It’s Curtains


It’s Curtains

I waited patiently backstage, my grip slipping over the tiny revolver sewn into my pants pocket. It was the sweat, but it was also the size of the pistol. It had to be small enough to escape the notice of the KGB agents who examined everyone as they went into the theater. And for me, to be a performer for the most insulated and powerful criminal in all of that state was a strange and terrible honor. But honor was what had brought me here; rather, the reclaiming of it.

The mobster in the front row had built an empire on broken families and stolen lands. A daughter of one of those families came to me to see if I could make it right. I promised her that I would act.

So when the curtain went up that night, and I looked out across the shadowed audience, I knew I’d have to commit to the darkness, the pathos, the nobility, the subtle humor of the people, before I committed a bullet to the heart of the one who stole all that away from them. And beat a hasty retreat, stage left.

Item N§ 22

“A Christmas Carol

for Two Performers.”

Specs: Dickens classic about redemption and the paranormal, played by two actors.

Availability: Nov. 29-Dec. 23. Richmond Shakespeare Theatre, Second Presbyterian Church, 5 N. Fifth St.

Price: $11-$20.

To order: 232-4000.

Item N§ 23

“A Christmas Story.”

Specs: Ralphie wants a BB gun, has to wear a bunny suit, hijinks ensue.

Availability: Nov. 30-Dec. 23. Theatre IV, Empire

Theater, 114 W. Broad St.

Price: $24-$32.

To order: 344-8040.

Item N§ 24

“The Eight: Reindeer Monologues.”

Specs: Sexual harassment is not supposed to be one of the reindeer games.

Availability: Through Dec. 8. Richmond Triangle

Players, Fieldens Cabaret Theatre, 2033 W. Broad St.

Price: $16-$22.

To order: 346-8113.

Item N§ 25

“Plaid Tidings.”

Specs: Sequel to “Forever Plaid,” in which paisley is once again omitted. But there are songs.

Availability: Through Jan. 9. Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Highway.

Price: $31.50-$43.50.

To order: 748-5203.

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