Despite its affiliation with Tennessee Tech University, Backdoor Playhouse has all the attributes…read moreof a fully realized community theater.
After seeing their latest production of "Yankee Tavern" (starring local favorites Mark Creter and Caroline Brown), it becomes apparent that there is no better way a Cookeville resident can spend $12 than on a ticket to a culturally relevant and astutely executed production like this one. As soon as you enter the labyrinthine building to head towards the theater, a deep sense of Backdoor Playhouse's history, which continues to inspire their productions today, looms large. The lobby delightfully provides popcorn, candy, soda or coffee, and has a wall full of production photographs and posters spanning several decades. The staff is comprised of eager students, most likely theater artists or fans, whom lend the pre-show experience a youthful, even pleasantly boisterous, energy. If their enthusiasm and earnestness is any indication of the production to follow, then you're in store for a great show.
The theater itself is old but comfortable, with tumor-shaped ceiling lights casting a dim glow on the audience until the stage lights come on-- a respectable grid. The stage is a proscenium with a little thrust, and offers plenty in the way of playing space. It is conducive for anything from musicals to two-person plays; sex shows to choir concerts.
The heart, stomach, and face of Backdoor Playhouse for all these years, Mark Creter (its Orson Welles-like Artistic director), was acting in this production, and his acting or directing is something any future audience member can expect to see again. His presence onstage was a cross between Philip Seymour Hoffman and a department store Santa Claus, and his habit of emphasizing every single line was grating to my theatrically trained ear. Although his performance skirted the line between acting and stand-up comedy, he is an entertaining ham who will make the most cynical among us at least smirk. The real shining star of this show, however, was Caroline Brown, a young TTU graduate I hope to see in future productions. Her performance was layered in that the gracefulness on the surface of her character progressively lost its battle with the emotional maelstrom beneath. A truly nuanced performer, and a treat to watch.
The set pieces were naively rendered, but at least it keeps you in the world. The stage hands were quick and efficent, but the sound design playing underneath the transitions was inconsistent and didn't match the emotional life of the story.
I recommend going to a matinee if you're not associated with TTU at all because some of the evening crowds can get a bit rowdy. Several of the audience members for evening shows are students or friends of the performers, and will thus talk back, holler hormonally, assert penis size, or extend their claps. Of course, you can't blame Mark and his Craters for an obstreperous crowd, but be warned.
I hope Backdoor is around for a long time. It's a splendid theater and a great value for local entertainment and art. Support your local theater!
