Is it a comedy? Does it fit better in the horror genre? Isn't it a "B Western?"

You'll have to decide for yourself as Theatre UNCA stages Jane Martin’s intriguing play, “Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage,” offering three evening performances and a Sunday matinee, February 23-27 at UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theater. Tickets go on sale February 17 for all performances, with student, senior citizen, and general admission pricing.

“Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage” focuses on a former rodeo rider who rehabilitates injured cowboys on her ranch. The play pits the code of the Old West against contemporary darkness. The show may not be suitable for younger audiences due to violence and partial nudity.

The production is directed by Rob Bowen, UNC Asheville associate professor of drama. The UNC Asheville student cast includes Hollis Anderson, John Coggin, Taylor Collins, Sydney deBriel, Sarah Felmet, Casey Harrell, and Charlie Napier, with understudies Jeff Sammarco and Sally Tucker. Designers include Rob Bowen; UNC Asheville Assistant Professors of Drama Rob Berls and Ida Bostian; and students Cory Cheeks, Taylor Collins, Brittany Curtis, Garrett Funk, Rachel Gordon, Rhiannon King, Chris Kugler, Katherine Lancaster, and Jordan Rucker.

Wednesday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m.; curtain for the Sunday matinee is 2 p.m. Tickets for all performances are $10 general admission, $8 for senior citizens, and $5 for students. Advance purchase of tickets is strongly advised. Tickets may be ordered online or by phone by calling 828.232.2291 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are also available at the box office one hour before curtain. For more information, contact UNC Asheville's Drama Department at 828.251.6610.