Local theater company Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective opens prison-set drama Coyote on a Fence on Thursday, June 4. Shows are held at The BeBe Theatre, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Press release from Different Stokes:
Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective continues its 2015 season with Bruce Graham’s drama Coyote on a Fence, running June 4 through 20 at The BeBe Theatre (20 Commerce St. in downtown Asheville). Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with audience talkbacks after Friday and Saturday performances. Advance tickets are $15 each and may be purchased online at www.differentstrokespac.org, with group rates also available. Tickets at the door are $18 each or $15 for students and seniors.
Based on a true story, Coyote on a Fence is about two men on death row: illiterate but likable Bobby Reyburn, a racist predator convicted of a horrific crime, and educated and arrogant John Brennan, a serious writer who may only be guilty of doing society a favor. As each awaits his fate, one evokes sympathy and the other derision, while the audience is challenged to consider whether one can be innocent though proven guilty.
Director Ashleigh Millett said she first saw Coyote on a Fence in high school, and she still feels overwhelmed by the story a decade later.
“The characters you see on the stage are real people,” she said. “The real Bobby Rayburn is every child we turn our backs on, and we see what he could have been had he been nurtured, loved or taught right from wrong. And the real John Brennan believed that everyone deserves some honor and respect after they die. The pain and struggle you watch these characters go through happens to someone every day. We know these people. We are these people.”
Coyote on a Fence stars Steph Hickling Beckman, Courtney DeGennaro, Garrett Funk and Sean David Robinson. Alison Tippins serves as production manager, with Artemis Addams as technical director.
A portion of the proceeds of ticket sales will benefit My Daddy Taught Me That, which works with young males in grades 6 through 12 to educate them, build self-esteem, and break down barriers and stereotypes. The goal is that each participant will develop an understanding of what it takes to be a productive male in today’s society, while utilizing what they have learned to become the leaders of tomorrow. For more information, visit www.mydaddytaughtmethat.org.
For more information about Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective and Coyote on a Fence, visit www.differentstrokespac.org.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.