News Flash

COOKEVILLE – Something is wrong – and “Alice” is determined to uncover the truth in Cookeville Performing Arts Center’s Backstage Series production of “Clever Little Lies.”

The show, directed by Steve Gwilt of Cookeville Leisure Services, opens Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

“Though ‘Clever Little Lies’ is a recent play (2013), it deals with recognizable issues of marriage, fidelity, female social roles, work – topics that have been addressed in theatre for ages,” he said of the Joe DiPietro comedy, which is intended for mature audiences.

The story begins when Alice’s husband, Bill, returns home on edge after a tennis match with their son, Billy. Alice grows suspicious and, in an effort to piece together the puzzle, invites her son and daughter-in-law, Jane, over for drinks and dessert. Chaos follows, resulting in more honesty than anyone expects.

Gwilt believes audiences will connect with the natural dialogue and believability of the characters.

“If an audience member has not had experiences presented in the play, they certainly know someone who has,” he said.

He commended the actors on their performances.

“This cast is experienced and has taken to their characters nicely,” he said. “It will be a treat for audiences to witness the realistic nature of their interactions.”

One of those cast members is Kimberly Frick-Welker of Cookeville Leisure Services, who portrays Alice.

“I think our audience will enjoy the humor and heart of ‘Clever Little Lies,’ a story of not-so-little lies, hard truths and enduring love,” she said.

Pat Frank, who plays Bill, agreed.

“It is a great balance between comedy and the seriousness of the subject of infidelity,” he said. “I think audiences will appreciate the humor but really relate to the intenseness and difficulty of a married couple’s journey through the emotional obstacle course that is infidelity.”

Michael Evanichiko, who plays Billy, said audiences will see parts of themselves in the characters.

“The writing is clever, and the comedy and drama battle each other like the husbands and wives in this show,” he said.

The character of Jane is portrayed by Brenna Edgeman, who noted that “Clever Little Lies” is ultimately a story about the destructive power of brutal honesty and the healing power of family.

“I’d say there are quite a few Cookevillians who have fantasized about the liberation associated with airing the total, ugly truth to their families… and just as many others who would think upon such an event with utmost dread,” she said. “In either case, the audience can sit back and laugh at the many funny moments in the show while secretly reconciling their own ideas about how a family should handle precarious situations.”

Gwilt said “Clever Little Lies” fits CPAC’s Backstage model of presenting contemporary, thought-provoking material in an intimate theatre setting, with audiences seated on stage close to the action.

The show continues Jan. 25, 28, 30, 31 and Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. It deals with mature situations and contains adult language. Discretion is advised.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for students and may be purchased HERE or the CPAC Box Office at 10 E. Broad St. For more information, call 931-528-1313.