It may not have the subtlety and wit of “Saturday Night Live” sketches, which it resembles, but Action Move: The Play, written by Chicago-based playwrights Joe Faust and Richard Ragsdale, is very much in the spirit of The Magnetic Theatre’s original satires.
This pairing of one acts from the post-World War II era of what was known as absurdist theater were often presented together to create a full evening.
What makes this production stand out among the offerings in Asheville is the choice to tackle the absurdists. These playwrights are disruptive, and their goal is to shake up expectations, especially about the meaning of existence.
“Mr. Sandman,” “Leader of the Pack,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and other hits are part of the show, which runs March 7-17 at Mars Hill University’s Owen Theatre.
Along with theatrical productions, the event space offers murder mystery dinners, programming for children, a Malaprop’s book store pop-up, the Artful Cup Coffee Bar and more.
The Gin Game resounds with witty humor by poking fun at the matters of aging. It then cleverly challenges our comfort-zone with deep drama, scolding us for making light of such a serious subject.
Footloose touches most intriguingly on an era when being free and expressing oneself with music and dance was bitterly frowned upon by certain belief systems.
The show is a lean, tension-filled piece that gives both actors a chance to run the emotional gamut.
Jeeves, the competent valet, and his blundering employer Bertie are back for more British farce among the bumbling aristocracy.
As this year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some truly extraordinary theater ranging from splashy musicals, moving dramas and locally written plays.
In Western North Carolina, 2018 held numerous examples of the arts-infused actions aimed at collective liberation.
Every time she has a date, she turns it into humor. Her way of dealing with love’s disappointments makes hope and a happy ending possible.
Produced by Southside Rising and supported by partners such as Asheville Creative Arts, the show opens on Saturday, Dec. 15, and will be staged throughout the city.
The youths of Montford Park Players’ Moppets program run the annual holiday production, Dec. 14, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at Land of the Sky UCC.
‘Sanders Family Christmas’ is the sequel to the bluegrass gospel musical ‘Smoke on the Mountain.’ It runs through Sunday, Dec. 23, on the campus of Mars Hill University.
For the Plantagenets family in 1183 England, led by Henry II (portrayed by actor and Xpress contributor Kai Elijah Hamilton), the political is personal.
The local historical twist on the Dickens classic will be performed Dec. 6-8 at the Vance Birthplace.
Of black-led theater, McDaniel says, “People want it and people crave it. I think we need it here. You can go to the big cities and see it any time — the big cities are spoiled. Let’s spoil each other here.”
The show has garnered something of a cult following and the late night showings are legendary for being even more raucous than their early-evening counterparts.
The creative twist on the beloved holiday story opens Nov. 28 at NC Stage and runs through Dec. 16.
Michael Lilly is fearless in this role. He isn’t afraid to wear the emotions on his sleeve, whether he is making snide comments on the insincerity of the minister’s words in his father’s funeral service, or on the verge of emotionally melting down.