Asheville Community Theatre announces April events

• The Grapes of Wrath runs April 12-28, 2013
• Johann in the Sky With Diamonds on April 5, 2013
• Jeffrey Presented in 35below April 18 – May 5, 2013
• Storytelling series Listen to This on April 25, 2013

The Grapes of Wrath Runs April 12-28, 2013: John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece has been adapted for the stage in this inspired, Tony Award-winning version by Frank Galati. Desperately proud, but reduced to poverty by the loss of their farm, the Joads pile their few possessions on a battered old truck and head west for California, hoping to find work and a better life. The play holds to the simplicity and directness of the original novel and celebrates the persistence and strength of the human spirit. Directed by Susan Dillard. The Grapes of Wrath runs April 12-28, 2013 with performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm. Tickets range from $15.00-$22.00.

Johann in the Sky With Diamonds: James Barr presents a concert and discussion through the often-overlooked musical spirituality of the Beatles, as well as the oft-neglected emotional content and style of Bach’s work. It presents the Beatles as a spiritual gift that was far bigger than them, and Bach’s music as an exercise in passion, countering the traditional sterile, set tempo performances that lack dynamics as well as courage! Johann in the Sky With Diamonds is performed Friday, April 5, 2013 at 7:30 pm on the ACT Mainstage.  Tickets range from $20.00-$22.00.

Jeffrey Presented in 35below: Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents Paul Rudnick’s Jeffrey, a comedy about a man who has sworn off sex despite living in New York, where “sex is not something you can avoid.” Suddenly, just after he's reconciled himself to celibacy, Jeffrey's friends introduce him to the man of his dreams, who also happens to be HIV-positive. What follows is an audacious and moving romantic comedy with a difference—one in which the quest for love and really fabulous clothes meet, and where unflagging humor prevails even when tragedy might be just around the corner. Directed by Steph Hickling Beckman.  Jeffrey will be performed April 18 – May 5, 2013 with performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm. Note: no performance Thursday, April 25; additional Sunday matinee performance May 5, 2013 at 2:30 pm.  Ticket information will be posted at www.differentstrokesavl.com.

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, April 25, 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.