The timing couldn't be better for K-town political satire

An area theater company is taking Knoxville to task, poking fun with music and comedy at local personalities, controversies, and, of course, politics. And according to Jayne Morgan, director and writer for the play "Forbidden Knoxville," there has never been a better time to do it.

"The political situation has been so ripe for satire," said Morgan, whose play riffs on all things Knoxville. "We certainly had lots of material."

Chances are, if it's made the headlines, it's going to get a full treatment by Theatre Knoxville Downtown's six comedic performers.

"We have a segment called 'As the County Turns,'" said Morgan, referring to a soap-opera parody of the lawsuit Attorney Herbert S. Moncier, representing News Sentinel Editor Jack McElroy, launched and won against the Knox County Commission for violating Sunshine Laws in 2007. "It's an over-the-top look at how those events transpired."

They even have a tribute to Market Square business owners Scott and Bernadette West, who pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy and money laundering scheme in 2006.

Other satiric acts include a musical number with three previous University of Tennessee presidents, a skit lampooning WBIR's program "Live at Five at Four," and riffs on the TVA coal ash spill.

One sketch parodies the prevalence of nicknames for the Knox County Commissioners, like "Scooby" and "Lumpy," with the Seven Dwarfs.

"The hardest thing about it is that it's already kind of funny and kind of absurd," said Morgan. "How do you make it funnier than it already is?"

While getting laughs wasn't going to be a problem for Morgan, crossing the line was definitely on her mind.

"Culturally, we've gotten more conservative," said Morgan, who felt audiences might think some of the humor would be too much. In one skit, she said a local personality they were satirizing was actually a good friend of one of the actors - and it made them stop and think.

But, thanks to her ensemble, she eventually didn't have to pull back at all.

"The cast encouraged me to go further than I might have gone," she added.

Another difficulty of political satire for Morgan was knowing how much background information to give the audience. She said she couldn't be sure how informed they were of local events.

"We took care to set up each bit with a little bit of background," said Morgan. "I don't think it's something you have to know a lot about ... to have a good time and enjoy it. There are a few bits that you could transplant anywhere."

So, the play is guaranteed to split sides, but does "Forbidden Knoxville" have a chance of changing the local political landscape?

"No, I don't have any illusions," said Morgan. "(My) greatest hope is we don't get sued."

Stephen Woodward is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!

© 2009 Knoxville.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.