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

  • Tom Erb: Tennessee Wet Rub

    "Tennessee Wet Rub" is a play about a group of people in a restaurant in the 1950s. They face tough times because of their different backgrounds. The story shows how they deal with problems and understand each other better. It's a strong story that makes you think about fairness and how we treat others. I found it very enjoyable read.

    "Tennessee Wet Rub" is a play about a group of people in a restaurant in the 1950s. They face tough times because of their different backgrounds. The story shows how they deal with problems and understand each other better. It's a strong story that makes you think about fairness and how we treat others. I found it very enjoyable read.

  • Paul Donnelly: Tennessee Wet Rub

    This play is just gorgeous. It has a suspenseful narrative that had me on the edge of my seat the whole way. It also contains five richly developed and complex characters and spot on social commentary. But there is an artistic alchemy at work here that melds all these compelling parts into a richer, more moving whole.

    This play is just gorgeous. It has a suspenseful narrative that had me on the edge of my seat the whole way. It also contains five richly developed and complex characters and spot on social commentary. But there is an artistic alchemy at work here that melds all these compelling parts into a richer, more moving whole.

  • John Bavoso: Tennessee Wet Rub

    This play held me in tense suspense from the very first page, but the true beauty of the script is the way it unfolds the characters into fully realized people. Ruyle’s attention to detail and language is on full display. Timely and timeless, this play is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and spark many a post-show discussion. Highly recommended!

    This play held me in tense suspense from the very first page, but the true beauty of the script is the way it unfolds the characters into fully realized people. Ruyle’s attention to detail and language is on full display. Timely and timeless, this play is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and spark many a post-show discussion. Highly recommended!

View all 14 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Chicago Dramatists, Year 2022

Production History

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

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