Simpsonville's Evelyn LeTeshia in ECP Show

Evelyn LeTeshia of Simpsonville is appearing in "1959 Pink Thunderbird" at Electric City Playhouse (ECP) in Anderson.

Performed under the "1959 Pink Thunderbird" name, the production is two comedic one-acts by James McClure. The first one-act, "Laundry and Bourbon", follows the conversations between three women on a hot afternoon in a small Texas town as the bourbon and gossip flow. The second one-act, "Lone Star", lets audiences experience the guys' take on things as the three men hang out drinking beer and talking at Angel's Bar later that evening.

The “Laundry & Bourbon” cast is Leigh Burton of Anderson as Elizabeth, Evelyn LeTeshia as Hattie, and Sue Slayton of Anderson as Amy Lee. The “Lone Star” cast is Philip Hiott of Hartwell, GA as Roy, Cordie Kale of Clemson as Ray, and Chuck W. Chapman of Easley as Cletis. Marc Ludena is directing “1959 Pink Thunderbird”, with Anne Spake as Assistant Director/Stage Manager and Polly Ludena as Producer.

Evelyn is playing Hattie Dealing, best friend to Elizabeth and mutual friend of Amy Lee. Elizabeth and Hattie have their share of stories about the days prior to Elizabeth's husband serving in Vietnam. Before the war, he was the "hottest thing in town" as he tooled around in his 1959 pink Thunderbird convertible.

Hattie is a very lively character and Evelyn notes that it has been a "great adventure bringing (her) to life!" Part of the joy Evelyn brings to her role is her love of "having the personal freedom to be as animated as I want."

Evelyn describes the "Laundry and Bourbon" and "Lone Star" combination as "highlighting the saying, 'boys are from Mars and girls from Venus', while simultaneously acknowledging our similarities as it pertains to our deep-rooted pain that still needs to heal."

Evelyn was drawn to this show as "I loved the description of the characters, and I also wanted to continue building my theatre experience." This will be Evelyn's third stage performance. She notes that she has made "four national television appearances" and has "a lead role in an upcoming TV series." She is also a singer, songwriter, host, director, and model.

Counting "The Wiz", "Chicago", "The Lion King", The Color Purple", and "any Tyler Perry production" among her favorite shows, Evelyn explains that her father and Tyler Perry are responsible for her love of acting. Her father took her to see Tyler Perry's play, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" when she was fifteen and it was "at that show that the acting bug bit me!"

Originally from Barnwell, SC, Evelyn acknowledges "all those who love and continue to support my acting journey" and thanks her "Upstate supporters".

Evelyn is enjoying performing at Electric City Playhouse, finding that "the atmosphere is welcoming, the facility is clean and organized, and the staff are all professional." Additionally, she feels that the staff are "not only knowledgeable, but very hands-on to make sure all productions run smoothly."

Audiences should note that "1959 Pink Thunderbird" has adult language and themes. However, Evelyn observes that the show does provide its own form of respite: "This show offers a short break from the chaos that surrounds our everyday lives, but it also gives those who are watching an empathetic view as to what others around them may be wrestling with." This "gives us personal insight as to how miniscule some of our problems actually are." Evelyn also points out that audiences get to laugh and "have a knee-slapping good time!"

"1959 Pink Thunderbird" opens March 22 and audiences are encouraged to attend for the entertainment value (tickets are just $12 each), and to support ECP’s charitable partnership with Battle Buddies. The theatre will be collecting donations for Battle Buddies during all “1959 Pink Thunderbird” performances. Battle Buddies trains service dogs “for veterans suffering with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries” (https://battlebuddiessc.org). Battle Buddies volunteers will be at the Playhouse for the March 22 opening night and for both Sunday matinees.

“1959 Pink Thunderbird” performances are at 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 3pm on Sundays from March 22-31, 2019.

Electric City Playhouse (ECP) is a Non-Profit Theatre located at 514 North Murray Avenue, Anderson, SC 29625. Purchase tickets at https://ecplayhouse.com/ticket... or by calling 864.224.4248.

ECP’s 2019 season includes: “The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)” (auditions are March 31 and April 1); “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood”; “Moon Over Buffalo”; and “Messiah on the Frigidaire”. Additionally, the season includes two ECP Plus Productions for Mature Audience: “Life’s Stages” (four one-acts) and “The Santaland Diaries”. Visit https://ecplayhouse.com or call 864.224.4248 for tickets and information. Follow on Twitter @Ecplayhouse and find us on Facebook.