My hubby, Brett Sawyers, and I were among those fortunate to attend a media night preview Jan. 6. The show opened Jan. 9 and will be staged Jan. 15-18 and 22-25. Tickets can be reserved by calling (800) 838-3006 or visiting www.footlite.org.
Tim Spradlin, a longtime friend of mine and owner of Auntie Leila’s Pet Salon in Greenwood, plays the part of Thomas Weaver, an award-winning author. Spradlin’s 20-year friend Graham Brinklow plays the role of Alvin Kelby.
The show is one of the first “bromance” musicals to include school, distance, careers, girls, tradition and death. Thomas and Alvin meet at age 6 when Alvin shows up to class as his recently deceased Mother, bathrobe and all. After graduating from high school, Alvin stays home to work at his parents’ bookstore, while Thomas goes off to college and becomes a successful writer but develops a writing block and doesn’t publish anything for a few years.
When Alvin asks Thomas to write a eulogy for his dad’s funeral, Thomas thinks using a quote from another writer will be sufficient. But Alvin disagrees and gives the eulogy. As Thomas watches Alvin give the eulogy, he wonders if it was his ego or Alvin’s bubbly, eccentric outlook on life that pushed them apart.
Later, Thomas is called to do the eulogy for Alvin, who fell or jumped off a bridge on Christmas Eve. While preparing the tribute, Thomas has to recall stories about Alvin to learn where things went wrong.
The show, which features nearly 20 fantastic songs, is an awesome tribute to the power of friendships and how they impact our lives forever. The skits about the boys’ childhood were humorous; others had us in tears.
I enjoyed watching Tim play the role of an author. For years we have watched him in various productions, many of which were staged at the American Cabaret Theatre.