Bruce Delamitri, "Popcorn" is a satirical comedy thriller with the firepower of a hit squad. Notorious “Mall Murderers” Wayne and Scout intend to use Bruce's movies as justification for murder. Events are disrupted by the arrival of Bruce's soon-to-be ex-wife, spoiled teenage daughter and producer. However, Wayne means to succeed, whatever the cost.
“We are so excited to bring this unique experience to Nashville,” said Cathy S. Street, artistic director of Street Theatre Company. “The idea of performing in a private residence came from an article in the New York Times about a renegade group of actors producing theater in different apartments throughout New York City. Not only does it enhance the audience’s experience significantly, as the action is happening all around them, but it also serves that innate curiosity we all have about looking inside other people’s homes. And we are very lucky to have a beautiful historic Eåçast Nashville home that serves as the backdrop for 'Popcorn.'”
Additionally, as Ben Elton's novel is about film, the audience will feel as though they are voyeurs on a movie set throughout the show. This vision is created through director Jill Massie. “'Popcorn' explores the question of whether gratuitous and perhaps glamorized violence and sex in films is socially responsible," Massie said. Elements of film will be utilized and scenes will be staged as if there is a camera in the room. So there is sense of a play within a play. The audience will get to experience the story as if it was being filmed and their eyes are the camera.”
This production should also be interesting to filmmakers in that the question of responsibility is explored in a very funny and yet disturbing way. And while no pat answer is offered, many questions are up for exploring. The second Friday of the run features a Talk-Back Night where the audience is invited to stay after the performance and discuss the show with the cast and crew.
Popcorn contains profanity and adult subject matter. No child under 18 will be admitted without a parent or guardian. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. Please call 554-7414 or visit www.streettheatrecompany.org for more information.
"Popcorn" is directed by Jill Massie. Starring Bowd Beale as Bruce Delamitri, Brad Oxman as Wayne, and Vanessa Callahan as Scout. Also featuring Anna Sriram, Tom Schimmels, Maria Pargh, Matthew Montgomery, Starina Johnson, and Don Berry.