Raleigh Culture: Theatre (with an "re" 'cause we are cultured)

Dating has made me hyper-aware of what’s happening around town this past winter. The warm months are slightly easier since there is always the possibility of heading to the mountains for a weekend or slipping away to the beach for a day. Winter, however brings much more pressure to find quality, affordable options. Each week begins with a hasty search for a movie, concert, play, or event in the area to keep us both entertained and occupied.

Carl is super vigilant about forwarding all entertainment options that land in his inbox from which I can choose. So, I was rather proud of myself for discovering the Burning Coal Theatre Company’s Wait ‘Til You See This! series consisting of smaller more intimate productions. As such, we have arrived with no expectations and departed with a greater appreciation for our local performing arts scene.

After a quick and surprisingly delicious dinner at Kimbap: Korean Café we headed to the theater for this week’s dose of culture;  Nocturne by Adam Rapp featuring one of my favorite local actors, Jesse R. Gephart (most recently seen in the Raleigh production of the Santaland Diaries). 

My first impression upon walking into the performance space was of the imaginative set, constructed solely of books in the forms of a credenza, piano, stool, bookshelves, etc. Books were stacked and scattered throughout the space as if the furnishings were either rearranging themselves into new forms or decomposing and returning to their beginnings. There are few things I love better than a book; therefore, I was quite intrigued. 

The play is a monologue delivered in a literary style – as if someone were reading a short story rather than speaking. Without a doubt, the story is tragic, but its lyrical quality paints a picture of not only lost innocence, sadness, anger, loss, and depression, but also of hope, resiliency, and a possible rebirth. 

To say that Gephart’s performance is brilliant would be an understatement. His conversational tone immediately draws the audience into his narrative. Not letting go until the very end. This was one performance that deserved the standing ovation he received.

Sadly, the play’s run ended Saturday night, but I am thrilled to have found a new theater company in  Downtown Raleigh that produces challenging and thought-provoking theater. Bravo! 

Kimbap Korean Café 
111 Seaboard Ave. Ste. 118 Raleigh, NC 27604
919-900-8053

Burning Coal Theatre Company 
224 Polk St. Raleigh, NC 27601
919-834-4001

2012/2013 Season Tickets Are Now Available