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Most people know Ethan Coen as half of the award-winning Coen Brothers who have written, directed, and produced films like Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and No Country For Old Men. Now Tampa Bay audiences will be treated to Ethan Coen's first foray as a playwright, Almost an Evening, which played an extended sold-out engagement Off-Broadway in 2008-2009. Almost an Evening runs Sep. 11 - Oct. 4, 2015, in the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center where Jobsite is resident theater company.
The overall theme of these three satiric shorts by Oscar-winning screenwriter Ethan Coen, who is responsible for some of the most critically acclaimed pieces of popular culture of our time, is hell - both on earth and in the hereafter.
In "Waiting," a man faces an uncertain future in an uncertain location that seems to be some kind of waiting room. The anxiety and despair hark back to dramas of the fifties -- Sartre, Beckett, Pinter. "Four Benches" depicts an unlikely meeting in a steam room between a straight-talking Texan and an uptight Brit. Both men learn from the encounter, though only one survives it. In "Debate," the cantankerous god of the Old Testament roundly abuses the mealy-mouthed god of the New. His profanity and ill humor receive a startling comeuppance, and further reversals and changes of point of view lead to a denouement that is no more preposterous than anything else in the play. Clever, provocative, and as engaging as the best fiction, these short plays showcase yet another talent of one of our most celebrated contemporary writers.
Almost an Evening is directed by Matthew Ray, recipient of this year's Theatre Tampa Bay Spark! Award for his service to Jobsite Theater. Designs will be provided by Brian Smallheer (set) and Ryan Finzelber (lights). The cast features Jordan Foote, Matthew Frankel, Melissa Granke, Landon Green, Jonelle Meyer, Spencer Meyers, Owen Robertson, and Molly Schoolmeester.
OPENING NIGHT EVENT: Be a part of the excitement! All opening night guests get a complimentary show-themed goody bag and are encouraged to commemorate the night with a picture in front of our backdrop. After the show join the cast, crew, and VIPs at Seminole Height's Fodder and Shine (5910 N. Florida Ave 33604) for amazing food and drink in a casual and fun setting! The party includes an hors d'ouevres buffet and a drink ticket good for a house cocktail, draft, or glass of wine. A cash bar and an "In-Between" menu is available for those who wish to keep the party going. Opening night parties are attended by production cast and crew and invited guests, opening night season ticket holders, corporate partners, and Jobsite Rock Stars. A limited number of tickets to the general public are available on a first-come basis for a $25 per person donation to the company. For more information or to RSVP: tickets@jobsitetheater.org.
Almost an Evening officially opens to the general public on Fri., Sep. 11, and runs through Oct. 4, 2015. All tickets to public performances are $28. Rush tickets for students, seniors, military (as well as their dependents), and Theatre Tampa Bay members are $14 and are available as of 30 minutes prior to curtain with cash and valid ID at the Straz Ticket Office window. Rush tickets are subject to availability. Special preview performances will be held on Sep. 9-10 at 8p with all tickets available in advance for $14. Jobsite currently has 2015-16 season tickets on sale now for over 30% off, just $125.70 per person for all six mainstage shows in the season as well as a bonus of FREE admission into all side projects for the season. This special season ticket price expires Aug. 16.
Jobsite is funded in part by The State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, The Arts Council of Hillsborough County, The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, The Gobioff Foundation, Creative Loafing, and Illumination Advertising. Jobsite is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization and all gifts made to Jobsite are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
