World premiere of 'Thou Shalt Not Dance' this Weekend at TBTA

The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts (TBTA)is proud to present Thou Shalt Not Dance, a story of resiliance by local author Lynn J. McNeil. 

Thou Shalt Not Dance will be running March 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit the TBTA website.

Lynn J. McNeil believes in the power of words. She knows from personal experience how words can wound or heal, instill fear or bestow grace. She has been damned by words and has used words to bring her own salvation.

This week, at , McNeil's words will have a different audience, with the premiere of her new play, Thou Shalt Not Dance.

It is a play about losing religion and finding self. Raised in a conservative evangelical preacher's home, the main character, Sara, knows exactly what God expects of her — no dancing, no drinking, and above all, no questions. But when following the straight and narrow leads to heartbreak, Sara discovers that the road to hell might be her only way out. Thou Shalt Not Dance is a story of faith and doubt, pain and wholeness, coming out and coming home.

The story is largely, though loosely, autobiographical. "Not everything in the story is factual, but it is true," McNeil said. "It is true to life and to many people's experiences."

The story deals with difficult themes, including abuse, violence, and mental health issues. It also addresses the difficulty of coming out as a lesbian after being raised in a conservative religious environment. But the play is not about the pain. The trajectory of the story is one of hope, focusing on themes of courage, resilience, and faith.

For the last couple of years The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts' pre-season time slot has been used to stage powerful, socially important theater. According to Michael Burnett, president and artistic director at TBTA, Thou Shalt Not Dance is no exception.

"As a teaching theater, all of us at TBTA are thrilled to be presenting such an intelligent piece by a local playwright. We are rarely able to stage original pieces that come to the theater, so Thou Shalt Not Dance is not to be missed."

Lead actress Meg Jones has the task of playing the main character from the age of 3 to 40. The role is intense. "Some nights rehearsal is absolutely exhausting," she said. "But I think the play is a triumph. I am humbled by the opportunity to share this story. And after months of hard work I am eager to take the audience on the journey with me."

One of the unique features of the play is that the function of a narrator is performed by a slam poet. Kristin Hoose has this challenging role, the only other character in the story. "This is such an exhilarating experience, and I am honored to be a part of the production," said Hoose. "Knowing that we're bringing this story to life, on stage for the first time, is an incredible feeling."

Director Maureen Trotto said it's "a rare opportunity to participate in the development of a new work" and she is thrilled to be part of this project.

"I didn't set out to write a play," McNeil said. "I just had a story I wanted to tell -- a story that I thought might inspire people on their own journeys of discovery."

*This production is intended for mature audiences only.