During such unprecedented times, there are few opportunities for collective escapism. Never fear: “Take No Prisoners,” an original play written by Jim Shores, is set to open March 11 with reduced seating and a livestream option available for those who can’t attend in person.
The play takes place in a video game, with the characters in the video game as the heroes in search of the creator of the world. The plot takes a few twists and turns; you’re guaranteed an action-packed and exciting evening.
The show has been in the making since last year; it would have been performed last spring if COVID-19 hadn’t shut in-person classes down.
“This is the first time production of a big show,” said director Carol Anderson. “Dr. Shores was requested to write it for theatre major Sarah Cole to direct as a senior project and was in mid rehearsal when Asbury sent everyone home due to COVID. I said I’d pick it up this year and finish directing it for those remaining of the original cast. We have a great new recasting of roles left open by graduating seniors from last year to make up a great ensemble!”
For actor Aeden Humphrey, adjusting from a student production to a large-budget production has been a challenge.
“When putting together a production there are a variety of challenges in balancing both school life and the demands of the show,” said Humphrey. “During the heat of the creative process, it can be hard to juggle many things at once. Also, I was part of the original production in the spring of 2020, pre-COVID. At that time, Take No Prisoners was a humble student production. I admit it was a challenge at first to adjust to a now heavy budgeted show, with large staff involvement, although it’s wonderful that it allowed for a larger student involvement.”
For such a large production, COVID-19 measures also were in place to ensure that cast members and crew were practicing social distancing.
“We still have to wear masks for every rehearsal,” said actor Nic Joransen, “and every cast member had their temperature checked upon arrival.”
However, there are other aspects of the play where COVID-19 measures were a little difficult to navigate.
“There’s significant plot points that require a kiss. Try getting around that one! We did. But the kiss is still there. Come see how,” said Anderson.
While how the directors and cast members got around that one will be a mystery until opening day, it’s not a mystery that this play had challenges completely unrelated to COVID-19.
“This play has a lot of lights and visual effects as well as some professional stunt choreography. One of our greatest challenges was the stage combat because it was new for most of us,” said Joransen. “We had extra rehearsals specifically to practice the fighting choreography which reaped great results. Because of this, we have an exhilarating opening scene and a crazy climatic battle at the end.”
Not only is the play action-packed, at the production’s core are themes that will speak to just about anyone.
“What speaks to me about this play is the heart of what it means to become human, to discover love and the pain and the joy of becoming real. Why does this speak to me? Because I’m a Christian and my life journey is to discover what it means to become fully human, fully alive, how to love like Jesus and forgive like Jesus and that is forever hard and life transforming,” said Anderson.
For Anderson, the play is both heartfelt and humorous.
“So much in this play is funny, stunning — just wait til you see the zombie apocalypse — and moving. It’s a bigger than life play that I hope will carry thought provoking moments that will resonate with everyone’s journey in discovering what it means to be fully alive,” said Anderson.
For actor Nic Joransen, the theme of reconciliation is what speaks to him the most.
“This play is so much fun to watch. It’s a beautiful story of redemption at its core, and it is layered with colored lights, projections, special effects, music, and a cat named Einstein. If you like heartfelt stories, cats, coyotes, video games, zombies, a character with a Scottish accent, or plays that mention coffee this is a show for you,” said Joransen.
The show is set to open March 11, with shows running throughout the weekend until March 20. Seating is limited; only 55 seats are available for purchase for each show. A livestream option will be available for its second week. Tickets are available at our.show/Asbury-Take-No-Prisoners.
