It’s not often that a director and the cast of a play has the chance to pick the brain of the playwright.
But in the case of Aiken Community Theatre’s production of “Some Place Called Mayor’s Income, Tennessee,” the playwright is an Augusta resident who has been attending rehearsals.
“Three different people including myself had different takes on what was going on in one part,” said Dustin Turner who is directing the show that opens Friday.
So, they turned the question over to Jonathan Cook, who confirmed one of their theories was correct, and it wasn’t Turner’s.
“Some Place Called Mayor’s Income, Tennessee” is a collection of Cook’s shorter works that are linked together with a narrator who is a bit like “Twilight Zone” narrator Rod Serling. It’s a blend of weird with some horror elements.
Most of Cook’s earlier plays have been shorter works. Some of been performed in other states and other countries.
In 2014, he was asked by Le Chat Noir if he had any full-length plays, and his response at the time was “no.” But he was able to weave several shorter works together and set them in a mythical town.
“There are several bizarre events that happen in one place,” he said.
Cook doesn’t always get the opportunity to be this up-close and personal with one of the plays he’s written; however, he often sees recordings of the shows. He’s been surprised at how his works are interpreted, and he’s thought some productions have improved upon his ideas.
“There have been quite a few times that I saw something and revised the script,” he said.
Being able to see the evolution of this show from first read-through to it being stage ready has been a lot of fun, he said.
“Overall, it’s just very exciting,” he said.
The actors in the production take on multiple characters giving them a chance to explore different accents and personalities, Turner said.
While Aiken Community Theatre is known for offering family-friendly fare during its season, this isn’t one of those times.
“Mayor’s Income” is edgy, contemporary and may drop a couple of f-bombs, said Turner, who has directed other contemporary plays such as “Blood Money” and “Rabbit Hole.” Cook acted in “Rabbit Hole.”
Turner said he’s gotten feedback from audience members who like having the opportunity to see shows that are more contemporary and edgy.
“Some Place Called Mayor’s Income, Tennessee” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 and at 2 p.m. April 3. Tickets range from $7-$20 with discounts for students, children and seniors.
For tickets, call (803) 648-1438 or visit aikencommunitytheatre.org.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
