Short Takes: A look at weekend events

BY TOM NETHERLAND

SPECIAL TO THE HERALD COURIER



CINDERELLA

Classics become classics in part because they transcend trends. They also endure thanks to timeless messages.

Each holds true of “Cinderella.” See Theatre Bristol’s presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s take on “Cinderella” from Nov. 2 through Nov. 11 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol Tennessee. Fifty years after Julie Andrews played the lead role on television, some of the Tri-Cities’ finest actors seek to recreate the magical moments that are indelible in “Cinderella.”

Songs written especially for the 1957 production will reemerge. Listen for such telling tunes as “In My Own Little Corner” as this play for the ages reaches out to touch a whole new set of audiences.



IF YOU GO

? What: Theatre Bristol presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”

? When: Nov. 2-3, 9-10 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m.

? Where: Paramount Center of the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol Tennessee

? Tickets: $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 children under age 12

? Info: (423) 274-8920



STORYTELLER DONALD DAVIS

Time was when spoken word communication seemed much more in vogue. People entertained each other via storytelling, oftentimes from the front porch.

In that tradition we have the 7th Annual Tellebration. Each first Saturday of November storytellers all over the world carry on the grand tradition of storytelling, albeit from the stage and not the porch. Donald Davis will participate by telling stories on Nov. 3 at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion.

The retired Methodist minister hails from Southern Appalachia. His stories reflect the roots of his rearing – gentle and sometimes funny messages with non-preachy morals attached. The Lincoln offers no rocking chairs and no porch from which to sit and listen, but with Davis on hand perhaps patrons will recall such days of ease with ease.



IF YOU GO

? Who: 7th Annual Tellebration featuring storyteller Donald Davis

? When: Nov. 3, 8 p.m.

? Where: Lincoln Theatre, 117 E. Main St., Marion

? Tickets: $15

? Info: (276) 783-6093

? Web: www.ddavisstoryteller.com



? REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND

Names can reveal and names can deceive. Either is possible and equally likely with bands.

Take Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. Scheduled to appear at the Down Home in Johnson City on Nov. 3 the band’s namesake Josh “Reverend” Peyton claims neither the title reverend nor that of leader of a big band.

Instead, Peyton along with wife Breezy Peyton and brother Jayme Peyton are all there is to the Big Damn Band. Well, not quite. Featuring an eclectic style rooted in Mississippi Delta blues, the three-person band of twentysomethings are on the road promoting its new album, “The Gospel Album.” Bare-to-the-bones music filled with a heart of blues, that’s the music of Reverend Peyton’s Big Band.



IF YOU GO

? Who: Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band

? When: Nov. 3, 8 p.m.

? Where: Down Home, 300 W. Main St., Johnson City

? Tickets: $14

? Info: (423) 929-9822

? Web: www.bigdamnband.com



MUSIC NOTES

Country music mourns the loss of the legendary Porter Wagoner. Just days after his publicist disclosed that the country singer had been diagnosed with lung cancer, Wagoner died in hospice care in Nashville on Sunday evening at age 80. Known for such hits as “A Satisfied Mind” and “Green, Green Grass of Home” and his vividly colored rhinestone suits, Wagoner was perhaps most widely recognized for guiding Dolly Parton early in her career from a mostly unknown singer to worldwide superstar. Wagoner enjoyed a resurgence of his career during the past six months. He celebrated his 50th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in May, released critically acclaimed Marty Stuart-produced album “Wagonmaster” in June, and was featured on stage of New York City’s Madison Square Garden in July with rock band The White Stripes.



TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at features@bristolnews.com.