Coming up soon – Toy Boat Theatre (TBT) is staging The Zoo Story, Edward Albee’s most enduring one-act play – with a twist. The Zoo Story will be the theatrical centerpiece for a full evening of entertainment beginning with a “zoo-themed” dinner (think standard day-at-the-park fare served by a hot dog cart and popcorn stand) and ending with live music by local artists. It’s a three-in-one blast: Eat, play, groove!
“The idea is to have a party centered around a powerful theatrical experience each night of the run,” says TBT artist-in-residence Scott Campbell.
Written in 1958, Albee’s award-winning play explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and dehumanization in a volatile and unstable world. Two characters – Peter, a middle-class publishing executive, and Jerry, a “permanent transient” of New York City’s Upper West Side – meet on a park bench near Central Park Zoo. Their clashing perspectives result in a fast-paced, witty, darkly humorous and ultimately shocking climax.
The Zoo Story at TBT is directed by Brie Yost and features Luke Amundson as Jerry, and Campbell as Peter. This project marks the welcome return to the Tacoma stage of Campbell, who most recently served as artistic director at Tacoma Little Theatre.
Where: Toy Boat Theatre, 1314 M L King, Jr. Way, in the Hilltop neighborhood
Dates: Oct. 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21, 22
Time: Light dinner served in the lobby and theatre at 7p.m. Show starts at 8p.m. followed by live music 9-10p.m.
Admission: $20 for the entire evening; reservations can be made in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, please visit https://sites.google.com/site/toyboattheatreco/.