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It May Raise Some Wigs, but
‘Sordid Lives’ has Big Talent

By Shane Gilreath
SCN Contributing Editor
[email protected]

It’s not for everyone. That much is true. In some circles, it might be considered scandalous, and adult themes abound, but if you’re looking for a talented cast of local artists – with the chance for scandalous, wig-raising laughter – then the upcoming Plateau Players’ performance of the Del Shores’ play “Sordid Lives’ may be right up your alley.
In many ways, the play has had a sordid life of its own, spawning both a film (starring Beau Bridges, Olivia Newton John, Leslie Jordan, and Delta Burke) and a television series that once aired on Netflix with much the same cast. “I saw the movie when I was about thirteen, a kid in Scott County,” Director Andi Morrow told SCN. “It was one of my first awakenings to something different.”
Different, it is, especially for Scott County audiences, but Morrow told SCN that when she selected the play, she wanted to bring that difference and diversity to local audiences. Angela Morrow, who hilariously plays the chain-smoking matriarch “Sissy Hickey,” perhaps summed it up best when she described “Sordid Lives” as “a black comedy about white trash.” It’s certainly a tagline that fits. For audiences, the play has it all: big personalities, hold-ups, discussions of sexuality, an institutionalized cross-dressing uncle, abundant alcoholism, and a dysfunctional Southern family full of secrets.
If that sounds a little like Tennessee Williams, it isn’t. It’s more like Williams on steroids, and in some ways it’s much deeper. “Sordid Lives” knows exactly what it is, and there’s none of Williams’ tendency to hide in the dark. Some characters would never let that happen. While no subject is off limits, the audience does experience it through laughter (and, at times, deep reservations, sympathy, and tears).
Morrow offered meticulous play-by-play direction during dress rehearsals to ensure every scene was polished to perfection. It’s that step-by-step process that allows the production to move seamlessly and embrace the eccentricities of family, faith, and small-town life – even if it may surprise local audiences and leave them in need of smelling salts.
The story centers on the unexpected death of Sissy’s sister, Peggy – played by Tracey Stansberry – but the colorful performances almost make you forget the story revolves around death. The play walks a remarkably fine line between serious subject matter and outrageous, almost slapstick comedy, and to make it happen, there isn’t a weak spot in the cast.
Shaun Hinds (Ty Williamson) delivers a raw, emotional performance. Michael Ray is over-the-top camp as “Brother Boy,” as are many of the characters that you’ll recognize, even, perhaps, if you’ve never seen the play. Latrelle Williamson (Emily Hinds) takes viewers on an emotional journey, and coupled with her sister, Lavonda (Ashlee Glaspy), the characters set up a clash of contrasts. Playing against type, Michelle Treischmann is hilarious as “Jaunita Bartlett.” Rounding out the cast are everybody’s busybody “Noleta Nethercott” (Michaelan Stanley) and her husband, “GW” (Drew Morgan). Ralph Trieschmann stars as “Wardell ‘Bubba’ Owens,” alongside Don Stansberry as Bubba’s brother, “Odell.” Dustie Jeffers becomes the character you’ll want to hate, “Dr. Eve Bolinger,” in scenes opposite Ray.
With productions like this one, The Plateau Players – an integral part of Oneida’s growing arts scene – have once again shown that community theater can deliver performances every bit as entertaining – with casts every bit as talented – as those found on much larger stages in much larger cities. Whether or not “Sordid Lives” is your kind of play, the talent is undeniable. Jaw-dropping, in fact, but that won’t be a surprise to anyone with their eyes on the regional art scene. What may be surprising is the subject matter. The play is recommended for mature audiences (and maybe those not faint of heart) – but to support local arts, it may well be worth clutching a pearl or two.
Performances will take place at the Rebecca Johnson Theater inside the Rugby Visitor Center on Friday, July 24, at 7PM, Saturday, July 25, at 7PM, or Sunday, July 26, at 3PM. Tickets are $15 and available online at appalachiansocietyofthearts.com.