Voices of experience
Man, don’t ever argue with a church lady who can point a finger like that one!
There is such sweetness to this slice-of-life comedy-drama about two crusty curmudgeons tired of life but still just a little hopeful that the future holds better times. Stories About the Old Days, a comedy-drama by playwright Bill Harris, is like eavesdropping on a pair of life-weary cynics who have trod a tired trail of misfortunes, but whose stories provide a fascinating window into a past. Clayborn (beautifully portrayed by James Wheatley) is a blues singer down on his luck who has been reduced to living in a church basement when former choir member Ivy (a delicate performance by Katye Ridgeway) stops by to pray. They spar, they parry, they trade barbs and stories. Celebration Arts’ production has a simple set, a compelling story and complex performances.
Stories About the Old Days, 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; no performances December 22, through December 25; $8-$15. Celebration Arts, 4469 D Street; (916) 455-2787; www.celebration-arts.net. Through January 14, 2012.
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