THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605040097
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 44 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
Because some Chesapeake residents couldn't come to Norfolk to enjoy a play, the production is coming to Chesapeake.
The acclaimed Shay Youngblood play ``Shakin' The Mess Outta Misery,'' a poetic drama set in the rural South during the '60s and directed by Karen Turner Ward, is coming to Chesapeake.
The production, which enjoyed kudos from local critics, had a successful run at the Generic Theater, a non-profit professional theater based in Norfolk.
Thanks to the efforts of the sponsoring Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission, the acclaimed play will have a two-day run at the Oscar F. Smith High School theater next weekend.
``I'm excited about the prospect of the Generic Theater coming to Chesapeake,'' said Elizabeth ``Liz'' Burgess, president of the Generic Theater's board of directors. ``We have a number of subscribers here in Chesapeake, but we're looking forward to bringing this fine family drama to more people in the city.''
Burgess said two years ago the Generic Theater approached the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission for support. At the time the commission was involved with several other projects and couldn't comply.
``They did initially turn us down but they told us they were interested in having a production come to Chesapeake,'' she said. ``We thought that was a great idea.''
Burgess said the commission took a look at the universal appeal and strong context of the play.
``It's a memory play,'' she said. ``It's about a woman coming home and thinking back on the strong women who helped raise her. It's shown in a series of vignettes with a wild variety of women.''
She said the commission also saw that the production was easy and inexpensive to transport and stage in Chesapeake with few large sets and costumes and a cast of only eight actors.
``After they looked at it they couldn't have been more enthusiastic,'' Burgess said. ``The play ran in Norfolk for four weekends and the audiences seemed to enjoy it very much. Even the young people in the audience said the play affected them. And everybody loved the production's gospel music.''
This is the Generic Theater's first time ever in Chesapeake, Burgess said. She said the efforts of Chesapeake Fine Arts coordinator L. Randy Harrison had a lot to do with bringing the production to the city.
So far Harrison, intent on bringing as many different fine arts endeavors to the city, has been able to lure the Virginia Symphony, the Actors Theater and the Hotel Paradise Roof Garden Orchestra to the city for several successful concerts and events.
``I think the Fine Arts Commission, with the help and push from its coordinator, Randy Harrison, has done a tremendous job working with us,'' Burgess said. ``They gave us a grant to bring the play here and help reduce the ticket prices. This is our first time ever on the road and we're thrilled that it's happening in Chesapeake.''
Director Karen Turner Ward brings quite a bit of experience and expertise to her directorial job. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in drama and African-American studies from the University of Virginia, a master of fine arts degree in acting from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Ph.D in rhetorical communication from Regent University.
She has served on the Virginia Commission for the Arts and has acted in or directed for many local and regional theater groups, participating in everything from serious social drama and musicals to light-hearted comedy. ILLUSTRATION: AT A GLANCE
What: Shay Youngblood's drama, ``Shakin' the Mess Outta
Misery.''
Who: Produced by the Generic Theater and sponsored by the
Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission.
When: 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: Oscar F. Smith High School Theater, off Great Bridge
Boulevard.
Cost: Reduced ticket prices are $8 for general admission and $6
for students and senior citizens.
Call: For more information or to reserve tickets, call 441-2160.
by CNB