Asbury Presents Live Theatre with “3 PLAYS – 1 SHOW – 6 NIGHTS”

October 20, 2020

WILMORE, Ky. — The Asbury Theatre Department is getting ready to make live theatre happen again with the upcoming production of “3 PLAYS – 1 SHOW – 6 NIGHTS”. They will be offering three completely different stories to be performed for audiences in Miller Greathouse Theatre. As an added bonus, due to limited distanced seating, two of the performances will be livestreamed as well, allowing audiences to use a link and watch it in a dorm, at home, or wherever they may be.

Director Carol Anderson says, “We’re keeping CDC rules while providing an entertainment experience that is a gift to the community. God uses the arts to entertain, encourage thought and speak to the heart. We hope doing this show will help lift audiences from everyday concerns and receive the ministry that good stories can give.”

Asbury University is one of a small number of schools that is continuing with a theatre season this year, giving opportunity for their student actors to grow. This work offers the Asbury community the refreshment of live theatre as well. Anderson says, “The wonderful alumni gift of live streaming with a free link will further share this gift. But right now the actors are eager for an in-person audience in the theatre – making it all come alive. So come be part of the experience.”

“3 PLAYS – 1 SHOW – 6 NIGHTS” starts off with “Breaking of the Bread” that goes to the heart of the civil war where two opposing soldiers make a deal; a life for a loaf of bread. The conflict that ensues features twists and turns that make it a powerful show.

Next is “Tolkien’s Marriage”, depicting the surprising romance between J.R.R. Tolkien and his wife Edith Bratt, beginning in their youth and following into their old age. The theatrical surprise of how this is done adds to the experience of watching each chapter unfold. In addition to their marriage, we learn Inside stories of Tolkien’s friendship with C.S. Lewis and more, making this a delight for Tolkien fans as well as those just being introduced to the author of Lord of the Rings. 

The final act of the show changes pace with a screwball comedy called “What Is Love? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)”. It’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” meets millennial angst, as on the eve of Daisy’s Pinterest perfect wedding, her fiancé backs out. To save the wedding, the two embark on a scavenger hunt through the forests of… Arden? Nope, Gatlinburg – creating a wacky tale of imperfect love and relationships to end the evening in laughter and fun.

The combined cast of “3 PLAYS – 1 SHOW – 6 NIGHTS” comprises: Mary Beth Kane ’20, Jackson Wilhelmi ’21, Jacob Keefer ’21, Morgan LeBeau ’21, Ben Jeffers ’21, Olivia Coxon ’21, Ruffin Stanley ’21, Christa Lain ’22, Lucas Ross ’22, Nic Joransen ’22, Gavin Reed ’23, Eswin Monroy ’23, Joshua Watts ’24, Carmen Clemente ’24, and Katie Jornod ’24.

Performances are Thursday – Saturday, October 22-24 and 29-31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Greathouse Theatre in the Miller Building. Tickets are $6 for students, faculty, staff and senior adults for in-person with distanced seating. General admission is $12. Reserve tickets now. Seating is limited to 50 in the theatre so purchase ahead. Unlimited links for the live streamed performances.

To view during live streamed performances, email donna.flanigan@asbury.edu for a free link which will be sent prior to the show of your choice on October 30-31 at 7:30 p.m.