Tennessee Wet Rub

by Kim E. Ruyle

[Full-Length]
It’s January 30, 1951, and perhaps what is the worst winter storm in Tennessee’s history is burying the state under snow and ice. Roads have been shut down, and people are without power. As the storm rages, Bertha and Hank, an older white couple, huddle in their shuttered barbecue restaurant around a kerosene lantern when two young people, a white girl and a black male enter seeking refuge. The...

[Full-Length]
It’s January 30, 1951, and perhaps what is the worst winter storm in Tennessee’s history is burying the state under snow and ice. Roads have been shut down, and people are without power. As the storm rages, Bertha and Hank, an older white couple, huddle in their shuttered barbecue restaurant around a kerosene lantern when two young people, a white girl and a black male enter seeking refuge. The values and compassion of Bertha and Hank are put to the test when a deputy sheriff arrives hunting for something or someone.

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Tennessee Wet Rub

Recommended by

  • Bette Carlson Siler: Tennessee Wet Rub

    A gorgeous play that ticks all the boxes: suspense, humor, pathos and heart! Sure to delight!

    A gorgeous play that ticks all the boxes: suspense, humor, pathos and heart! Sure to delight!

  • Ric Siler: Tennessee Wet Rub

    'Tennessee Wet Rub ' takes place during a winter storm when Hank and Bertha are trying to keep the doors to their restaurant open. In come a couple of strangers, a mixed race couple who are trying to make it to a better life in the North. The black man, Dunk, has some experience of his own with barbecuing meat and shares his wisdom. The girl, Arleta, is totally in love and is somewhat blinded by that love. This is a funny play with a lot of heart, and never stoops to cliche or stereotype.

    'Tennessee Wet Rub ' takes place during a winter storm when Hank and Bertha are trying to keep the doors to their restaurant open. In come a couple of strangers, a mixed race couple who are trying to make it to a better life in the North. The black man, Dunk, has some experience of his own with barbecuing meat and shares his wisdom. The girl, Arleta, is totally in love and is somewhat blinded by that love. This is a funny play with a lot of heart, and never stoops to cliche or stereotype.

  • Nora Louise Syran: Tennessee Wet Rub

    Kim E. Ruyle certainly has found the secret sauce! This is a tight, gripping, tender and beautifully universal play designers, actors and audiences will love. Bravo! (Oct 24, 2024)

    Kim E. Ruyle certainly has found the secret sauce! This is a tight, gripping, tender and beautifully universal play designers, actors and audiences will love. Bravo! (Oct 24, 2024)

View all 17 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Chicago Dramatists, Year 2022

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Cottage Theatre - AACT World Premiere, Year 2024
  • Type Workshop, Organization Staged Reading. Upright Theatre Company, Year 2023
  • Type Workshop, Organization Staged Reading, The Legacy Theatre, Stony Creek, Connecticut., Year 2022

Awards

  • Stanley Drama Award
    Wagner College
    Finalist
    2023
  • AACT NewPlayFest 2024
    American Association of Community Theatre
    Winner
    2023
  • Best Script in Festival
    Scriptwriters & Co.
    Winner
    2023
  • Quarterfinalist Stage Play Competition
    ScreenCraft
    2022
  • Overall Winner of The 2022 Legacy Play Reading Festival
    Legacy Theatre
    Winner
    2022
  • Second Round Selection in Stage Play Category
    Austin Film Festival
    Selection
    2022
  • Script (Stage Play/Television/ Movie Script/Short Film) category of the 91st Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition
    Writer's Digest
    Honorable Mention
    2022
  • New Works 2022 Festival
    Panndora Productions
    Semi-Finalist
    2022