Tryon – One of playwright George Bernard Shaw’s most famous comedies will be presented in Tryon’s showcase outdoor venue in early October. Arms & the Man will be staged in Rogers Park from October 3 through 6.
Director Andy Millard describes the show as “an un-romantic comedy” with the classic play filled with near-misses, misunderstandings, and unique interpretations of classic romantic comedy situations.
The play follows the aftermath of the Serbo-Bulgarian War as Raina, a wealthy young Bulgarian woman suddenly finds herself face-to-face with Bluntschli, a valiant solder fighting for the Serbians-and her enemy. She offers him a safe place in the midst of conflict and along with her parents, her haplessly heroic fiance, and headstrong servants, develops a deeper understanding of war, bravery, and love than her Victorian upbringing has prepared her for.
Premiered in 1894, Arms & the Man was one of Shaw’s first successful plays in a career that went on to define the early modern theater scene. The play examines the futility of war and pitfalls of human relationships filled with hypocrisy, but with plenty of satire, irony, and humor throughout the performance.
Arms & the Man features a cast of eight talented performers from across Asheville, Columbus, and Tryon, NC and Landrum and Spartanburg, SC. It is presented by the Shakespeare & Friends theater company, which has a five year history of bringing classic scripts to life with a modern twist.
The play with be staged in Rogers Park, Tryon’s popular outdoor amphitheater. Audiences will be seated on and around the stage with the actors, for an up-close experience. New for this performance, Shakespeare & Friends is offering premium seating, which includes a table for two, complimentary charcuterie boards, and the invitation to bring your own beverage to enjoy during the show.
Performances will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with an additional matinee at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. Tickets are $20 for General Admission and $40 for Premium Seating. Tickets and additional details are available at www.shakespeare-friends.com.