The All New Nashville Hurricane
The All New Nashville Hurricane
By Chase Padgett
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Orange Venue</strong>
You probably saw the previous version of this show; it was as solid sell out and the “Don’t Miss Show” of the 2012 Fringe. This is a major rewrite although the characters and general flow remain constant: A young man is a bit of a savant; he “sees” music as shapes (synesthesia) and absorbs complex electromagnetic equations with ease. Other than that he’s trapped in his body and his trailer home with no social skills. His trailer trash mother exploits his musical skills and gets him involved with a sleazy promoter; they build his reputation and stage skills on the gospel circuit. Then a big break gets him a slot on the Tall Pines Radio Show; the future is his, but he doesn’t want it and and explosion blows him free. He becomes a wanderer and a sound man for a traveling alcoholic blues man. When a series of unfortunate coincidences brings them all together again, his life implodes but he finds personal happiness.
As in past Padgett shows, it’s his mercurial fingers on a guitar and the completely distinct personas he creates that make this project more than special. He’s a brilliant guitarist, and I think his young yet isolated alter ego is closer to the truth than perhaps he would admit. By all means see this show again; it’s as refreshing as the original.
This commentary was based on a technical rehearsal.
This production is part of the 2014 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. Information on tickets and show times may be found at http://OrlandoFringe.org/
