On a clear, star lit October evening in Nashville, another star was taking the stage at the War Memorial Auditorium. Broadway legend Sutton Foster was presenting a one woman show with nothing but her, a piano, a lone microphone center stage and her music director. The small venue filled quickly with eager patrons ready to hear the lyrics and music echo off the walls with resounding brilliance. On the floor in front of the stage were tables decorated with candles and snow white table cloths that were occupied by excited Sutton Foster admirers. Surrounding the auditorium and looking down upon the stage and piano illuminated with a small blue spotlight, were hundreds of additional audience members ready to take in the ambiance and experience.

As the cascading lights dimmed around the auditorium, a gentleman dressed in a tuxedo walked out from the wings stage right and took his seat behind the black and white keys of a baby grand piano. As his fingers began hitting the keys and music began filling the space, a voice introduced the lady that everyone was there to see; the incomparable Sutton Foster. As she emerged from behind the curtains, applause exploded throughout the venue and everyone was on their feet to show their appreciation and adoration for the Broadway turned television actress. She stepped up to the silver microphone and began an evening that none within ear shot would soon forget.

Throughout the evening, Sutton Foster sang familiar songs from shows she had been in such as “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Anything Goes”. The crowd sang along to the tunes as if we were all watching an actual Broadway show in the middle of Tennessee. In addition, she sang songs by Stephen Sondheim and made them each her very own. The small auditorium seemed immense as her voice enveloped every corner within the War Memorial and the intimacy within the setting was apparent. Between songs, she would tell stories about her career, her personal journey to where she is now, and heartwarming tales about her beautiful daughter, Emily. Everyone felt as though they were a part of every single word.

The show lasted only a little over an hour, but in that time, so many memories were made and renewed flames for theatre ignited. Those that were fortunate enough to partake in the incredible performance left the building inspired, refreshed and a little bit more hopeful in a world that seems so void of everything vibrant and uplifting. Sutton Foster did that. And the city of Nashville is extremely grateful.

Greeneville Theatre Guild brought an old favorite to the stage with the hilarious production of Arsenic and Old Lace. This classic show is a murder mystery without the mystery. The audience immediately finds themselves in the home of the Brewster family and unsuspecting victims find themselves in the window seat. From start to finish, this quick witted comedy is filled with back to back lines that are dripping with slap stick humor and laced with a little sarcasm and arsenic.

The set design flows nicely and resembles the home of most aunts we all grew up around. It allowed for paced and precise interactions between the various characters that appeared on stage at any moment. The layout only added to the near perfect timed movements by the cast around the space. The lighting was set lighting as the scenes all took place in one particular setting.

From beginning to bows, this show of comedic proportions leaves the audience laughing, speculating and relating to the familiar family situations; if your loving aunts murder lonely men, that is. Just make sure that if you are needing refreshments during intermission, go for the popcorn and soda…definitely not the wine.

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.

— William Shakespeare.

This particular site will review theatrical performances that I see in various cities and venues in the United States. It will visually describe, compare, contrast and bring the shows straight from the stage to your screen. Sit back and get comfortable. Then, as the house lights dim and overture begins to play, prepare to be immersed in the world of theatre. Hopefully, you will find yourself standing at the curtain call, in resounding Ovation.

• S. S. Marshall

S.S. Marshall has spilled words across the writing spectrum. From newspapers, to magazines, to anthologies, to speeches and blogs; she puts ink to her thoughts.