Darren V. Michael Presents Short Plays in BRIEF ENCOUNTERS at Roxy Regional Theatre, 3/19-21

A jaded Hank Williams Jr. fan, a man basking in the glow of the morning after, a Middle Eastern immigrant seeking a room to rent, a middle-aged man with a fear of spiders and dentists -- these are just a handful of the various characters who will take the stage of the Roxy Regional Theatre's theotherspace this month. For three nights only, beginning March 19, four original one-acts by area playwright Darren V. Michael will be treated to a readers theatre production in BRIEF ENCOUNTERS: A Night of Short Plays.

In "Willie Nelson Ain't Dead," two regulars find themselves alone and seeking companionship one evening at the local honky-tonk. Bart, thick-headed but as gentle as they come, knows that love may be just around the corner. Matilda, scarred and bitter as a rattlesnake, just wants to dance with as little interruption as possible.

"Feathers" takes place after a one night stand, during which Max may have just met the woman of his dreams. There's just one small detail Bernadette may have neglected to share with him.

"A Widow Safe and Secure" follows Willow, who has recently lost her husband. With her soulmate gone, she struggles to find purpose and her former sense of adventure she remembers from years past. When a Syrian immigrant knocks at her door seeking a room to rent, Willow takes the smallest of steps to stand on her own once more.

In "Imaginary Conversations with My Daughter," an expectant father discusses every awful conversation he's feared with his new daughter as she begins to age rapidly before his eyes.

President Elect of the Tennessee Theatre Association and a member of the Dramatists' Guild, Darren V. Michael currently works as an Associate Professor in the Theatre and Dance program at Austin Peay State University. As an actor, director and playwright in collegiate and professional theatre for over two decades, his credits include work with Theatre West Virginia, Jackson Theatre Guild, Playhouse Nashville and the Roxy Regional Theatre (Arnold in Happy Days; fight choreographer for Romeo & Juliet).

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS plays in theotherspace, the 50-seat black-box theatre located upstairs at the Roxy, at 7pm on Wednesday, March 19, and Thursday, March 20, and at 8pm on Friday, March 21. Tickets are $15 and may be reserved online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at (931)645-7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9am to 2pm, Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain). APSU students with current ID receive two tickets for the price of one.