Review: The Core Theatre's TENNESSEE WET RUB has a bite, and a unique sweetness.

Tennessee Wet Rub

By Kim E. Ruyle
Directed by James Hansen Prince
Produced by The Core Theatre Richardson

Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Comfortable
Audio/Visuals To Prepare For: None of note

Reviewed by Dan C. Rogers

Tennessee Wet Rub is delicious! First, take a rustic country out-of-the-way Bertha’s BBQ location in a set designed by director James Hansen Prince and stir in a winter snowstorm where the roads are hazardous and the lines are down. Add Ivy Opdyke as the religiously concerned Bertha, and her husband Matt Gunter in the pragmatic role as Hank. Bertha is concerned about the possible dark times approaching, where Hank is concerned over his new appetizing concoction, a wet rub for the barbeque meat. Slowly blend with two stranded travelers seeking shelter from the storm, a very insecure, immature porcelain doll carrying Arleta, as portrayed by Arianna Hope, with a convincing nervous anxiety to great effect. Include a poetry reciting confident Dunk, in the charismatic persona from Justice Williams. Culture conflicts cause consternations galore. Dunk is black, and love and marriage between a white girl and a black man in 1951 Tennessee do not mix. Playwright Kim E. Ruyle has a smooth touch of gradual introduction of this concoction over a simmering dialogue with laughs, surprises, revelations, poetry, philosophy, gentle wisdom, and human interaction.  Director Prince guides the stage movement and the line-pacing to a wonderful mix of energy and creativity that never lags and never drags. It entertains with honesty and an invigorating  play literally cooks the meat right off the bone.  It is tasty, tangy, and delightful, leaving you wanting more. Tennessee Wet Rub runs from August 7 – 30. Hurry to get a seat at the table; it is delicious. Seating is limited. Tickets are available at thecoretheatre.org or call ahead for availability 214-930-5338.

It is just what the doctor ordered.

DR