dinner and a show at walters

Walters State Community College will present “The Good Doctor,” Neil Simon¹s comic take on the work of Russian literary great Anton Chekhov, as dinner theater March 27-29. Tickets are $20 and may be reserved by calling  (423) 585-6922.
The comedy contrasts with the acclaimed fall production of “Camelot.” That¹s not incidental, director Jerry Maloy said.
“We have so many talented students this year that I wanted to do something that would allow many to have speaking roles. This play is really seven short plays, so there are many characters. This work challenges students without overwhelming them,” Maloy said.
Maloy himself takes the stage as a narrator, presumed by scholars to be Chekhov, guiding the audience through the stories.
One of the new faces in the play is Jason Shoemaker. Shoemaker has appeared in a few plays in his hometown of Greeneville, but this is his first major role. This is also the first speaking role for Michael McCoig of Newport.
“Jason has a good sense of timing and is just great for this play. Michael also has a natural gift for comedic timing and this ability to manipulate his face, which alone will make people laugh,” Maloy said. “Those talents are key in this play, as it relies solely on the acting and the writing. It does not have an elaborate setting or special effects.”
The only non-student in the play is Alice LeFevers, a favorite actress of local theatre fans.
The play also stars James Templin and Tyler McDaniel of Morristown, Amanda Lovell of Newport, Bethany Trent and Tuscon Reeves of Rogersville; Katy Williams and Casey Lemons of Talbott; Haley Harper of Jefferson City.
Maloy viewed the play as a good way to introduce students to Chekhov, the 19th
century literary pioneer who is regarded as one of history¹s greatest short story writers. Chekhov¹s innovative techniques included stream-of-conscious writing. Maloy said he was surprised, though, when the play also served as an introduction to Simon, a prominent contemporary playwright.
Dinner is designed around the play¹s setting, Russia. A hearty cabbage and potato soup will be followed by chicken with feta cheese with a zucchini dill casserole on the side. Dinner will end with an apple dessert and Russian tea cakes. Megan¹s Corner is catering the dinner.
Performances are set for 6 p.m. March 27-28 and 1 p.m. March 29 in the
Duggins Foundation Room of the Dr. Jack E. Campbell College Center on the
Morristown campus. Reservations should be made by March 20.