When Life and Literature Collide: TVCC Theatre Brings Humor and Heart with 'The Book Club Play'
(Sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)
By Shaydi Clary/TVCC Communications Specialist
In a cozy room filled with characters from every walk of life, the latest TVCC Theatre production, “The Book Club Play,” is set to hit the stage with wit, humor, and a dash of chaos.
Under the direction of TVCC’s Head of Performance Studies Craig Lee, the play promises an evening of vibrant, relatable characters brought to life by a talented cast, ready to captivate audiences with this humorous and introspective story.
The story follows Ana Smith, a perfectionist with a penchant for control, who believes her book club is the epitome of taste and organization. Ana’s world is flipped upside down when her group’s bookish discussions are suddenly broadcast to the world in a high-stakes documentary project. Throw in a new, enigmatic club member and some unusual book choices, and the seemingly simple book club becomes a breeding ground for hilarity, revelations, and a fair share of personal growth.
With allusions to classics like “Moby Dick,” “The Age of Innocence,” and modern bestsellers like “Twilight” and “The Da Vinci Code,” “The Book Club Play” balances satire and sincerity, prompting audiences to think about the unexpected ways literature can impact life. It’s a perfect blend of laughs and heartfelt moments, with each character revealing a little more about themselves—and about us—as they peel back the layers of story, friendship, and self-discovery.
The cast is as diverse as the play itself, with each actor bringing an authenticity that draws you in from the first scene.
The cast includes:
Pluto Wilson as Ana Smith
Scott Peebles as Robert Novum Smith Jr
Jessie Wilson as Jennifer McClintock
Riley O’ Donnell as William Nothnagel
Mckenzie Gracia as Lily Louise Jackson
Jaci Gunnels as Alex
Brandon Cook and Claire Capehart as Pundits
The creative direction comes alive with Lee’s direction and Elizabeth "Biz" Nelson’s theatrical design, capturing the book club setting with warmth and charm. Technical Director Bohb Nelson with assistance from students adds a level of detail that immerses the audience, allowing the humor and the play’s heartfelt message to shine.
The production will be held at TVCC’s Pauline Knight Perkins Auditorium, with performances on Nov. 14 through 16 at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee on Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 (cash only) at the door, with free admission for TVCC students, staff, and faculty who present a valid TVCC ID.
“The Book Club Play” is more than just a comedy; it’s a reflection on friendships, self-discovery, and the unlikely ways that books can bring us closer to ourselves and to others. As the lights go down and the first line is spoken, audiences will find themselves drawn into this lively world, where each page turn and laugh reminds us just how much literature, and a little shared laughter, can mean.
