Photo Flash: First Look at World Premiere of SHINE
By: Louisa Brady
White lightning, mountain dew, hooch, and Tennessee white whiskey are terms used to describe high-proof distilled spirits, generally produced illicitly ... otherwise known as Moonshine. The American Rep Theater of WNY concludes the 2013-14 season with a world premiere of the original work, dedicated to this great American icon, entitled SHINE written by Matthew LaChiusa from April 24th to May 17th at ART in the Box, 16 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo (Site of the Church of the Ascension).
In the backwoods of Tennessee the McCormick's still has been producing top-notch moonshine for two generations that has quenched many a drinker's thirst. But, in 1964, times are a changing and a new generation will take over the operations. With a persistent state senator out to protect investments, the blight of racism in the Deep South, and a dream to escape this life, the youngest McCormick must decide between holding onto a family legacy or letting the still go. Local award winning writer, Matthew LaChiusa, crafted SHINE reminiscent of Thorton Wilder's OUR TOWN, but soaked with a jar of moonshine with a dedicated attention to the storytelling style found in Americana folklore literature. SHINE features an assembly of talented local actors including local award nominated actor David C Mitchell (LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR), with Michael Leszczynski, and three of the recent ART/WNY's BLOODY BLOODY ANDREWS JACKSON cast members including Michael Wachowiak, Carolyn Lansom and Billy Horn as well as a newcomer to the ART/WNY stage Gabriel Robere'.
David Mitchell, Gabriel Robere

Gabriel Robere

Michael Leszczynski and Gabriel Robere

Michael Leszczynsk and David Mitchell

David Mitchell and Michael Leszczynski

Carolyn Lansom
|
Sister''s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi''s Gold Shea's Smith Theatre (12/23-12/23) |
|
The Golden Girls - The Lost Episodes Viii Shea's Smith Theatre (8/14-8/30) |
|
Shana Falana and The Goddess Party™ returns with The Wedding TEMPO Performing Arts Center (7/31-8/01) |
|
|
Rent Shea's Smith Theatre (1/29-2/14) |
|
Churchill Starring Daniel Payne Shea's Smith Theatre (11/05-11/08) |
|
'Glam-Folk' Comes to HOMER, NY December 5th - Slambovian Circus of Dreams Center for the Arts of Homer (12/05-12/05) |
|
Twelfth Night: 1941 (A Staged Reading) Morton Memorial Library (7/18-7/18) |
|
"[CANCELED]" NYSCA-Funded Performance in Buffalo: Bridging Acts Center for the Arts - University at Buffalo (7/25-7/25) |
|
SIX (Boleyn Tour) Shea's Performing Arts Center (6/08-6/13) |
|
Christo Sedgewick Live Hot Mama's Canteen (7/24-7/25) |





!["[CANCELED]" NYSCA-Funded Performance in Buffalo: Bridging Acts in Buffalo](https://cloudimages.broadwayworld.com/regionalshows/nd6a424ee091430.jpg)

