Tennessee Rep Interns Go to GRACELAND for 2011 Showcase

For the 2011 Professional Intern Showcase at Tennessee Repertory Theatre, the play selection is one that hits pretty close to home for a lot of Tennesseans: Ellen Byron's Graceland, a play about two women and their love of The King himself, Elvis Presley, and their sojourn to his legendary home in Memphis.

"The show is cast, directed, produced, costumed, staged, lighted, prop managed and marketed solely by the professional interns and is the culmination of a full season's experience at Tennessee Repertory Theatre," says David Cannon, the intern assigned to work this year with Tennessee Rep's marketing wizard Pat Patrick.

Graceland will be staged May 19 and 21 at 7 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on May 21, at Tennessee Rep's Rehearsal Hall (NPT Studio A, 161 Rains Avenue).

"We will have a reception with coffee and desserts following each performance to allow patrons to meet all the interns," Cannon explains, while offering another inticement to audiences: "We also have a silent auction in the works, including various Elvis memorabilia: Elvis LP cut into shape of Elvis, Elvis needlepoint pillow (prop from the show), Framed photo of Elvis and Johnny Cash backstage at the Ryman, etc."

All of the interns are actively involved in mounting the production of Graceland, including director Jillian Frame, costume designer Hannah Schmidt, prop designer Casey Whitesell, technical designer Kevin Queen, audience development intern Pat Blankenship and, of course, Cannon, who's been in charge of marketing the show to Nashville area audiences.

"As for the professional intern program, Tennessee Rep started it in the 2007-2008 season and has seen it grow from one intern in its first year to six," Cannon explains.

"Professional internships are available for college graduates, graduate-level students and early career professionals and require a full-time commitment, typically for a full season. Interns at Tennessee Rep have a unique opportunity to gain practical experience from the largest professional theatre in Tennessee and learn valuable skills from outstanding staff in both business and production departments."

Professional interns "are considered a part of the staff, attend staff meetings, and participate fully as a professional member of the company. This year's interns hail from all over the country: California, Florida, Nebraska, Arkansas and Tennessee," Cannon says.

This year's intern showcase, Graceland, was first produced in Nashville about 20 years ago at the now defunct - but long-heralded and lovingly remembered - Actor's Playhouse of Nashville, whose artistic director, the late Dennis Ewing, was responsible for bringing new and cutting edge works to Music City during his tenure at the company.

"The story behind it all is that Pat Patrick suggested the show, having done it or seen it in college," Cannon says. "We ran with the idea. On February 26, we all took a road trip to Memphis and Graceland for inspiration for designing the show."

Does that mean we'll see the Jungle Room recreated at Tennessee Rep? Cannon's mum on that particular facet of the production, but obviously something fun and creative is in store during Graceland's three-performance run at Tennessee Rep's rehearsal hall at WNPT studios on Rains Avenue.

Here's the play's synopsis, supplied by Cannon, to tempt you: "[It's] 5 AM. June 7, 1982. The air is electric as the big moment draws near. Graceland stands as a monument to ‘The King' as it finally opens to the public. In three short days, the doors will swing wide and his biggest fans' dreams will come true.

"Two figures are camped outside, waiting. Bev, a forty-something Elvis maniac has come all the way from Delaware to show her devotion. Rootie, a young lady in her early 20s has hitch-hiked hundreds of miles from Louisiana for the big day. Three short days to determine who will be the first inside. But who will prove to be the biggest Elvis fan of them all?

"This playful comedy is sure to put a smile on your face. But as the characters' stories are revealed, the plot deepens as we find out why they care so much."

Tickets are $5 suggested donation at the door, with all proceeds going to benefit Tennessee Repertory Theatre's burgeoning professional and student internship programs. Reservations can be made by emailing represervations@gmail.com or calling (615) 244-4878.

 

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