Richie Pierce, Justin ''Onion'' Pierce and Steve Looney were at Thursday night's party for construction workers at the new home of Playhouse on the Square.
It was "Curtain up!" Saturday night as the new home of Playhouse on the Square at the corner of Cooper and Union was unveiled for actors who performed in past Playhouse and Circuit Playhouse productions.
"I think any time a new theater opens anywhere in the world -- a live theater -- it's a great cause for rejoicing," said veteran Memphis actor Barry Fuller. "And we're rejoicing tonight."
Jackie Nichols, Playhouse founder and executive producer, referred to Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse alumni as the "heart and soul" of the theater.
Guests visited other parts of the building, including the café and rehearsal and warm-up rooms, but they weren't allowed in the theater until around 8 p.m. During a short program on the new stage, Jackie welcomed guests and Mitch Chambers performed "Sweet Transvestite" from ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show.'' Mitch also sang a song from ''Gypsy,'' but the lyrics were changed to "Everything's coming up Playhouse."
Other pre-opening celebrations were a party for major donors Friday night and a party Wednesday night for artists who participated in Playhouse's annual art auction.
The community was invited to tour the theater Sunday. About 3,000 attended, said Tina Fockler, Playhouse board president.
Construction workers who actually built the theater were treated to a beer-and-barbecue party Thursday night.
Paying the ultimate compliment to the new building, Bob White said he and Sandi Short, who works in accounting for Montgomery Martin Contractors, which built the new Playhouse on the Square, were "thinking of getting married here."
To see a video of Saturday night's Playhouse on the Square party, go to gomemphis.com.
Tennis mixes some '70s fun
The setting was old-school 1970s Saturday evening at the Second Annual Whites & Woodies Tennis Tournament/Mixer at the Eldon Roark Whitehaven Tennis Center.
Using wooden racquets and white tennis balls, players warmed up to a recording of "Staying Alive" by The Bee Gees.
Lewis Moultriesounded a bit dubious about using the old-style racquet: "It might not be pretty with the wooden racquet, but I'm gonna try my best."
Players were urged to dress in 1970s tennis attire.
A pair of his old soccer socks doubled as tube socks for Lee Nickels. "This is about as retro as I go," he said.
Lee Parks wore a long dark wig. "Gotta be 'Johnny Mac'," he said, referring to the 1970s and '80s tennis star John McEnroe.
The event, which included pizza, hot wings and beer, was presented by the DeSoto County Tennis Association, said Robert Reichard, one of the event organizers.
Contact Michael Donahue at 529-2797 or e-mail donahue@commercialappeal.com
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