Photo Flash: Tuesdays With Morrie At Art Space Nashville

Special events include student performances on Thursday, June 25 and Sunday, June 28 where all students with ID get in for only $8; Talk-Back Nights on Friday and Satuday, July 17 & 18, where the audience is encouraged to stay for a post-show discussion with cast and crew; and Starving Artist performances on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5th, where tickets are pay-what-you-can on a first-come, first-served basis beginning one half hour before curtain.

Reserved priority seating is available by purchasing tickets in advance securely through STC's website, www.streettheatrecompany.org. There is a discount for buying tickets to both shows and for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call 615-554-7414.

With these summer offerings come some new and exciting opportunities. The performance is sponsored by Art Space Nashville. Art Space was created for the development of artists' careers and the art community in Nashville. Art Space is a venue for art, hosting everything from art classes to critiques and of course, art shows. Not only does Art Space offer a beautiful performance venue, but it boasts an art gallery, painting studios, photography studio and much more.

Artistic Director, Cathy Street, says, "When I saw this space, I fell in love with the owners' vision. They clearly believe in the arts and artists in the community. It is an amazing space with the potential of becoming the arts hotspot in Nashville. We are hoping our presence there can help bring people in to experience what this space has to offer."

Another unique element of the summer offerings is that are two shows are running simultaneously, in rep, for five weeks. "We hope to encourage people to come see both shows, " says Street. "They are surprisingly complimentary of each other in theme, though the show styles are quite different." Many people know of the heart-warming story behind Tuesdays with Morrie, but Parallel Lives is a little less familiar. Parallel Lives is based on the stand-up comedy of Kathy Najimy (from the movie "Sister Act") and Mo Gaffney. Throughout the course of the evening, two actresses play everything from Jersey teenagers, to a couple in a country bar, to angels determining the fate of man and woman - like which one gets to be lucky enough to be pregnant. "It is a gut-bustingly funny play."

Tuesdays with Morrie, based on the novel of the same name, is a tribute to the real life of Morrie, who inspired his former student with some life lessons while dying of Lou Gherig's disease. But while the topic may have a dramatic overtone, "The play does not dive into dispair, by any means. Don't be surprised to find yourself laughing right alongside Mitch and Morrie both." Street says. Ms. Street has a powerhouse production team including Paul Cook and Lauren Shouse as directors.

The final production for 2009 is The Great American Trailer Park Musical in November, as well as year-round youth programming offerings. For more information, visit www.streettheatrecompany.org.

Street Theatre Company is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to fostering professional, affordable and accessible theatre, music and arts education in Nashville by producing the highest quality performances and educational workshops, and providing artistic opportunities for young people. STC strives for excellence in performance while maintaining excellence in integrity.

Now in its fifth year, Street Theatre Company is grounded in the history of "Street Theatre," one of the oldest forms of theatre in existence. One of the most attractive purposes of original street theatre was its unique sociopolitical position. Persons who might not have been able to pay to go to a conventional theatre could watch a street show, by the advantage of where the show took place. Additionally, the shows often addressed social or political issues of the day. Street Theatre Company bases its philosophy on these elements of street theatre: make the arts accessible and affordable to all in the community, and select thought-provoking productions that can leave an audience changed.

PHOTO CREDIT: Hatcher & Fell Photography

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