Having staged an amazing 12 productions since opening just one year ago, The Magnetic Theatre is kicking off the new season with associate director John Crutchfield’s combustible Solstice that tells the story of Eugene, an ambitious young man who goes to visit his best friend Carlton.

He discovers Carlton living in desperate and dangerous circumstances. Eugene is repulsed by the life his friend seems to be leading, but cannot leave for fear of what carlton might do to himself. add a Civil War pistol, a Darth Vader mask, a child’s doll, and there’s no predicting where Crutchfield’s imagination will take his characters.

Solstice, despite its grotesque situations, is both haunting and humorous. the play, directed by the playwright and produced by Chall Gray, stars Scott Fisher, Glenn Reed, and Lisa M. Smith.

Previews at just $8 will be January 12–13, and there will be a $15 gala opening January 14. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday–Saturday through February 4 (tickets are $12–15). For tickets, visit themagneticfield.com, call 828.668.2154, or stop by the theatre at 372 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District.