Playwright Premieres Thespis Thinks at Knoxville’s Theater 23

Playwright Premieres “Thespis Thinks” at Knoxville’s Theater 23

The local stage in Knoxville was graced by the world premiere of “Thespis Thinks,” an entertaining reflection on the theater world. The performance debuted this weekend at a local high school’s auditorium. The new offering from Theater 23, narrates the tumultuous journey of the Southern Californian Coastline Theater Company caught in a public relations crisis with their rival, a competing company named Nemesis.

A Tale of Art, Rivalry, and Love

“Thespis Thinks” is a thrilling combination of drama, humor, and romance. The plot unfolds as the Coastline Theater Company clashes with Nemesis over a prestigious arts foundation grant. Amid this discord, two of the company’s members, Hillary and Davis, find love and wisdom, learning lessons about theater and life. Hillary, a five-year veteran of Coastline, is a strong and dedicated character, portrayed adeptly by Francesca Reggio, who believes Davis has taken over her position of Artistic Director. Steven O’Shea as Davis, on the other hand, grapples with his personal struggles while adjusting to his unexpected role as Artistic Director and a new life in Southern California.

Romance, Comedy, Treachery

Actors Barbara Kistler-Martin, Debbie Holtslag, and Barry Wallace bring to life the characters of Miranda, Karen and Jerry, drenched in a complex love triangle with a dash of betrayal. Their dialogue may at times seem disorganized, but they skilfully manage to incorporate these mishaps into the story. Barry Wallace excels in a complex monologue about the history of alcoholism.

A Theater Company as a Family

Adding to the richness of the ensemble are Caleb Minton as Nona and Gordon Michaels as Ron. The father figure and set designer, Ron injects humor into scenes using his cordless drill while Hillary shares sisterly advice with Nona. The shocking saga of the PR scandal is further heightened by the characters of Brock Navarro, a flamboyantly portrayed marketing whiz, and Beverly, the Artistic Director of Nemesis. Their performances, played by Anthony DiFelice and Susan Jackson respectively, add intriguing revelations to the plotline.

A Classic Twist

In a delightful twist, Thespis, the first ever Greek actor and father of theater, emerges from the audience. Played by Greg Helton, his character, adorned in a toga, adds a light-hearted, comical aspect to the production. Thespis, although invisible to the rest of the cast, communicates with the audience, playfully shattering the fourth wall and echoing the artistic reality that life imitates art.

“Thespis Thinks” had a limited run and reaffirmed the breadth of talent within Theater 23. This original work not only delved into the professional aspects of theater but also depicted the human elements of love, rivalry, and the personal histories that shape individuals amidst such professional turbulence.