The Friday 5: 'NIGHT, MOTHER's Mabry and Hayes

Opening tonight in Mt. Juliet is Encore Theatre Company's production of Marsha Norman's 1983 Pulitzer Prize-winning 'night, Mother, starring Meigie Mabry and Elizabeth Hayes in a revival directed by Joel Meriwether.

The riveting play focuses on a mother-daughter relationship between Thelma (called "mama" in the play) and Jessie (her daughter). When the play begins, Jessie reveals to Thelma that she will be dead by the following morning, as she plans to commit suicide, slowly revealing the reasons behind her decision as the day goes on. It's emotional and disturbing but not without some lighter moments as the two women interact with each other.

Today, Mabry and Hayes move into our Friday 5 spotlight, revealing what motivates them to do theater and, perhaps more telling, suggesting why you should buy a ticket and see them in the play...

Meigie Mabry (Thelma)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? I was part of a company-developed piece, at Ensemble Theater Company, that was based on some poems and songs written by a professor at Oklahoma State University. The company included, among others, Vanderbilt's Don Evans and Ranger Doug, from Riders in the Sky. I sang and danced and died and got resurrected. It was exhilarating!

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? A good night's sleep, a light nutritious meal, and one more look at my lines.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? I was playing Magda Svenson in The Night of January Sixteenth, by Ayn Rand, at Lakewood. On the Monday before we opened, I totaled my car on the way to rehearsal and sprained my back. I spent most of that night in the emergency room and was on bed rest for another 24 hours. I made it to final dress and didn't miss a minute of any of the shows.

What's your dream role? I'm still waiting to play Margaret Devize in The Lady's Not for Burning, by Christopher Fry. Also, still waiting to be in a Shakespeare play.

Who's your theatrical crush? Oh, dear! My Southern upbringing has just reared its head. A lady never tells.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see 'night, Mother? Both Elizabeth Hayes and I have done this show before with other people. As we were studying the script in preparation for this production, we discovered hundreds of nuances that neither of us had previously noticed. While we are 100% faithful to the brilliant, Pulitzer Prize-winning script by Marsha Norman, I think the audiences will see some interpretations of the characters and the actions that are fresh and even a little "out-of-the-box." This is an intense drama that reveals the beauty and the pain in the plainest of lives.

Elizabeth Hayes (Jessie)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? My first taste of "live, onstage" theatre was...so long ago! The first I can recall was Annie Get Your Gun - my oldest brother was Buffalo Bill. Both of my brothers were in theatre (and really good!), so I grew up with the love of stories onstage. My own debut was in kindergarten...and I've been onstage as much as possible ever since.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? Some yoga, if possible, but mostly it's taking time to breathe and get centered. It's not about "putting on" the character; it's more about getting ready for the character to come in to me.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? Oh, so many "show must go on" moments! One of the best was in Accomplice, when Maggie Pitt leaped into Ryan Williams's arms, and her shoe flew off and landed WAY offstage into the audience. In the midst of all the laughter, she jumped offstage and got the shoe, and they kept on going.

What's your dream role? There's probably many, but Eleanor of Aquitaine is right up there near the top! I did get to play Mrs. Lovett for one day - would really like to do it for an entire run.

Who's your theatrical crush? Actor crush...uh...locally, or worldwide? Three of my big-name crushes have passed recently: Robin Williams, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Alan Rickman.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see 'night, Mother? People should come see 'night, Mother because it's an amazing exploration of humanity. How people can be in the same space, look at the same things, and see completely different truths. And how the determination to act on our truths affects those around us. (That's pretty deep. The easy reason is: Meigie is fabulous to watch!)

About the show: Next up in its 10th Anniversary season, Mt. Juliet's Encore Theatre Company presents Marsha Norman's 'night, Mother. The show opens tonight, March 25 and runs weekends through April 3. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time.

Winner of the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama & nominated for multiple Tony Awards, 'night, Mother is a described as a moving, taut and ultimately shattering play that explores the lonely relationship between a mother and daughter, who live in the same house, yet are estranged and alienated.

Directed by Joel Meriwether and starring Elizabeth Hayes and Meigie Mabry, this modern, psychological drama examines a family's inability to meaningfully communicate and what happens when years of barriers are destroyed by the search for an ultimate truth. This show contains intense subject matter and is not suitable for children.

Tickets are on sale at www.encore-theatre-company.org or by phone at (615) 598-8950. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (60+). Encore Theatre Company is located at 6978 Lebanon Rd, Mt Juliet - just west of Hwy 109. A non-profit community theater serving Wilson County & the surrounding Middle Tennessee area.

Photo of Meigie Mabry and Elizabeth Hayes, by Keepsake Portraits by Lisa

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