Matthew Sweet-Inspired GIRLFRIEND Plays Roxy Regional Theatre's Theotherspace

Take a trip back in time to the not-so-distant past when flannel was the height of fashion and mix tapes were the language of love.

A coming-of-age musical inspired by Matthew Sweet's 1991 breakthrough pop/rock album of the same name, GIRLFRIEND plays theotherspace at the Roxy Regional Theatre for four nights only, February 25 through March 5.

Set in small-town Nebraska in the early '90s, GIRLFRIEND explores the relationship between two young men who appear to have little in common yet are intensely drawn together. Unfolding during the summer between high school graduation and whatever comes next, the story follows social outcast Will, played by Ian Alexander Erbe, and popular football player Mike, played by Ryan Bowie, as the pair figure out that there is more to life than what high school has taught them.

Capturing the excitement, confusion and passion of the rush of first-time love through the soundtrack of the show are music director Matthew McNeill on piano, Thad Wallus on bass, and Bernard Lott on drums.

Written by Todd Almond with music and lyrics by Matthew Sweet, GIRLFRIEND is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., and produced in part through the generous support of Tim & Kris Lee.

GIRLFRIEND is presented in theotherspace, the 50-seat black-box theatre located upstairs at the Roxy Regional Theatre, and plays at 7:00pm on February 25, 26, March 4 and 5. Due to language and content, this production is recommended for mature audiences only.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at (931) 645-7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain).

The Roxy Regional Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing professional live theatre and promoting the arts, with emphasis on education, in Clarksville, Middle Tennessee and the Southeast. The theatre is located at 100 Franklin Street in Historic Downtown Clarksville. For more information, visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org.

Photo: "Ryan Bowie and Ian Alexander Erbe star in GIRLFRIEND