Speakeasy at Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts

Rory D. Sheriff's Speakeasy is Coming to Matthews, NC!

Official Selection of the 2023 BIPOC Playwrights Festival to be Co-Produced by Matthews Playhouse & African American Playwrights Group (AAPG) September 22-24, 2023

(Matthews, NC) - Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts and the African American Playwrights Group (AAPG) are bringing the 1970’s back as the two organizations co-produce Rory D. Sheriff’s Speakeasy September 22-24, 2023. The original play is the official selection of the 2023 BIPOC Playwrights Festival, a collaboration between the two organizations to promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Matthews as well as the Charlotte Theatre community by highlighting original works by Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC).

Set in 1978 in his hometown of Reading, PA, Speakeasy is one of the latest works imagined by Rory D. Sheriff, an award-winning Director, Producer, Playwright, and Founding Artistic Director of Brand New Sheriff Productions (BNS Productions). Sheriff was awarded with the prestigious Metrolina Theatre Association ‘Theatre Person of the Year’ in October of 2022. BNS Productions is the only Black Repertory Theatre Company in Charlotte and has earned a reputation for creating memorable theater experiences with thought-provoking and inspiring works. Speakeasy is no exception. 

“This production has been years in the making and we cannot wait to bring it to Matthews this fall,” says Sheriff. “Speakeasy was inspired by the works of August Wilson, and I believe audiences will find its characters and story to be relatable and relevant to some of the issues our society is facing today, 45 years later.” 

The play follows the story of Virginia, a young woman who decides to take control of her life by unlearning everything she was taught about how a woman should be. No sooner than deciding to dump her abusive husband’s belongings on the doorstep in trash bags, she’s presented with a foreclosure letter for back taxes on her childhood home. With more than a few reservations, she gives in to the idea of turning the house into a Speakeasy to raise money for the taxes - which is exactly when trouble ensues.

Speakeasy will be performed at The Fullwood Theatre, located inside the Matthews Community Center and home to Matthews Playhouse. 

Performance Dates: September 22-24, 2023. There will be a Q & A session with the playwright and members of the cast facilitated by Jermaine Nakia Lee, Education & Outreach Director for BNS productions, immediately following the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, September 23, 2023. 

Where: 100 East McDowell Street, Matthews, NC 28105

Tickets: Tickets for Speakeasy are now on sale and range in price between $10-$19. Student, Senior and Military discounts are available. Information about the production and where to purchase tickets can be found by visiting matthewsplayhouse.com/speakeasyplay. 

Content Warning: This production contains mature themes and situations, suggestive and adult language, depictions of stage violence, alcohol consumption and will employ the use of theatrical weapons and gunshots. Recommended for ages 18+.

About the African American Playwrights Group

The African American Playwrights Group, founded by Vickie L. Evans, is a collaboration of African-American playwrights, whose mission is to produce quality and excellent theater works in our communities and abroad. It is a privilege to incorporate the Playwrights Festival into our season and establish new relationships with community members.

About the Matthews Playhouse

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is a community based non-profit theatre committed to enriching the lives of children, adults, and families by inviting them to participate

in the world of performing arts and education. We commit to this mission by ensuring the excellence of our cultural programs for the participation and enjoyment of the people in our community.

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Production images are available by clicking here