Summer Shorts in Owensboro

Owensboro, Kentucky is known for a number of things: the hometown of Johnny Depp, the birthplace of bluegrass music, and according to Food and Wine magazine, the best BBQ in Kentucky. While I was happy to partake in two of those distinctions (I’m afraid I did not cross paths with the estimable Mr. Depp), that was not the reason I spent a long July weekend in Owensboro.

I was here because I had submitted my ten minute play “All Sales Final” to the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro’s Summer Shorts Festival. There were 105 plays submitted, and mine was one of six accepted for the festival. I was excited that my play was being produced, but I wasn’t sure what to expect upon my arrival. What I ended up with was one of the best theatre experiences I ever had.

I was met at the Evansville, IN airport by Lisa Mingus-Tullis, the Theatre Workshop Board President. Lisa was helpful in introducing me to the theatre (about to begin its 62nd season), the town of Owensboro, and the history of both. She was also kind, excellent company, and enthusiast of both tea and eighties heavy metal.

I had arrived on Thursday, before the three weekend performances, but Lisa invited me to see the rehearsal on Thursday night. I met more members of the staff of the Theatre Workshop, all of whom were very kind and welcoming. I took my seat, and watched the performance of all of the plays. All six were good–it was an excellent show, and the director and cast did a splendid jon with my play. I would go on to watch every performance over the weekend, and the cast would nail it every single time. I felt honored to have such a dedicated and talented cast and director bring my work to life.

I was treated like an honored guest. I was chauffeured about by Lisa, John,and Spencer. John and his lovely wife Kathy invited me to lunch on Saturday, after which John and I braved a thunderstorm to visit the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum. I knew very little about bluegrass music, but learned some surprising things: it is a relatively new genre, its origins tracing back to 1945. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn bluegrass was influenced by 1970s progressive rock. There was an extensive exhibit dedicated to Jerry Garcia, who began his musical career playing bluegrass. At the Saturday show, Courtney presented myself and Spencer with her beautiful painting of hydrangeas, which are featured in the play. The paintings were created to thank me for writing the play. I didn’t know what to say.

After the final show on Sunday, I was introduced to Owensboro’s other claim to fame: BBQ. The entire cast, plus director Spencer, producer Leslie Morgan (also cast member Hayden’s mother) and actor Erin Grant (who appeared in “Going Up,” an excellent play) brought me to the Old Hickory, the place where everyone seemed to agree was the best BBQ. I had a lovely meal with these kind and wonderful people, and was often the case during my time in Owensboro, my money was no good.

On Monday, Lisa arrived to pick me up and return me to the airport in Indiana, I was rather sad to leave. True, I didn’t win either of the prizes (both went to a terrific play named “Thank Thee, Ten” which certainly deserved the award). And after Lisa dropped me off, I didn’t exactly have any easy trip home–my flight was delayed for an hour, upon returning to my vehicle near the airport, I discovered I had a flat tire, and by the time AAA arrived to help and dispatch me, I didn’t make it home until 430 the next morning–I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything. The theatre community of Owensboro is filled with talented, dedicated, passionate and very kind individuals. There is nothing more you could ask.

And I hope I get to return. Very soon.