Actors’ Mission Breaks Out the Bongos for Coffee House One-Acts

The public is invited to attend “Death in a Nut’s Hell: a Date with Deathtiny.” The 22nd production of Actor’s Mission will showcase a night of four one-acts that will treat the audience to some comical views of death as well as a little experimental theater. The coffeehouse style atmosphere will include baristas making your favorite cappuccinos and lattes, biscotti, and bistro fare. Death in a Nut’s Hell also features three brand new directors with no prior experience whatsoever in herding amateur actors back and forth across the stage (thus the “experimental” theater).
But there is Kirsten Mundschenk, who previously directed “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “American Century.” Come see how she manages with Bob and Helen Dooley, a husband and wife seminarist team who will lecture the audience on emergency preparedness in “Tough Choices for the New Century” by Jane Anderson. The only question is, are Bob and Helen really qualified to lecture anyone on emergency preparedness? Mundschenk says of the production, “Wow. “ When prompted she adds, “Wow. The play really has kind of…taken on a life of its own.” In addition to her directing credits, Mundschenk has appeared in several Actors’ Mission productions, including “Inherit the Wind,” “Mother’s Day,” and “You Can’t Take It With You.”
Aaron Volner will present Woody Allen’s classic “Death Knocks.” Nat Ackerman’s quiet evening at home is disrupted by an unexpected visitor-a novice Grim Reaper with a flair for drama and a gambling addiction. Ned attempts to best the rookie demon in a game of cards for the biggest jackpot he can imagine-his soul. Volner has been involved with the Literate Nerd Society, has acted in several high school productions, and has joined Actors’ Mission for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, “You Can’t Take It With You” and “All My Sons.”
In Edward Albee’s “The Sandbox,” the audience will meet another persona of the Angel of Death-this time an amateur actor. Imagine that. In this surreal piece, Mommy and Daddy take Grandma out for a day at the beach-to leave her there to die. They even hire a musician to lend the proper solemnity to their unorthodox ritual. “The Sandbox” is directed by first time director Tom Zuehlsdorff who says, “Yeah, we’re way ahead of the other one-acts. I’m feelin’ pretty good about the whole thing.” Although he hasn’t quit his day job as a radio DJ, “Tommy Z” has portrayed Orson Welles in “A Christmas Carol,” Shiva in “Mother’s Day” and oddly enough, a radio guy in “Inherit the Wind.”
Kim Kirk makes her directing debut with Sam Shepard’s spoken word piece “Tongues.” Originally written for voice and percussion, Kirk’s vision has expanded the piece to combine live actors with video and musical accompaniment. But don’t worry-it’s not a musical. Kirk has previously acted in several productions as well, including “American Century, “Pariah,” “Mother’s Day,” and “You Can’t Take It With You.”
All performances will take place at the Elk’s Lodge on C Street. On May 1, 2, and 3, food will be served at 6pm with performances following at 7. There will be a final matinee performance on May 4th beginning at 2pm. Food will be served prior to the performance at 1. There is no charge for the food or entertainment, although donations are appreciated.
Actors’ Mission thanks Sweetwater BOCES for partially funding this evening of one-acts, produced by special arrangement with Dramatists’ Play Service and Samuel French, Inc. “Death in a Nut’s Hell” is also partially sponsored through the generosity of Haliburton and Domino’s Pizza.