Tag Archives: Montford Park Players

A Scary Christmas Carol (A Reviewing Swan Song)

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For now, I have decided to suspend the fantasy that I am a theatre critic. I have offered reviews before, but they usually end up short and timid, or long and gushing. I simply feel too close to the process of creating theatre to comfortably critique other artists engaged in that endeavor. That role, while important, is not for me (as of right now, anyway). However, I have no qualms about recommending shows that I feel should not be missed while perhaps offerings bits of constructive criticism along the way. This I will continue to do, but I really need to stop pretending I am a theatre critic in any public sense of the word.

Poster by Rodney Smith

In that spirit, I must heartily recommend that you go and see Montford Park Players’ new production of “A Christmas Carol.” While this tradition has a long history in Asheville, this production is a complete transformation from previous years and what a beauty it is. To see this cast take on such a theatrically nuanced and complex retelling of the classic tale is breathtaking. Does everything flow like a professional production? No. Did I agree with all of the choices? (Yes, I’m talking about that choice.) No. But that isn’t what is most important. What is important is everyday artists working hard, taking chances, and doing so with excellence. This production does all three in spades. Go see it. You’re welcome. And if you hate it, I’d love to hear why!

Yours truly,

Nathan Hathaway Adams

Double Errors: A Comedy of Falsehood

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So yes, a little remiss on my side of things for not posting lately, and I do apologize. But you see, I’ve been rehearsing a show and it’s running now!

Oh, you mean I should have told you that?

Well, I just did!

Alright fine. I’ll hit myself with a whip and sing Sondheim’s “Mea Culpa”  later. But first I want to tell you about the show I’m in. It’s the first mainstage show of the Montford Park Player’s summer season and boy is it a doozy! It’s a Double Feature of “The Comedy of Errors” and “Double Falsehood.” “Errors” is of course the well known Shakespeare play, and “Falsehood” is of course the very obscure Fakespeare* play.

*A Fakespeare is a play of dubious quality which “scholars” have “decided” is a part of “Shakespeare’s” “canon.” Plays that were based on plays by Shakespeare tend to fall into this category.

This show is a blast to perform.  It’s kind of teetering on the edge of being a musical. In a Bollywood sort of way. And we grab our balls while wearing bling. You kind of just have to see it.   I play various parts in “Errors” and the wronged lover Julio in “Falsehood.” It runs Fri/Sat/Sunday nights in June, and it’s free! Details are here.

T
T
F
N,
Ta-ta for now!

Nathan Hathaway Adams

P.S. Mountain Express Review: Double Errors

Retrospective Un

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Looking back over my blogs of the past, I discovered some themes that either needed resolution or continuation. This is the first blog that hits on that idea.

I found a blog from a while back where I posted a review from Doctor Faustus.  I remember being so excited just to see my name printed! This summer, I received a rather nice notice for my performance as Priam in Montford Park Players “Troilus and Cressida,” in a review penned by Steven Samuels.

. . . Shakespeare’s language is handled especially well by Mycoff, Marshall, Madden, and Nathan [Hathaway] in a surprisingly sympathetic reading of the minor part of the Trojan ruler Priam . . .

The review was posted in the Mountain Express. It was quite flattering and very nice to be noticed for such a small role. Performing in Troilus and Cressida was an extremely enriching experiences of my theatrical life, and for that I have the wonderful cast and crew to thank. In particular our director Jason Williams. He also directed Doctor Faustus, which was another highlight in my playing experiences. It was a lovely surprise to remember these two lovely productions. If you haven’t read Troilus and Cressida, do so. What you find may surprise you.

Swimming in the sea of memory,
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

Troilus and Cressida Opens Tonight!

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Tonight, the Montford Park Player‘s production of Troilus and Cressida, directed by Jason Williams, opens at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre!

I will be playing Priam and Margarelon for the first two weekends, after which I am leaving the show to get ready for the Fall Semester at Montreat College.

Doublets and camo and swords, oh my! This play is very rarely performed, so don’t miss your chance to see romance and sex and lechery and wars and politics and wrestling and sword fights!

The show runs from July 30th to August 22nd, Friday/Saturday/Sunday at 7:30. Visit the Montford Park Players website for more info.

An old bastard,
Nathan Hathaway

King Lear

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Just a quick note to say that I am now in the cast of Montford Park Players King Lear!

No, not King Leer, KING LEAR. The Shakespeare play.

That’s better. I’m so excited to be in shows again (this AND Troilus and Cressida.) I’m playing the Herald, and a bunch of parts with no lines, I’m jumping in to help them out and be an extra. But it’s so wonderful to be onstage again, and it’s just nice to be around the language of the (pretentious voice) immorrrtahl barrrd. It’s such a beautiful play, with perhaps one of the greatest endings in English Literature.

The show runs from June 18th to July 11th (My birthday!), and all my wonderful friends (that means you) should come and see it!

Always leering,
Nathan Hathaway

Sophmore Year of College, Check!

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Well, sort of . . .

In troth, I still have an hour and a half before I am officially a Junior, which is why I’m taking Old Testament at AB Tech. Let me say that again.

I’m talking Old Testament at AB Tech.

Just about everyone I have uttered that statement to has broken out in giggles or looked at me like I was from outer space. It actually fulfills a Gen Ed requirement at Montreat (Being a Christian College and all that . . .). It looks like it’s going to be a great class. The instructor seems to understand the concepts of simplicity and being straightforward, something precious few professors seem to get. They would rather clutter their classes with busy work and unbending deadlines for every single tiny assignment.

Also, the class has, for the first time, made me grateful I was raised in a Christian household. This has afforded me a greater understanding than some of one of the most important books in the written tradition. It’s also increasing my interest in said book, and it’s nice to study it myself, without the trappings of my upbringing.

I am also ecstatic beyond words to finally have time to read again! Hallelujah! So far I have read:
Starsdust by Neil Gaiman
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
The Eternals by Neil Gaiman
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare
Genesis

Speaking of Troilus and Cressida, I have grandchildren!

Isn’t it great?

I’m so proud.

Ok, you don’t find this funny. I get it.

Oh, you want me to explain. Uh huh . . .

I’m playing Priam, King of Troy, for two weekends of the Montford Park Player’s production of Troilus and Cressida, directed by Jason Williams. And Priam is super ancient and has grandchildren. Not my usual, but I’m looking forward to it (and you know what they say, it’s good to be the king!). I am terribly excited to be in a show again and see all my downtown friends.

A little bit of vanity while I was waiting for Complete Works to start.

Yesterday, I went to Montford to see “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” It was hysterical. I would highly recommend going to see one of their final two performances.

Must dash, I’m going to hang out with the cast of Complete Works, but I’ll end this with the fact that I hope to produce some (probably free) play readings this summer!

Yours forthcoming,
Nathan Hathaway