Classic Comedy Stampedes Into Now & Then

Now & Then Creative Company is excited to kick off their 2nd season with the ultimate absurd comedy - Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco - opening next Friday, November 2. This classic from 1959 examines a disturbing and hilarious chain of events that spawn from the arrival of a stampeding rhinoceros...well, was it a rhinoceros? Could it be something...more? The laughs are plenty, the story is outrageous, and at the center of it all, we feel Ionesco's searing social commentary of mid-20th century Europe - which solidifies the play's timelessness. Part cautionary tale, part absurd romp, Rhinoceros feels fresh, relevant, and offers something for everyone.

"If I had to think of a play that had a significant impact on my life," shares director Cody Goulder, "it would be Rhinoceros. It's a challenging, important play from a playwright we rarely get to see." Given the play's historical background - it's commentary on European politics in the 20th century, Goulder shares, "I did not have an agenda with this piece. What I can say is that I think we need - as a country - we need to have a hard look in the mirror at who we are and Rhinoceros gives us an avenue to laugh, think, reflect, and maybe start a conversation."

Rhinoceros features performances by Devon Mahon, Christine Conger, Erika Lee Garcia, Alex Kass, Megan Mattox, Christopher Allen, Emily Burritt, and Matt Clark. The play also features design contributions from local artists Liz Schluter, Melody Knudson, Josh Brickhouse, Clayton Caufman, and Jaren Navenma. "The ensemble and design team are riddled with talent. There are absurdly magical moments on stage that always make me laugh. Hard. Will I share those moments with you? Nope. No spoilers here. Come see!"

With so many great options for theatre in the valley, it is often difficult to decide what to see. Goulder encourages audiences to consider that "we don't go to the theatre to reaffirm what we already love or to give us tons of comfort - we have TV and movies that do that and we can access them at any time. Rather, we go to get the stories we can't get anywhere else through live performance. There are some stories that are best on stage and Rhinoceros is a theatrical experience not to be missed."

Rhinoceros runs from November 2-18 at Now & Then Creative Company, performing in the theatre at Metropolitan Arts Institute (1700 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007). Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $20 (General Admission) and are available at the door or online at https://www.nowandthencc.com/upcoming. Student tickets for $10 are available with student ID at the door only.