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Sister Myotis's Church Retreat

Presented by Voices of the South at TheatreSouth

September 16-October 3, 2009

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Sister Myotis is back again by popular demand! Last summer, Sister Myotis's Church Retreat took Memphis by storm, playing to sold-out audiences praying for more. If you haven't had the pleasure of sitting in the presence of the one and only divine deaconess of Ecclesiastical splendor, now is you have a second chance. And if you are one of the faithful, now is the perfect time to bring along some potential converts. Being the head deaconess of an 80,000 member mega-church (The Good Tidings, Apostolic, Holiness, Christian, Fellowship of Saints) is not without its challenges. The faithful flocks need tending and the faithless well, let's just say there's hope. Sister Myotis, Ima Lone, and Velma Needlemeyer will be in attendance to host the annual Women's Church Retreat in hopes of giving backsliders, whoremongers, and the "chronically mediocre" a second chance at salvation.

Review by Billy Pullen - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver

Is it a play? Is it a monologue? Is it performance art? Is it a variety show? Brothers and sisters, it’s just like the title says, it’s a church retreat for women, though several wayfaring men folks were present last Saturday night, and let me tell you right now that Sister Myotis (Steve Swift) can flat out preach and set folks back on the straight and narrow. The cunning priestess has summoned an audience into the theatre where she can spread the news of living a righteous life, Sister Myotis style. Ably assisted and abetted by sensibly shoed Velma Needlemeyer, Todd Berry, (who used to weigh over 400 pounds, but thanks to God and surgery, is now a svelte fashion statement with a high-class hairdo) and by bespectacled Ima Lone (Jenny Odle Madden), the sensual offspring of two star-struck teenage snake handlers, Sister Myotis, raconteurs on cleanliness, marriage, sex, cooking, politics, and even death.
Set in the basement of the Cornhole Athletic Center where occasional sounds of bowling bang from above, Sister Myotis waxes eloquently on the likes of thongs, maintaining a clean commode, telling you how to vote, and exchanging recipes (shucks, she even solicits an audience member to make a tasty ambrosia right up there on the stage). First off, according to Sister, we must put the politicians in office who can pass laws that tell us how to live. Also, never let your husband think you might enjoy that shame in bed, or you’ll never get to sleep before nine o’clock. Unfortunately, the only way to keep a clean commode is for your husband to die or be struck with an illness where he has to sit rather than stand when nature calls in the middle of the night. Sister even shares crafts that signify thriftiness and creativity and finds art in the most expected items such as a bedpan and a corncob.
If you’re thinking that Sister’s sermons might get too long, be not dismayed. She splits up the preaching with some exclusive musical numbers performed by Velma and Ima who even cuts loose with a liturgical dance. Among the plethora of sage advice, Sister Myotis puts herself on the line with personal examples of her husband Hershel and children Mose and Mosette. She even shares a photo of Mosette, who is a striking likeness of her mama, and of course, the inevitable lessons that we can all learn from the wayfaring Mosette. However, Sister Myotis, being the good Christian witness she is, saves the best for last with a poignant lesson on death homegoing, and writing a legitimate will. (Yes, you can control who and how they get your “cryshtal” bowls even after death!) Let me tell you right now, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when Sister delivered a beautiful homily about death all in the framework of a dream, which turned into a ballet featuring Velma Needlemeyer and Ima Lone, with costumes, fog machine, and sashaying all over the stage. (Eat your heart out, Agnes de Mille.)
I hear tell Sister Myotis is taking this revival to New York City in June, and she’s allowing us to reap the benefits of her wisdom right here in Memphis. So, brothers and sisters, you’ve got through Oct. 3rd, to open up your hearts and wallets and get out and go support these good Christian women. Velma and Ima do their share, too, writing and drawing on the overhead, and fetching and toting for the regal Sister Myotis. Lord knows, those lost folks in New York City need Sister Myotis and besides, the fashion designers up yonder need to see Sister’s beautiful dresses.
 

Preview by David Prete - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver

You’re in day one of a week-long training session for your new church group, the Honeybees Ladies’ Auxiliary (HLA). As a new HLA member much is expected of you, because in many ways, the Auxiliary runs the church. HLA ladies will tell you they merely do the muscle work while the men make the decisions, but they do have the men’s ears. Regardless of what you were before this retreat, you’re now a woman. Explaining what you’re in for this week is your host and President and Founder of HLA, Sister Myotis. She’s a woman obsessed with power and accomplishing things for her church. She’s of the: we’re-all-right,-they’re-all-wrong religion. She’s also an overblown theatrical character played by actor/writer Steve Swift, longtime Voices of the South company member; and for the next three weeks she’ll be appearing at Voices’ new performance space: Theater South. 

Swift describes the show as “an interactive comedy show.” It mixes the audience interaction and response of stand-up comedy with theatrical structure. There’s some improvisation, but all in all it’s a clown show. “My drag and pony show,” says Swift.

Myotis was created in 2002, as part of Voices’ Present Present, a holiday show in which performers receive presents from Artistic Director, Jerre Dye, and create a short piece inspired by their gift. Swift was given a vial of glitter, a crown of thorns and the phrase, I give, and I give, and I give. These are such stuff as satires are made on.

Ironic as it may seem, the play is not a satire on religion. But like all satire, it lays function beneath its humor. “It deals with the politics of human interaction.” says Swift. “One person wanting power over another person.” Church happens to be the perfect setting for that subject.

As Sister Myotis’ Church Retreat is the inaugural show in Theater South, a word about the space is in order. It’s an intimate black-box in the basement level of First Congregational Church (1000 S. Cooper) and seats up to about 75. It has an entrance in the south parking lot and is wheelchair accessible.

Sister Myotis has two helpers on this retreat: Sister Ima Lone (Jenny Odle Madden), a secretary, and Sister Velma Needlemeyer (Todd Berry), world-renown gospel tambourine player. In summer 2010, the three sisters will enjoy a month-long Off-Broadway run in NYC. Our blessings go with them.
 

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  • Venue Info

    TheatreSouth

    1000 S. Cooper
    Memphis, TN 38104

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  • Admission Info

    Tickets: $20

    Info Phone: 901-726-0800

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  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    September 16-October 3, 2009

    Times:
    8 PM

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    • Event Name: Sister Myotis's Church Retreat
      "A Church Retreat for Women"
      Comment posted by: Billy Pullen - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Sep 21, 2009
      

      Is it a play? Is it a monologue? Is it performance art? Is it a variety show? Brothers and sisters, it's just like the title says, it's a church retreat for women, though several wayfaring men folks... Expand

      Is it a play? Is it a monologue? Is it performance art? Is it a variety show? Brothers and sisters, it's just like the title says, it's a church retreat for women, though several wayfaring men folks were present last Saturday night, and let me tell you right now that Sister Myotis (Steve Swift) can flat out preach and set folks back on the straight and narrow. The cunning priestess has summoned an audience into the theatre where she can spread the news of living a righteous life, Sister Myotis style. Ably assisted and abetted by sensibly shoed Velma Needlemeyer, Todd Berry, (who used to weigh over 400 pounds, but thanks to God and surgery, is now a svelte fashion statement with a high-class hairdo) and by bespectacled Ima Lone (Jenny Odle Madden), the sensual offspring of two star-struck teenage snake handlers, Sister Myotis, raconteurs on cleanliness, marriage, sex, cooking, politics, and even death. For complete Billy Pullen review, see the Event Detail. Collapse

    • Event Name: Sister Myotis's Church Retreat
      "Preview by David Prete - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: David Prete from Memphis, TN, Sep 16, 2009
      

      You're in day one of a week-long training session for your new church group, the Honeybees Ladies' Auxiliary (HLA). As a new HLA member much is expected of you, because in many ways, the Auxiliary... Expand

      You're in day one of a week-long training session for your new church group, the Honeybees Ladies' Auxiliary (HLA). As a new HLA member much is expected of you, because in many ways, the Auxiliary runs the church. HLA ladies will tell you they merely do the muscle work while the men make the decisions, but they do have the men's ears. Regardless of what you were before this retreat, you're now a woman. Explaining what you're in for this week is your host and President and Founder of HLA, Sister Myotis. She's a woman obsessed with power and accomplishing things for her church. She's of the: we're-all-right,-they're-all-wrong religion. She's also an overblown theatrical character played by actor/writer Steve Swift, longtime Voices of the South company member; and for the next three weeks she'll be appearing at Voices' new performance space: Theater South. Swift describes the show as "an interactive comedy show." It mixes the audience interaction and response of stand-up comedy with theatrical structure. There's some improvisation, but all in all it's a clown show. "My drag and pony show," says Swift. Myotis was created in 2002, as part of Voices' Present Present, a holiday show in which performers receive presents from Artistic Director, Jerre Dye, and create a short piece inspired by their gift. Swift was given a vial of glitter, a crown of thorns and the phrase, I give, and I give, and I give. These are such stuff as satires are made on. Ironic as it may seem, the play is not a satire on religion. But like all satire, it lays function beneath its humor. "It deals with the politics of human interaction." says Swift. "One person wanting power over another person." Church happens to be the perfect setting for that subject. As Sister Myotis' Church Retreat is the inaugural show in Theater South, a word about the space is in order. It's an intimate black-box in the basement level of First Congregational Church (1000 S. Cooper) and seats up to about 75. It has an entrance in the south parking lot and is wheelchair accessible. Sister Myotis has two helpers on this retreat: Sister Ima Lone (Jenny Odle Madden), a secretary, and Sister Velma Needlemeyer (Todd Berry), world-renown gospel tambourine player. In summer 2010, the three sisters will enjoy a month-long Off-Broadway run in NYC. Our blessings go with them. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Sister Myotis's Church Retreat
      "A Church Retreat for Women"
      Comment posted by: Billy Pullen - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Sep 21, 2009
      

      Is it a play? Is it a monologue? Is it performance art? Is it a variety show? Brothers and sisters, it's just like the title says, it's a church retreat for women, though several wayfaring men folks... Expand

      Is it a play? Is it a monologue? Is it performance art? Is it a variety show? Brothers and sisters, it's just like the title says, it's a church retreat for women, though several wayfaring men folks were present last Saturday night, and let me tell you right now that Sister Myotis (Steve Swift) can flat out preach and set folks back on the straight and narrow. The cunning priestess has summoned an audience into the theatre where she can spread the news of living a righteous life, Sister Myotis style. Ably assisted and abetted by sensibly shoed Velma Needlemeyer, Todd Berry, (who used to weigh over 400 pounds, but thanks to God and surgery, is now a svelte fashion statement with a high-class hairdo) and by bespectacled Ima Lone (Jenny Odle Madden), the sensual offspring of two star-struck teenage snake handlers, Sister Myotis, raconteurs on cleanliness, marriage, sex, cooking, politics, and even death. For complete Billy Pullen review, see the Event Detail. Collapse

    • Event Name: Sister Myotis's Church Retreat
      "Preview by David Prete - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: David Prete from Memphis, TN, Sep 16, 2009
      

      You're in day one of a week-long training session for your new church group, the Honeybees Ladies' Auxiliary (HLA). As a new HLA member much is expected of you, because in many ways, the Auxiliary... Expand

      You're in day one of a week-long training session for your new church group, the Honeybees Ladies' Auxiliary (HLA). As a new HLA member much is expected of you, because in many ways, the Auxiliary runs the church. HLA ladies will tell you they merely do the muscle work while the men make the decisions, but they do have the men's ears. Regardless of what you were before this retreat, you're now a woman. Explaining what you're in for this week is your host and President and Founder of HLA, Sister Myotis. She's a woman obsessed with power and accomplishing things for her church. She's of the: we're-all-right,-they're-all-wrong religion. She's also an overblown theatrical character played by actor/writer Steve Swift, longtime Voices of the South company member; and for the next three weeks she'll be appearing at Voices' new performance space: Theater South. Swift describes the show as "an interactive comedy show." It mixes the audience interaction and response of stand-up comedy with theatrical structure. There's some improvisation, but all in all it's a clown show. "My drag and pony show," says Swift. Myotis was created in 2002, as part of Voices' Present Present, a holiday show in which performers receive presents from Artistic Director, Jerre Dye, and create a short piece inspired by their gift. Swift was given a vial of glitter, a crown of thorns and the phrase, I give, and I give, and I give. These are such stuff as satires are made on. Ironic as it may seem, the play is not a satire on religion. But like all satire, it lays function beneath its humor. "It deals with the politics of human interaction." says Swift. "One person wanting power over another person." Church happens to be the perfect setting for that subject. As Sister Myotis' Church Retreat is the inaugural show in Theater South, a word about the space is in order. It's an intimate black-box in the basement level of First Congregational Church (1000 S. Cooper) and seats up to about 75. It has an entrance in the south parking lot and is wheelchair accessible. Sister Myotis has two helpers on this retreat: Sister Ima Lone (Jenny Odle Madden), a secretary, and Sister Velma Needlemeyer (Todd Berry), world-renown gospel tambourine player. In summer 2010, the three sisters will enjoy a month-long Off-Broadway run in NYC. Our blessings go with them. Collapse

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