The Hideout Theatre Presents NOTHING & EVERYTHING Now thru 12/20

The Hideout Theatre presents Nothing and Everything, a title inspired by the common reaction of the plays of legendary playwright Anton Chekhov, today, Nov. 8-Dec. 20.

Anton Chekhov is arguably the most celebrated playwright since Shakespeare. Mostly known for his hundreds of short stories,this giant of Russian literature cemented his reputation with four major plays written in his final decade: The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard. Chekhov is highly regarded for launching theater into the 20th century by writing characters so rich they spark hours of conversation and debate among both scholars and enthusiasts. Yet in spite of these accomplishments, readers and playgoers commonly utter the complaint that "nothing happens."

A cast of eleven of Austin's most experienced improvisational actors make up original tales of idle, turn-of-the-century Russian provincial lives. They'll explore new Chekhovian worlds, in which nothing seems to happen except the timeless things normal people struggle with and make light of every day: love, death, happiness, suffering, God, fear, longing, and other great existential questions. Starting with details provided by that evening's audience, a small community of real people with hopes and fears will emerge into a full night of comedy and tragedy. Comedy? Yes, that's right! Much like our own lives, the unhappiness of Chekhov's subjects are surrounded by unexpected humor in unexpected places.

Also like real life, the actors will discover rich and complex relationships, each with their unsavory and endearing qualities. Time moves slowly, showing slice-of-life scenes with an innovative take on impromptu play-making. Unlike a lot of improvised works, this production will feature physical props (instead of using pantomime) and utilized actual furniture & set pieces. Furthermore, the action will take place in real time. Enjoy a quick intermission for drinks and coffee and return for the final two acts.

The cast features several award-winning performers & crew:

Kareem Badr (Parallelogramophonograph, B.Iden Payne nominated director)
Kaci Beeler (Parallelogramophonograph, Austin Chronicle Best of: 2012 Best Actress)
Andrew Buck (I Love You So Much, Mandinka, YesAndrew.com)
Cat Drago (Kenjutsu, A Bedtime Gorey)
Courtney Hopkin (Your Terrific Neighbors, Austin Secrets)
Marc Majcher (Hurly Burly, B.Iden Payne nominated director, Breaking Beckett)
Troy Miller (2013 Austin Film Festival Writing Award, )
Peter Rogers (Fakespeare, Live Nude Improv, Dickens Unleashed!)
Jordan T. Maxwell (From Hulu's Battleground, Austin Critics Circle award for Live Nude Improv)
Megan Sherrod (Austin Lyric Opera Chorus, H.M.S Pinafore, The Marriage of Figaro)
Valerie Ward (Parallelogramophonograph, B.Iden Payne nominated director)

Directed by: Jon Bolden (B.Iden Payne nominated director)
Production Assistant: David Yakubik
Production Assistant: Rachel Austin

Technical Improvisers: Michael Yew, Lindsey McGowen, and Cortney DeAngelo

Runtime: 4 Acts, 70 - 95 minutes w/ intermission

Tickets are $12. and can be purchased at http://www.hideouttheatre.com/shows/nothingandeverything
Performances take place at The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

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