On Friday, I had the distinct privilege of seeing FIGHT GIRL BATTLE WORLD at North Carolina Stage Company. A co-production with Clusterf**k Productions, this play is a wonderful example that genres like Sci-Fi can & should be done on stage. It was a delight to watch, and I would highly recommend it.
P.S. You can buy one ticket & get the 2nd for half off with code DURK-HOLE. (For Wednesday shows ONLY!)
You’re welcome!
Nathan Hathaway Adams
For now, I have decided to suspend the fantasy that I am a theatre critic. I have offered reviews before, but they usually end up short and timid, or long and gushing. I simply feel too close to the process of creating theatre to comfortably critique other artists engaged in that endeavor. That role, while important, is not for me (as of right now, anyway). However, I have no qualms about recommending shows that I feel should not be missed while perhaps offerings bits of constructive criticism along the way. This I will continue to do, but I really need to stop pretending I am a theatre critic in any public sense of the word.
Poster by Rodney Smith
In that spirit, I must heartily recommend that you go and see Montford Park Players’ new production of “A Christmas Carol.” While this tradition has a long history in Asheville, this production is a complete transformation from previous years and what a beauty it is. To see this cast take on such a theatrically nuanced and complex retelling of the classic tale is breathtaking. Does everything flow like a professional production? No. Did I agree with all of the choices? (Yes, I’m talking about that choice.) No. But that isn’t what is most important. What is important is everyday artists working hard, taking chances, and doing so with excellence. This production does all three in spades. Go see it. You’re welcome. And if you hate it, I’d love to hear why!
Yours truly,
Nathan Hathaway Adams
Unfortunately, I have yet to have a chance to see a Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective production, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. I’ve been seeing the reports coming out the Bebe Theatre and it looks like a beautiful thing is happening there in the form of their production of “The Laramie Project.” I looked at my schedule last night and realized I won’t have a chance to see it due to end of semester commitments. But, I want to encourage you to see it. No, I cannot offer any sort of review, but these are artists whom I love and respect, and I encourage you to give this show some of your time, I think it will be worth your while.
Love,
Nathan Hathaway Adams
The end of my next to last semester of undergraduate is upon me, and with that are final concerts and recitals! Here is the the schedule of performances that I will be appearing in over the next two weeks. (I will also be continuing to sing with the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir. We are singing selections from “Messiah” on the 18th, more info here.)
Student Recital
Tuesday, December 6 @ 11 AM
Chapel of the Prodigal, Montreat College
College Choir Concert
Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10, @ 7 PM
Chapel of the Prodigal, Montreat College
Contemporary Ensemble Concert
Monday, December 12th @ 7 PM
Gaither Chapel, Montreat College
Hope to see you there!
Love,
Nathan Hathaway Adams
Holy crap, 2012 is right around the corner. Oh well, Happy Turkey Day! Above is one of the best holiday showtunes. Enjoy!
Nathan Hathaway Adams
I recorded this, my rendition of “Jabberwocky,” about a year ago, when the Computer Applications in Music class were recording their final projects. And now that I’m in that same class, I’m promoting it as a part of my final project! I’ve performed this at a couple of Montreat College Open Mics and Coffee Houses, and it’s usually a big hit. I hope you enjoy!
This scared the crap out of me as a child, Happy Halloween!
Love,
Nathan Hathaway Adams
Design by vaudevie.com
I just got back from Asheville Puppetry Alliance’s annual Puppet Slam! at the Magnetic Field and it was magnificent. Though not for the faint of heart (or those under 18) this is an event not to be missed. It was so exciting to see a whole smörgåsbord of something I don’t get much exposure to. The evening is a string of various performers, so the quality and style vary, but it’s so worth it. There is one piece in the second act worth the entire cost of a ticket. It melted my brain and completely rearranged my folders on the subject of art. It was brilliant. There are two more shows tonight at 7 & 10 at the Magnetic Field and if you happen to read this in time, get your butt down there and see it.
Well, as both of these shows have closed it’s a bit late to be doing a reviews, but I thought I might still share some thoughts on them.
Design by Rodney Smith
All’s Well That Ends Well – Shakespeare – Montford Park Players – Directed by Scott Keel
This was a beautifully fluid production of a not so fluid play. “All’s Well” is one of Shakespeare’s Problem Plays. The ending seems random and devoid of sense, and the main character is a bit of a stalker. Scott Keel’s production avoids apologizing for the play or trying to fix it. The script was cut to a manageable length, and eliminated a lot of the unnecessaries. I think presenting the play this way encouraged discussion about the oddities, which is was stimulating. The production design was beautiful, and the actors inhabited their characters such that I can barely think of them as actors. Gorgeous.
Design by Steve Shell
fix – Del Vecchio / Crutchfield / Vorus – Magnetic Theatre – Directed by Hope Spragg
“fix” is an evening of short plays and pieces based on the theme of addiction. This was an evening of bracing and sometimes harrowing theatre. The whole ensemble did a wonderful job of portraying such intense moments. I think the best thing about the evening was the unity that held together despite the different style, approaches, and in one case, mediums of the different pieces.
There’s my three cents,
Nathan Hathaway Adams
