"The Fix" was, arguably, the best summer musical production to date at the Towle Theater, even though the work itself may not be as good as "Parade" or "Urinetown." The acting, singing and staging showed the most consistent quality, style, tightness and sense of purpose.
As a contrast to the theatrical, presentational style of "The Fix," "Red Dirt," running this weekend and next, unfolds as a realistic, slice-of-life drama set in rural Mississippi.
Audiences should not expect something as frenetic as "The Fix."
"The slower pace and Southern dialogue will lull the audience into the culture," says play director and Towle Managing Director Jeff Casey.
"Red Dirt" originated as a 2000 independent film, which Casey saw about three and a half years ago.
"I fell in love with the story," he says. "It was touching, unpredictable."
Thinking the film was based on a play, Casey e-mailed writer/director Tag Purvis to locate the source. When Casey learned the story was written for the film, he thought of trying to adapt it for the stage. After about 18 months of e-mails, Purvis agreed to give Casey the rights to adapt it and stage the world premiere at the Towle.
He removed one character, gave more space to another (Emily's mother) and worked around the film's lush cinematography.
" 'Red Dirt' is about human relationships," Casey says, "how people affect each other and how meeting new people can confirm or change who someone is. It has a universal appeal that brings to mind the works of Tennessee Williams."
Having relatives living in the Deep South, Casey can relate to the environment on a personal level.
"People don't replace household items as often as we do, but continue to use them as long as they're still functional." Even though the play is set in the present, for example, the furniture may look like it belongs to an earlier period. The slap screen door is authentic.
One challenge for the actors, Casey says, is to find the right amount of Southern accent, one that contributes to rather than takes away from the believability of the story.
