'Charming and Incisive, if Somewhat Predictable' CALENDAR Marks Playwriting Debut of Jack E. Chambers

Alicia Haymer Co-Stars With the Playwright Through September 16

By: Sep. 14, 2023
'Charming and Incisive, if Somewhat Predictable' CALENDAR Marks Playwriting Debut of Jack E. Chambers

'Charming and Incisive, if Somewhat Predictable' CALENDAR Marks Playwriting Debut of Jack E. Chambers For more than 30-plus years, Jack E. Chambers has been a stalwart of the Nashville stage, working with virtually every theater production company to ever exist here during those three-plus decades. And although audiences have seen him in a wide variety of roles (he’s taken on all kinds of characters to exist in an ever-evolving plane of fictional existence), it is perhaps on now, in the fall of 2023, that they have the opportunity to see the once fresh-faced, just-out-of-college Chambers – now grown into the affable middle-aged actor they eagerly anticipate onstage – as the thoughtful, observant and creative everyman he is.

Thanks to Chambers’ original play Calendar (perhaps best described as both charming and incisive, even if somewhat predictable), now onstage through this weekend at The Barbershop Theater in a joint production from Verge Theater Company and ToeToaster Productions, audiences see yet another Chambers alter ego emerge, much to their delight. As Jeff, a 50-year-old bachelor who personifies everything the younger and self-possessed Mel is not, Chambers is winningly, perhaps serendipitously, paired with the radiant Alicia Haymer (herself a theatrical multi-hyphenate who is reversed and respected by local theater-goers) to bring the two-hander to life with a light-hearted spirit leavened with ample authenticity and honesty. In fact, it’s safe to say that Haymer’s presence elevates Chambers’ performance and together, the two create an atmosphere within the intimate confines of The Barbershop that makes the experience for audience members all the more appealing.

'Charming and Incisive, if Somewhat Predictable' CALENDAR Marks Playwriting Debut of Jack E. Chambers
Alicia Haymer and Jack E. Chambers
- photos by Anthony Popolo

Chambers and Haymer are self-directed (ably assisted by the talented Candace-Omnira, who also stage manages and executes the multiple light/sound and video cues with aplomb), which is testament to their shared trust, just a much as it is to their estimable stage presence and the experience brought to bear during the sometimes funny, oftentimes touching and even heartbreaking one hour and 45 minutes in which the thought-provoking year of Jeff and Mel takes place onstage.

Clearly, Calendar is not epoch-shattering, nor is it particularly innovative, but it makes no such pretensions. Rather, the yearlong experiences shared by the couple reflect contemporary social relationships and, to his credit, Chambers is able to capture the nuances of a fledgling interracial romance with sensitivity that seems far more potent when acted onstage by the playwright and his scene partner. The arc of their relationship has a very natural ebb and flow that rings very true, enabling the two esteemed actors to seem unfettered by emotions (or the lack thereof) that have detracted from similar works we’ve encountered over the years.

Calendar. By Jack E. Chambers. Co-directed by Jack E. Chambers and Alicia Haymer. Stage managed and assistant directed by Candace-Omnira. Presented by Verge Theater Company and ToeToaster Productions at The Barbershop Theater, Nashville. Through September 16. For ticket information, go to www.vergetheaterco.org.



RELATED STORIES - Nashville

1
OZ Arts Set To Host Geoff Sobelles Multi-Sensory Spectacle FOOD For An Exclusive Two-week  Photo
OZ Arts Set To Host Geoff Sobelle's Multi-Sensory Spectacle FOOD For An Exclusive Two-week Engagement

Immerse yourself in the sensational theatrical experience of FOOD at OZ Arts Nashville. Created by Geoff Sobelle, this multi-sensory spectacle explores the relationship between humans and the food we eat. Tickets available now.

2
From January 2009: Denice Hicks, A Life in the Theater Photo
From January 2009: Denice Hicks, A Life in the Theater

Denice Hicks is a national treasure who's been hiding out in plain sight in Nashville, Tennessee, for more than a quarter century. One of the most sought-after actors and directors in town, she has appeared on virtually every stage and her exquisite talents have been enjoyed by audiences and fellow theatre-types since her first Music City appearance as a cast member at the now-defunct Opryland USA theme park.

3
Kindling Arts to Present Second Annual Holiday Special Featuring THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CARO Photo
Kindling Arts to Present Second Annual Holiday Special Featuring THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

Kindling Arts presents its second annual holiday special featuring a screening of 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' and live performances. Join in the festive fun on December 21st and 22nd at the Darkhorse Theater in Nashville. Tickets on sale now.

4
A Nashville Theater Tribute: GIVING THANKS FOR DENICE CONTINUES Photo
A Nashville Theater Tribute: GIVING THANKS FOR DENICE CONTINUES

News spread quickly among Nashville-area theaterati in January 2016: Denice Hicks would be taking the stage of Belmont University’s Troutt Theater to take on what could conceivably be her greatest theater challenge: Playing King Lear in the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s production of the Shakespeare tragedy which had opened a week earlier.

From This Author - Jeffrey Ellis

Jeffrey Ellis is a Nashville-based writer, editor and critic, who's been covering the performing arts in Tennessee for more than 35 years. In 1989, Ellis and his partner launched Dare, Tennes... Jeffrey Ellis">(read more about this author)

Videos


The Sound of Music in Nashville The Sound of Music
Source One Five (12/15-12/17)Tracker
On Your Feet (Non-Equity) in Nashville On Your Feet (Non-Equity)
Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (4/02-4/02)
Frozen in Nashville Frozen
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (5/07-5/18)
Hairspray (Non-Equity) in Nashville Hairspray (Non-Equity)
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (6/11-6/16)
Mysteries and Illusions in Nashville Mysteries and Illusions
Filming Station (11/04-12/30)
Annie (Non-Equity) in Nashville Annie (Non-Equity)
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (3/27-3/30)
The Winter Wonderettes - a 1960s Jukebox Musical in Nashville The Winter Wonderettes - a 1960s Jukebox Musical
Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (11/30-12/17)
Funny Girl in Nashville Funny Girl
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (1/02-1/07)
Wicked in Nashville Wicked
Historic Tennessee Theatre (1/10-1/21)
Girl From the North Country in Nashville Girl From the North Country
Tennessee Performing Arts Center (1/30-2/04)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You