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Arts & Entertainment

Sue Slayton of Anderson in "1959 Pink Thunderbird"

Sue Slayton is appearing in "1959 Pink Thunderbird" at Electric City Playhouse

Sue Slayton (left) with Leigh Burton and Evelyn LeTeshia at Electric City Playhouse. Photo courtesy of Polly Ludena/ECP.
Sue Slayton (left) with Leigh Burton and Evelyn LeTeshia at Electric City Playhouse. Photo courtesy of Polly Ludena/ECP.

Sue Slayton of Anderson is appearing in "1959 Pink Thunderbird" at Electric City Playhouse (ECP) in Anderson.

Performed under the "1959 Pink Thunderbird" name, the production is actually 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.

In addition to Sue, the "Laundry & Bourbon" cast is Leigh Burton of Anderson as Elizabeth and Evelyn LeTeshia of Simpsonville as Hattie. 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.

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Sue is playing Amy Lee Fullernoy in the first one-act, "Laundry and Bourbon". Amy Lee stops by Elizabeth's home to make a delivery, but audiences soon learn that Amy Lee very well may be paying a call for other reasons. Sue notes of the character that "while keeping her Baptist charm, Amy Lee is just trying to keep the people of Maynard in check."

Sue is having a great time with the role, but points out that she is no Amy Lee off-stage. Sue explains, "If I had to compare my true personality to a character, honestly, I'm Hattie. Now when you get to know Amy Lee, you will completely understand the struggle and depths I reached (to become Amy Lee)."

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Audiences may recognize elements of Amy Lee's character in people from their own lives and community. Sue explains: "Although it takes place years ago, this story is totally relatable... lifelong friends (and) small-town ups and downs."

This is Sue's third show at Electric City Playhouse. She is delighted to be performing. "I absolutely love being on stage!" she says. "This is my favorite so far." Sue hopes one day to appear in "Steel Magnolias", a show which shares the small-town "slice of life" themes with "1959 Pink Thunderbird".

Sue invites audiences to see "1959 Pink Thunderbird" as she believes that, "No matter where you came from or where you ended up, you can relate to this show!" Audiences are cautioned that the show contains adult themes and language.

Audiences wishing to see Sue in her current role must act quickly as the run of "1959 Pink Thunderbird" concludes on March 31. Show tickets are just $12 each. Attendees to "1959 Pink Thunderbird" also have an opportunity to support ECP's charitable partnership with Battle Buddies. The theatre is 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 attended opening night and will be present with their donation box at 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 Audiences: "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.

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