Lithium & Xanax & All of My Friends at Darkhorse Theatre

Brand Spankin' New Theatre proudly announces the world premiere of "Lithium & X-nax & All of My Friends," a provocative new drama by local playwright Robert M. Coles. Directed by Bradley Moore, this gripping production will debut at Nashville's legendary Darkhorse Theatre from October 4 to October 12, 2024, with performances spanning seven dates.

Set in the intimate 130-seat Darkhorse Theatre, known for hosting many of Nashville’s groundbreaking performances, the play features a stellar cast including Payton Justice as Adam, Brianca Renfro as Annie, Sky Roberts as Lee, Ezra High as Wil, Joshua Andrew Hosale as Remy, and Taryn Pray as Mom.

Lithium & X-nax & All of My Friends follows Adam, a young gay man trapped in a cycle of self-sabotage and mental turmoil. As he struggles to finish his long-awaited novel, Adam's friends intervene, forcing him to confront his past traumas, including the scars left by conversion therapy. With themes of mental health, suicide, and LGBTQ issues at its core, this 90-minute, no-intermission production offers a raw and intimate portrayal of a man at a crossroads. In a unique twist, each performance will feature one of three possible endings, with the actor playing Adam deciding the fate of the characters in real-time, a decision unknown to both the audience and his fellow cast members until the moment it unfolds.

“This show is deeply personal to me as it depicts some of the darkest moments of my life,” says playwright Robert M. Coles. “Writing it has been a form of therapy, and releasing it into the world has been a challenge. Working with Bradley Moore and this cast has been a joy, and I’m thrilled to see them bring this production to life. I’m proud of the work being done and cannot wait to see where this show goes.”

“Great theatre dares us to think in a new way and encourages us to fantasize about a world we aspire to. ‘Lithium’ not only challenges the characters, but the audience too,” adds director Bradley Moore. “With its rollercoaster ride of emotions through lots of laughter and tears, ‘Lithium’ is truly great theatre.

Lithium & X-nax & All of My Friends was first introduced to the public during a Zoom reading by Arts Bellevue during the COVID-19 pandemic. The script has since evolved, with significant rewrites culminating in a successful workshop with Theatre 4the People in New York City in August 2024. The play is set to have its Off-Broadway debut in 2025, further solidifying its path to broader recognition.

Performance Schedule:

• Friday, October 4 - 7:30 PM: Opening Night (Followed by an Opening Night Party at Coco’s Italian Market - Special Ticket Required)

• Saturday, October 5 - 7:30 PM

• Sunday, October 6 - 2:30 PM: Matinee with Talkback Session featuring the Playwright, Cast, and Director

• Tuesday, October 8 - 7:30 PM: Industry Night ($10 Tickets)

• Thursday, October 10 - 7:30 PM

• Friday, October 11 - 7:30 PM

• Saturday, October 12 - 7:30 PM

Ticket Information: Tickets can be purchased through the Brand Spankin' New Theatre website at bsntheatre.org/pages/buy-tickets.

• General Admission: $20

• Opening Night Party + Show Ticket: $40

• Industry Night (October 8): $10

Special Event: The Opening Night Party at Coco's Italian Market will feature food, drinks, live music, and opportunities to meet the playwright and cast. This exclusive event requires a special ticket.

Lithium & X-nax & All of My Friends is recommended for audiences aged 16 and up due to strong language and mature themes.