Women face challenges in ‘Win/Lose/Draw’

Athens Community Theatre will present a single weekend of its latest production, “Win/ Lose/ Draw,” a series of one-act plays that address the power of sharing challenging truths.

An off- Broadway hit, the triple bill by Ara Watson and Mary Gallagher features one play by each of the authors, which were premiered by the Actors Theatre of Louisville, and a third work they wrote jointly for a New York production.

Ranging in mood from high comedy to near tragedy, the show inspires laughter as well as serious reflection. The three short plays are unified by a common theme: Each depicts two women in a chance encounter.

The show is co-directed by Jan Burleson and Autumn Carusillo.

Burleson directs the win play, “Little Miss

If you go

What: Athens Community Theatre’s ‘ Win/ Lose/ Draw.” When: 7: 30 p. m. today-Saturday, Oct. 27-29. Where: The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. Admission: $ 15 adults, $ 10 students today and Saturday (see note about discounts); $21 Friday (includes Cocktails With Characters, a chance to mingle with cast over light hors d’oeuvres and drinks; cash bar opens at 6: 30 p. m.). Phone: 423-745- 8781. Website: www. athensartscouncil.org. Note: Discounts are available tonight and Saturday for patrons who “think pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Those wearing pink receive a $ 1 discount on adult tickets, and cancer survivors are admitted free. Fresno,” a vignette about t wo pageant moms ( pl ayed by Whitney Kimball Coe and Lauren Brown Shepherd).

Carusillo directs the lose play, “Final Placement,” which journeys through a months- long i nteraction between a social worker ( played by Antonia Martin) and the mother of her client ( Traci Landrum McKenzie).

Burleson also directs the draw play, “Chocolate Cake,” in which Carusillo stars. The final play is set in the hotel room of a young woman ( Carusillo) who is attending a motivational seminar for women. She receives a different kind of help than she expected when a wealthy older woman ( Mel o n i e Ca r i d e o ) knocks on her door and shares a deep secret.