Showcase-winning play ‘Speakeasy’ debuts on Matthews stage

PHOTO | CHAU NGUYEN

A scene from “Speakeasy,” written by Rory Sheriff, founder of Brand New Sheriff Productions, debuts Sept. 22-24 at Matthews Playhouse.

Flashback to 1970s nightlife with a new stage production.

“Speakeasy,” a co-production of Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts and the African American Playwrights Group will highlight playwright Rory Sheriff’s original work on Sept. 22-24.

The play, which takes the stage at Fullwood Theatre 100 East McDowell St. in Matthews, was selected winner of the 2023 BIPOC Playwrights Festival, a showcase that promotes diversity and inclusion of original works by people of color in Charlotte’s theater community.

“Speakeasy’ includes mature themes and situations; suggestive and adult language; depictions of  violence, alcohol consumption and use of theatrical weapons and gunshots. Recommended for ages 18 and older.

Set in 1978 in Sheriff’s hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania, “Speakeasy” is one of the more recent works by the award-winning director, producer and founding artistic director of Brand New Sheriff Productions in Charlotte.  

“This production has been years in the making and we cannot wait to bring it to Matthews this fall,” Sheriff said Sheriff, who earned the 2022 Metrolina Theatre Association’s Theatre Person of the Year. “‘Speakeasy’ was inspired by the works of August Wilson, and I believe audiences will find its characters and story to be relatable and relevant to some of the issues our society is facing today, 45 years later.”

“Speakeasy” tells the story of Virgina, a woman who takes control of her life by unlearning everything she was taught about how a woman should act.

When she decides to dump her abusive husband’s belongings on the doorstep, she’s given a foreclosure letter for back taxes on her childhood home. With few options to consider, Virginia turns the house into a speakeasy to raise money for the taxes - which is when trouble starts.  

A question-and-answer session with Sheriff and the cast facilitated by Jermaine Nakia Lee, after the 2 p.m. performance on Sept. 23.

Tickets are on sale and range between $10-$19. Student, Senior and Military discounts are available.

On the Net:

matthewsplayhouse.com/speakeasyplay  

Comments