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The uproariously funny off-Broadway smash, Parallel Lives, written by comediennes Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy, opens the third season of Asheville Community Theatre’s intimate venue, 35below. Described as “gal-vanizing” by the Austin Chronicle and “a smart, provocative show” by Variety, Parallel Lives is a must-see for all adults who consider themselves to be human. Parallel Lives runs through Saturday, October 30, with performances Thursday – Saturday nights at 8 PM at 35below, the black box theatre downstairs at Asheville Community Theatre. Parallel Lives is a series of sketch comedy spoofs where two actresses play a total of thirty-six male and female characters, each exploring the struggles and themes of modern life. Each vignette is funnier than the previous one. The two actresses show us Hank and Karen Sue, two middle-aged bar flies in the Deep South; Madeline and Sylvia, two sixty-something New Yorkers who are enlightened by their Women’s Studies class; and the Supreme Beings, two characters who plan, rather sadistically, the fate of the sexes at the beginning of the world. One of the most challenging pieces closes the show – the two actresses bring back to the stage many of the characters they’ve just performed in such a quick succession that it’s both mind-blowing and hilarious to watch. “Parallel Lives is wonderfully funny,” says director Adam Arthur, “It explores issues all of us can relate to in the modern day.” Arthur’s work with The Mountain Guerrillas (a local sketch comedy troupe) made him the perfect person to direct this sketch comedy tour-de-force. Accomplished actresses Sarah Carpenter and Betsy Browning are the dynamic duo who have the impeccable comedic timing and acting range necessary to make Parallel Lives a seamless production. Carpenter was last seen on the 35below stage as “Dibby” in last season’s smash hit Backyard Fruit. Although this is Browning’s first appearance on the 35below stage, she has previously acted with many local groups, including with Pleiades Productions. Touching, thought provoking, and outright hilarious, Parallel Lives is a perfect choice for opening the season at 35below. Performances of Parallel Lives run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8 PM, October 14-30, at 35below beneath Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut Street, downtown Asheville. Parallel Lives contains some adult language. All tickets are $10. Box office hours are noon - 4 PM, Monday-Friday. For more information, please call 828-254-1320. (Image provided by the Asheville Community Theater)
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