The Montford Park Players’ The Asheville Shakespearience (May 13–28) is a curated compilation of scenes from William Shakespeare’s body of work. Last produced in 2011, it was originally conceived as a way to give audiences a taste of the playwright’s work without watching the plays in entirety. “It then evolved into opportunities to play with his text and his scenes in ways that wouldn’t work in a full-length play,” says Scott Keel, artistic director for the Players. “In its most recent incarnation, we have decided to have multiple directors tackle the play together, each working on a few scenes that are presented in one night.” Directors for the May production are Christine Eide and Caleb Owolabi, who make their directorial premier, and Adrian Suskauer. Christine was most recently seen in Glengarry Glen Ross produced by Different Strokes! last March. Caleb performed in Asheville Community Theatre’s The Man Who Came to Dinner. Adrian is no stranger to the Montford stage and directed As You Like It last year. One big change this season is that seats for all Players’ shows are available on a pay-what-youcan basis. “Our business model, from our founding in 1973, has always been to make theater available and affordable for all,” says managing director John Russell. “We are here to serve the community as much as the Asheville community serves us, and we think the best way to do that is to open all of our shows to every potential theater enthusiast.” Suggested donation for each ticket is $15. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Hazel Robinson Ampitheatre, 92 Gay Street in Asheville.
For more, visit montfordparkplayers.org or call 828.254.5146.
