“Graceland” and “Asleep On the Wind” at Venice Theatre

Two Touching Tales of Compassion

Graceland is a poignant, sometimes humorous, story about Rootie and Bev, two ardent superfans of Elvis Presley a generation apart in age, who camp out at the entrance of his Memphis Graceland mansion three days prior to its June 7, 1982 opening as a public museum. Revealing the complexities of their lives, the women vie to be the first to step into the sacred space for compelling personal reasons. Who will get the honor? The resolution is a triumph of human compassion.

Asleep on the Wind, a lyrically evocative companion to Graceland, finds Rootie ten years earlier with her favorite brother Beau in their secret “special place” that Rootie speaks about in Graceland. Their brother-sister bond is magical, with Beau sharing life-changing news that informs why Rootie must go to the Graceland opening a decade later. A heart-melting preamble to Graceland.

An intermission separates these two short one-act plays.

Presented in the Raymond Center

At Venice Theatre 140 Tampa Ave. W. Venice, FL 34285

Directions

Located at the north end of the rear parking lot. Please follow the signs and parking lot volunteers. Parking is available in front of the Raymond Center and under the bridge. Seating is general admission.