Tag Archives: Asheville

Black Mountain College

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I attended Montreat College, and while I am very happy that I did, on some listless days when the “what-ifs” dance across my mind in a bizzaro performing arts piece, I wish that Black Mountain College had been able to stay open and that I would have been able to attend there.bmc_logo_by_j.albers

Opened in the 1930′s, Black Mountain College was a liberal arts college which took a very unique approach to education. Many of the luminaries of the past century worked and created there: including Buckminster Fuller, Merce Cunningham, and (the one I am most enamored of) John Cage.

I cherish the sound of a Prepared Piano, and love the ideas behind his most well known composition, 4’33. Artsy-fartsy stuff does tickle my fancy and push my buttons, and it also pleases me to know that such a landmark once existed in the place that I am happy and proud to call home.

In Asheville, the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center is working to preserve and push forward the legacy of Black Mountain College. Part of that includes the {Re}Happening.

ReHappening2013PosterThe {Re}Happening is an evening of arts presentations that attempts to recapture the spirit of what living and working at Black Mountain College might have been like all those years ago as artists created and presented their works to each other.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend because I already have the great fortune to be attending the Vocal Blast Spring Benefit at the Toy Boat Toy Boat Toy Boat Community Arts Space.

But, I am going to be present in another way. There is a crowdfunding campaign to raise money so that the event might be filmed and preserved for posterity. [EDIT: And there's still time to contribute!] While nothing can match the magic of being there, video records can still be a great tool. My love of Sondheim and my education in musical theatre would not be anywhere near as nuanced without having had access to the video recordings of the original casts of Sunday In The Park With George, Into the Woods, & Passion.

They have raised the money for basic filming, but with more money they can cover editing, and add other touches that will make the final product even better. If you are interested in those sort of thing happening, then consider contributing. And if not, why not poke around IndieGogo or Kickstarter and find what you do want to see happen and help fund that?

Listening to the music around me,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

 

 

 

Opera Creations Opera Scenes Concert

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Saturday, September 29th 7:00 PM
Montreat College
Chapel of the Prodigal
A evening of Opera scenes put together by inimitable artists of Opera Creations. I will be singing selections from the roles of Handel’s Acis and G&S’s Strephon.

3 Reasons to see MILF: The Musical

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1. The cast is incredible. The supporting players include many talented friends of mine, and the titular character is played by Magnetic Theatre stand-out, Tracey Johnston-Crum.

2. Lucia Del Vecchio thrilled me with “The Evolution of Woman,” and I can’t wait to see what she’s cooked up here. The housewife scene was one the funniest parts of “Evolution,” and seems very natural to choose that environment for this new musical story. ( I unfortunately I am not familiar with the work of Holiday Childress, but if you are and like his work, consider that reason 2b.)

3. But wait a second Nathan, are you saying you haven’t seen this yet? Then why are you recommending it?

This last reason is slightly selfish. I want to see more musicals happen in Asheville. And maybe if people go and spend money on this, musicals (especially original ones) will start to gain more traction. Because as Cabaret taught us, money makes the world go ’round. But what that means is a lot of good can come from it having a successful run. I would love to see more (especially original) musicals produced, more people introduced the form (in all it’s forms), and less of an “other” attitude when we think about the idea of telling stories with song.

So go see it!
Nathan Hathaway Adams

Good Saturday at The Magnetic Field

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This Saturday (which was technically Holy Saturday), I spent some time down at The Magnetic Field and saw some wonderful theatre. I spent all night there and I would highly recommend both shows that I saw there.

The Evolution of Woman

A series of short plays by Lucia Del Vecchio, it was a delightful evening. The acting was wonderful, the sets were simple and really effective, and the writing kept me very engaged. It only has one more weekend, (and no Sunday shows) so if this piques your interest, time is counting down!

Mezzo The Happy Medium (A Haunted Comedy)

I wasn’t expecting to see this, but I stuck around for the late show after “The Evolution of Woman” and was very glad I did. I didn’t know what I was going to see, but it was a really incredible show with amazing acting and a lot of pathos. Go see it! Also one more weekend.

Also, if you’re reading this today, and you don’t have anything to do tonight, check out “8′ The Play in Asheville.” I wish I could go, but I have rehearsal for my Senior Recital tonight. So go and tell me how it is! (Gavin Creel!)

Yours,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

Wham, Bam! Puppet Slam!

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I just got back from Asheville Puppetry Alliance’s annual Puppet Slam! at the Magnetic Field and it was magnificent. Though not for the faint of heart (or those under 18) this is an event not to be missed. It was so exciting to see a whole smörgåsbord of something I don’t get much exposure to. The evening is a string of various performers, so the quality and style vary, but it’s so worth it. There is one piece in the second act worth the entire cost of a ticket. It melted my brain and completely rearranged my folders on the subject of art. It was brilliant. There are two more shows tonight at 7 & 10 at the Magnetic Field and if you happen to read this in time, get your butt down there and see it.

All’s Well / fix

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Well, as both of these shows have closed it’s a bit late to be doing a reviews, but I thought I might still share some thoughts on them.

Design by Rodney Smith

All’s Well That Ends Well – Shakespeare – Montford Park Players – Directed by Scott Keel

This was a beautifully fluid production of a not so fluid play. “All’s Well” is one of Shakespeare’s Problem Plays. The ending seems random and devoid of sense, and the main character is a bit of a stalker. Scott Keel’s production avoids apologizing for the play or trying to fix it. The script was cut to a manageable length, and eliminated a lot of the unnecessaries. I think presenting the play this way encouraged discussion about the oddities, which is was stimulating. The production design was beautiful, and the actors inhabited their characters such that I can barely think of them as actors. Gorgeous.

Design by Steve Shell

fix – Del Vecchio / Crutchfield / Vorus – Magnetic Theatre – Directed by Hope Spragg

“fix” is an evening of short plays and pieces based on the theme of addiction. This was an evening of bracing and sometimes harrowing theatre. The whole ensemble did a wonderful job of portraying such intense moments. I think the best thing about the evening was the unity that held together despite the different style, approaches, and in one case, mediums of the different pieces.

There’s my three cents,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

Magnetic Midnight @ Magnetic Field

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This winter, a new performance venue opened in the Asheville River Arts District.

The Magnetic Field is a full-service bar, cafe and performance house, featuring original attractions in theatre, music, comedy and more.

I think my favorite word in the above description is “original.” The Magnetic Field is a venue that seems genuinely interested in fostering new work in the Asheville area. To that end, they have introduced Magnetic Midnight.

How about I let them describe it for you . . .

Magnetic Midnight is a magical, mysterious, monthly event (the first Friday of each month) in which the best of The Magnetic Theatre meets the best of you. Arrive at 10 P.M. to participate with an original script, song, dance, or routine no more than 5 minutes long, or if you wish to act or direct. Up to 12 acts accepted as they appear. The hunt for the great is on!

Regrettably, the first Magnetic Midnight was plagued with snow. But luckily, thespians are plucky and adventury and decided that the snow show must go on!

Being familiar with the format, the patrons settled in nicely. Two wonderful actors made a bit from one of my recent plays come alive, and it was a delight to watch. One of the actors had been persuaded to come earlier that night when she stopped by the bar for drink! Having a bar next to a theatre is a wonder and a joy.

Also, in addition to the 12 five minute spots, there is a ten minute slot worked into the evening for invited artists to come and workshop longer pieces. It’s these touches that really excite me about the Field as a place for new theatre and artistic pursuits. For example, they also have something called the “Synergy Story Slam.” Which, in the words of Spock, sounds fascinating.

This place really excites me. Their first two productions are both original works! I’m hope to get out there and see what happened “When Jekyll Met Hyde.”

The Magnetic Field

Nathan Hathaway

Poetry Slam Asheville

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This winter, I ventured out one cold night with my sister Artemis and made my way to the Masonic Temple in Downtown Asheville. The purpose of this outing was to attend Poetry Slam Asheville.

I had never attended a Poetry Slam before, and I had no clue what to expect. I was amazed at the talent that was showcased that night, in both the writing and the performance. I performed a poem in the open mic section, and felt very warmly received. The guest slam teams were incredible, and it was nice to be shown a wide variety of the possibilities with spoken word.

It was a long show to be sure, and after an intermission, the slam (the competition section) began. What astounded me here was the complete and total honesty that was laid bare in the auditorium. Topics that people are afraid to discuss in private were performed openly for total strangers. The entire time the slam was going I was being hit with inspiration for poems, and I definitely plan on participating in the slam in the next few months.

Spoken word is a refuge for pure performance. Just like Homer or the choruses of the Greek Theatre, the poetry slam touches on a very basic style of communication, one that we don’t often see in today’s society. Without the bells and whistles, we still have each other.

Poetry Slam Asheville

Nathan Hathaway

Books! Rap! And Even Pat Robertson!

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Hello all!

So I have recently discovered this wonderful place called Mr. K’s Used Books, Music, & More. It’s an amazing used bookstore with an incredible selection. I’ve kind of become obsessed with selling my old books to them for store credit. If you live in Asheville and haven’t check them out (I’m looking at you Montreatians.) They’re located in the River Ridge Shopping Center out by Exit 8 on 240.

As a part of my recent obsession with books, I recently organized my collection, and I now refer to my top shelf of books as the “Nathan Hathaway Library of Drama.”

Today, I ran across these two music videos, both amazing. One by Eminem-

And one by a Christian band called Gungor-

Tonight I open my second and final weekend of Troilus and Cressida. Come see the show! It runs for three more weekends. I, alas, most leave the show early for school.

Sighing,
Nathan Hathaway

Whores and Bookstores

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A little poetry to liven up your life . . .

Babylon College Library 306.74

“I have a friend to the end

Kayla is her name
Curly is her mane
Tiny is her fame

She’s a whore
To be sure

Not for dicks
Are her tricks

No such luck
Not for muff

Only books
Earn her looks

As I said
She’s a whore
She’s the whore

A very definite article

She’s the whore of Babylon College
She’s a slut for knowledge

Feel the thrill so divine
When she strokes a book’s spine

How all her lust rages
When she turns the pages

Not content with one subject
Each shelf has love objects

She’s the whore of Babylon College

Just the whore of Babylon College

If only she could teach us
And then she maybe wean us
From the joy of muff and penis

Then maybe

Just maybe

The world would be a better place.

All thanks to

The Whore of Babylon College”

Also!

The Huffington Post is running a poll on their website called “Bookstores We Love For Their Spirit of Independence.” Asheville favorite Malaprops is in the running! It’s been in and out of the top five, but we can still win this thing! Go to the website and rate it a ten. I think you can vote more than once, so go crazy (if you haven’t already).

Doing some reading,
Nathan Hathaway