In 1969, a teenage girl named Pokie learns that she’s won a scholarship that could take her to Ohio, far away from the poverty-stricken part of rural Louisiana where she was born. However, the aging and ailing aunt and uncle who raised her would prefer that she not go poking around up North. That’s the conflict in A Star Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hole in Heaven, the Coterie Theatre’s latest production. Artistic director Jeff Church says it’s his favorite show in 16 years. “The whole dilemma is, do you pursue your own ambition when you’re caught with some family ties that are holding you back?” The Vietnam-era drama is compounded when Pokie’s friend gets drafted. But Church promises that Star is as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. The swampy set was designed by local theater icon Ron Megee. “Practically all you need is to throw in the crocodiles,” Church boasts. The show runs through October 14 at Crown Center (2540 Grand), with tonight’s curtain at 7. Tickets cost $14 for adults and $9 for all children, students and seniors. Call 816-474-6552 or see
coterietheatre.org for more information.
Sept. 25-Oct. 14, 2007
