Theatre Bristol with River’s Way announces their eighth annual collaboration on a new production, “American Tall Tales,” coming Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and March 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the ARTspace theater, Bristol, Tennessee. Tickets are on sale at TheatreBristol.org/tickets.
“American Tall Tales” is a production that features American folk heroes including Paul Bunyan, Babe the Big Blue Ox, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill, Davy Crockett, John Henry, the story of the Cherokee first strawberry, and more, as well as folk songs and much-anticipated jokes in celebratåion of our country’s 250th anniversary. “American Tall Tales” was adapted and created by playwright Dottie Havlik especially for the differently-abled teens and young adults with River’s Way and Theatre Bristol actors.
Havlik also directs this original production, bringing years of experience including directing previous River’s Way production collaborations, as well as directing “Junie B. in Jingle Bells,” “Batman Smells,” “The Adventures of Madeline” and “Charlotte’s Web” at Theatre Bristol. Havlik is a long-time actor performing in many shows including “Steel Magnolias” and “The Music Man.”
“These River’s Way young adults and youth are so creative, and they’re so excited to be returning to the ARTspace stage,” said Havlik. “They’re learning true theater lessons about taking directions, overcoming nervousness and concentrating on a task. They have shown what they can do, and they know how to entertain audiences.”
River’s Way, led by Executive Director Matt Kyle, is an organization dedicated to the positive and productive involvement of young people with differing abilities in our community. “We are very grateful to Theatre Bristol, and especially to Dottie Havlik, for providing us with an opportunity to participate in this community play,” said Kyle. “I cannot begin to describe the levels of excitement and anticipation that this play has generated for the students, graduates and staff of River’s Way. They are ready to go back on stage and earn some applause.”
Tickets are $5 and are available online ($6.15 with fees) and, pending available seating, at the door up to 30 minutes prior to showtime. Seating is general admission and for any special accommodations, call or email the Theatre. Show information is also available online at www.TheatreBristol.org or by calling the message line at 423-212-3625.
