The Rocking Chair Horse, an original, award-winning play by local playwright Bev DeMello, will be performed July 28-30 in The Studio at Theatre Tallahassee.
Curtain times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday. The Studio Theatre is located at 1861 Thomasville Road in Tallahassee.
Tickets may be purchased at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6038536. Tickets will also be sold at the door. General admission tickets are $10.00, and all proceeds benefit Theatre Tallahassee.
Cast members include: Theatre Tallahassee President Michelle R. Nickens, author, artist, actress, and director who will be directing Don’t Dress for Dinner in Theatre Tallahassee’s coming season; Theresa Prow Davis, Theatre Tallahassee Executive Director, community theatre devotee, veteran actress, and scenic and costume designer; Everhett Coleman, actor, artist, currently in New Stage Theatreworks Kinky Boots, Crystal Vaughan, actress, singer, musical guru, and Theatre Tallahassee’s music director for its upcoming season production of The Producers; Liane Giroux, Theatre Tallahassee Board Secretary, actress and director who recently brought Mystery at Upton House at the Monticello Opera House to life; Debbie Frost, a veteran actress and singer who has tread the boards in numerous local theatre productions and directed some beloved classics; and Hillary Copp, Theatre Tallahassee Board member, actress, and dedicated volunteer.
“The concepts of ‘mother’ and ‘daughter’—always intriguing for me—have involved multiple contradictions, particularly for opposing views of women’s rights, women’s roles, and women’s education,” said DeMello. “In The Rocking Chair Horse, the daughters accept and reject parts of their mothers’ narratives, bringing them anxiety as well as happiness in a family with generations spanning over 100 years.”
To signal each daughter’s passage into adulthood, the respective mother bequeaths a special heirloom, a prized antique rocking chair. The play’s turning point is when Wanda’s daughter, Ashley, breaks from the family’s stereotypical roles and evolves into their authentic self. Will the Mother let love lead? Or, will she let pronouns get in the way?
“Writing the play is only part of the job. The next important thing is to get it in front of an audience,” said DeMello. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a talented cast in this ideal venue, and hope theatregoers will come and support us as we polish the script and get it ready for future productions.”
