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from the issue of March 6, 2008
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'Honeydripper' opens March 7 at the Ross
It's 1950 in rural Alabama. The cotton harvest is in full swing and it's a make-or-break weekend for the Honeydripper Lounge and its owner, piano player Tyrone "Pine Top" Purvis.
In the John Sayles' film "Honeydripper," opening March 7 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, Purvis is deep in debt to the liquor man, the chicken man and the landlord. He is desperate to lure the young cotton pickers and local Army base recruits into his juke joint, away from Touissant's - the rival joint across the way.
After laying off his regular talent, blues singer Bertha Mae, Purvis announces to his sidekick, Maceo, that he has hired the famous electric guitar player, Guitar Sam, for a special one-night-only gig to save the club. On the day of the show, the train arrives and Guitar Sam is nowhere to be found.
Purvis is forced to take drastic action and makes a deal with Sheriff Pugh to release Sonny, the kid who hopped off a freight car in Harmony, and turned up in the club claiming he could play the guitar as well as any Guitar Sam. Tyrone cleans Sonny up and launches a last-ditch scheme to pass off the young guitar picker as Guitar Sam just long enough to cut the lights and run off with cash box. When Sonny takes the stage and launches into his first scalding electric licks, Purvis will learn if it's lights out for the Honeydripper or if his luck has changed.
The cast of "Honeydripper" features Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Stacy Keach, Mary Steenburgen, Yaya DaCosta and Sean Patrick Thomas. Musicians Keb' Mo' and Dr. Mable John are also featured.
"Honeydripper" (rated PG-13) plays through March 13 at the Ross. For more information, go to www.theross.org or call the film information line at 472-5353.
Also at the Ross
"Persepolis" (Rated PG-13)
Based on a best-selling graphic novel, "Persepolis" tells the story of an Iranian girl who surmounts countless obstacles to grow into a wise, young adult. Showing through March 13.
GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 6
ARTS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 6
RETURNING GRADUATE
American Life in Poetry
'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' cons its way into Lied Center
GRADUATE DISCUSSION
'Honeydripper' opens March 7 at the Ross
Lied Center hosts March 15 performance of St. Matthew's Passion
Sandhill crane special airs March 9
Sheldon hosts poetry contest on March 8
Symphonic Band to perform March 9
733107S38007X
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