←Recommendations of Tennessee Wet Rub

  • Christine Foster: Tennessee Wet Rub by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    With the barest of nods to Bus Stop and The Petrified Forest, Ruyle plunges us into his own unique and evocative stormbound frozen moment in time where cultures and decency and hope and prejudice collide. The characters are tenderly drawn (particularly Bertha, born to be a matriarch but never having had the chance...yet.) Cherished recipes, past mistakes and desires for the future are cautiously shared. It's an achingly beautiful play.

    With the barest of nods to Bus Stop and The Petrified Forest, Ruyle plunges us into his own unique and evocative stormbound frozen moment in time where cultures and decency and hope and prejudice collide. The characters are tenderly drawn (particularly Bertha, born to be a matriarch but never having had the chance...yet.) Cherished recipes, past mistakes and desires for the future are cautiously shared. It's an achingly beautiful play.

    ”
  • Christopher Plumridge: Tennessee Wet Rub by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    This is such an intense, gritty, claustrophobic and at times as sweet as Hanks dry rub itself, downright excellent play! I can clearly see this being made into a film, but as a play it stands up perfectly in Hank and Bertha's old barn/bbq restaurant. The mood darkens just as Martha describes the same darkness descending on their home, but at times the light returns as does the power. In it's heart this is a tale of friendship, love and breaking down seemingly unbreakable barriers. Simply stunning!

    This is such an intense, gritty, claustrophobic and at times as sweet as Hanks dry rub itself, downright excellent play! I can clearly see this being made into a film, but as a play it stands up perfectly in Hank and Bertha's old barn/bbq restaurant. The mood darkens just as Martha describes the same darkness descending on their home, but at times the light returns as does the power. In it's heart this is a tale of friendship, love and breaking down seemingly unbreakable barriers. Simply stunning!

    ”
  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: Tennessee Wet Rub by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    Ruyle ramps up the tension, then allows us to relax just long enough to ramp up the tension again. This whole play keeps you uncomfortable in all the right ways. We shouldn't be comfortable with these situations! Storms of weather. Storms of social constructs. There were tears in my eyes by the final scene. Nothing is wrapped up in a pretty bow, but this play is truly a gift.

    Ruyle ramps up the tension, then allows us to relax just long enough to ramp up the tension again. This whole play keeps you uncomfortable in all the right ways. We shouldn't be comfortable with these situations! Storms of weather. Storms of social constructs. There were tears in my eyes by the final scene. Nothing is wrapped up in a pretty bow, but this play is truly a gift.

    ”
  • Donald E. Baker: Tennessee Wet Rub by Kim E. Ruyle
    “

    Important plays like this one bring cosmic issues down to a human level. Here five people marooned overnight in a dilapidated restaurant must figure out how to maintain their individual integrity while dealing with the constraints of society, religion, and the law and the vital question of how properly to prepare barbecued ribs. As the storm outside abates, it is obvious that some dreams will be shattered while on other fronts there is considerable hope for the future. A very satisfying, beautifully written play with memorable characters whose voices will long linger in the mind's ear.

    Important plays like this one bring cosmic issues down to a human level. Here five people marooned overnight in a dilapidated restaurant must figure out how to maintain their individual integrity while dealing with the constraints of society, religion, and the law and the vital question of how properly to prepare barbecued ribs. As the storm outside abates, it is obvious that some dreams will be shattered while on other fronts there is considerable hope for the future. A very satisfying, beautifully written play with memorable characters whose voices will long linger in the mind's ear.

    ”