March 2013 events at Asheville Community Theatre

BARK! Runs Through March 10, 2013: BARK! follows six canine characters for one day at Deena’s Doggie Daycare, and the entire show is presented from a dog’s point of view.  BARK! played for two years in Los Angeles becoming the 3rd longest running show in Los Angeles history.  The memorable songs and dance of BARK! resulted in nominations for Best Musical Score & Best Choreography from the prestigious LA Critics’ Drama Circle Awards.  BARK! features music by Asheville resident David Troy Francis, is directed by Eric Mills, and stars Carol Duermit, Daniel Hensley, Jeff Catanese, MK Penley, Jackie Canney, and Garrett Funk.  BARK! runs through March 10, 2013 with performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm. Tickets range from $15.00-$25.00.

Readers Theatre Showcase Series Presents In Praise of Love: Inspired by the real life marriage of Rex Harrison to Kay Kendall, Terrence Rattigan’s play paints a portrait of a literary critic who keeps the world, as well as his terminally ill wife and adolescent son at arm’s length, with his cutting, hard-edged banter.  It is his loyal friend, a bestselling American author, who tries to smooth things over and to repair the damaged relationships within the family unit.  This production pays tribute to the 100th birthday of Rattigan, one of Britain’s finest modern playwrights.  Directed by Beth Ely.  Performances are Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16, 2013 in 35below at Asheville Community Theatre and Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA.  All performances begin at 2:30. Tickets are $5.00 and are available at the door.

Youth Production Class Presents Into the Woods, Jr. The Brothers Grimm “go Broadway”! In this musical, all of your favorite fairytale characters – Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and The Witch – meet and interact on their journeys. Into the Woods, Jr. is funny and engaging and will definitely have you reconsidering fairytales in new and thoughtful ways!  This production is performed by a class of 30 students ranging in age from 8 to 15!  Performances are Friday, March 15 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $5.00.

Volunteer Orientation Session: Asheville Community Theatre will hold a Volunteer Orientation Session on Monday, March 18, 2013 at 6:30 pm at the downtown theatre.  All who are interested in volunteering at ACT are invited to attend.  No previous experience in theatre is required to volunteer.  The Orientation Session should last no longer than an hour and will include a tour of the theatre.

Youth Production Class Sign Up to Participate in Free to Be You and Me: From the children’s book Free To Be… You And Me that inspires children to examine the possibilities of who they could become, this musical is quickly becoming a modern classic.  Authored by Marlo Thomas with pieces from many supremely talented writers and artists (including Judy Blume and Shel Silverstein), this musical encourages both boys and girls to realize they can achieve anything! Asheville Community Theatre’s Youth Production Classes take students from the first day of rehearsal to the final curtain call of a performance!  Free to Be You and Me is open to students ages 6-12.  Classes begin Tuesday March 19, 2013 and meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30-6:00 pm until April 25 with days off over holidays.  There are two extra rehearsals that will take place on Saturday March 23 and April 20 for 3 hours (times TBA). From April 29-May 9, students will rehearse daily Monday-Thursday afternoons on the Mainstage.  Three performances will be held on the Mainstage on May 10 at 7:30 pm and May 11-12 at 2:30 pm.  For tuition information or to register, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org or call 828-254-1320.

Auditions for Kiss Me, Kate:  Be a part of Cole Porter’s classic and classy musical! Auditions will be held Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00-8:00 at Asheville Community Theatre. Please prepare 16 bars of music and bring your sheet music to the audition in the key in which you will be singing. We will provide an accompanist. All roles are available to anyone in the community. Directed by Chanda Calentine with musical direction by Brad Curtioff .

Storytelling series Listen to This: In the vein of “The Moth” or “This American Life,” Listen to This features stories and original songs from locals.  In 35below on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 7:30 pm.  Hosted by Tom Chalmers.  Tickets are $10.00.

For more information on any of the events at Asheville Community Theatre, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.