NC Stage opens “Parallel Lives,” May 13

An extension of sketch comedy production The Kathy and Mo Show, the play Parallel Lives explores “what it’s like to be a woman in today’s society in a hilarious fashion.” Parallel Lives runs May 13-June 7 at North Carolina Stage Company.

Press release from NC Stage:

Parallel Lives is an extension of the off-Broadway hit The Kathy and Mo Show by Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney.  Kathy and Mo assume multiple characters, genders and personalities in this comedy sketch riot. From discussing God’s interior decorating choices to a stint in a West-Texas country music bar, these two women aren’t afraid to tackle any material. With minimal sets and plenty of costume changes this is an intimate evening with two great friends that promises the audience will laugh out loud.

The production stars NC Stage favorite Neela Muñoz and a newcomer to NC Stage, Atlanta based actress Nichole Hamilton. Directed by NC Stage Artistic Director Charlie Flynn-McIver.

Of the production, Flynn-McIver says “In our production, our actors explore what it’s like to be a woman in today’s society in a hilarious fashion.  Through a series of sketches, the women look at the absurdities they face as they grow up, become an adult, and navigate love and life.  Religion, sexuality, feminism, panty hose, and kale do not escape the keen, wry wit of the authors’ laser sharp jokes. One would think, in the 21st century, we would be past the need for this type of satire but one look at the evening news shows that we definitely are not.”

Muñoz says about the production, “Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney have a real gift for diving into the dysfunctional to reveal a truth that’s both endearing and hysterical. ‘Parallel Lives’ is a comical collection of sharp scenes that reaches out to make sense of life, love, religion, and sex. As we all know, the contrasting opinions on these issues are rich fodder for arguments AND comedy. This show is like a swinging bat that cracks open the make-up kit of superficiality releasing a rainbow of self-awareness. Was that description badass enough? Ha! It’s a gift to be a part of production so poignant and playful, especially with the talented folks at NC Stage.”

North Carolina Stage Company is Asheville’s only professional equity theatre celebrating its 13th year producing plays for the Asheville community.  Founded by Charlie and Angie Flynn-McIver, the theatre has been voted best local theatre 9 out of the past 10 years in the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Poll.  NC Stage was also recently awarded the American Theatre Wing National Theatre Company Grant.

Parallel Lives Information:
Where: North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville, NC
Dates: May 13th- June 7th, 2015
Performance: Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM
Ticket Prices: $14-$32.  Student tickets $10 anytime!  Never any ticketing fees.
Pay-What-You-Can: Wednesday, May 13th at 7:30 PM.
Design Credit: Local designer Sarah Lambert of Uber Kio designed and created the wings

Tickets are available by calling 828-239-0263 or visiting us online at ncstage.org

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

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