THE CITY OF CONVERSATION to Bring Politics and Family to Memphis

The City of Conversation, a recent Broadway drama, will be opening at Theatre Memphis on the Lohrey Stage October 21, 2016, and running through November 6, 2016.

This regional premiere, directed by Jerry Chipman, gives a peek at a political hostess who really pulls the strings behind the scenes in Washington, D.C. and who gives resounding insights to a house and a country divided. Spanning 30 years and six presidential administrations, fireworks occur when she must choose between defending her liberal long-fought causes and her son's ambitious, conservative girlfriend/wife and accepting the risk of personal estrangement.

The cast features Karen Mason Riss, a long-time TM patron favorite, and Chris Proud and Shannon Walton, both new to Memphis and Theatre Memphis stages. Proud is here having recently relocated from Pennsylvania with a BA in Acting from Point Park University. After having lived in New York for two years studying improve/sketch comedy, he received his MA in Religion and Counseling back in Pittsburg where he then worked as counseling director for juvenile boys before moving to Memphis. Walton returns to her hometown of Memphis after finishing her college education at Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in acting and directing from the Conservatory of Theatre and Dance. She most recently had a two-year stint in Los Angeles, California, performing in award-winning film projects. Premiering at TM along with them are Jase McCommon and Nicolas Rodgers. The cast rounds out with familiar, if not frequent, faces Greg Fletcher, Martha Jones, Michael Walker and Mary Margaret Walker.

Chipman says, "A lot of theatres around the country are looking to mount plays to tie into the current political contrasting points of view and the upcoming election, but it's doubtful any are more pointedly on target with rah-rah points for each side than The City of Conversation. What is clear," he continues, "is that each lady (Riss and Walton) gets to take aim with comments to have audience members, whichever the leanings, cheering."

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch campaigns for contemporary pieces as The City of Conversation, "... to keep our programming relevant." She speaks to the variety of productions at Theatre Memphis, "Including a timely, new show like The City of Conversation in our season offers our patrons more than musical comedy diversions. Theatre is about entertaining and enriching our lives. I can't think of a better way to better our lives more so than keeping the 'conversation' going." She goes on, "And this play certainly has a lot to say."

IF YOU GO:

The City of Conversation

By Anthony Giardina
Directed By Jerry Chipman

October 21 - November 6, 2016
Thursdays @ 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm, with matinees @ 2pm on Sundays

At Theatre Memphis on the Lohrey Stage, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, 38117

Tickets: $25 adults, $15 students, $20 seniors 62 and above and military personnel

Box Office: 901.682.8323 | www.theatrememphis.org

Theatre Memphis is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located at 630 Perkins Extended (corner of Perkins Extended and Southern) and is a community theatre whose mission is to provide outstanding theatrical experiences to enrich the lives of our audiences and participants.