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Thrilled for Our Return? Relive the Magic:
Explore 2013-14 Season of Original Works!
It’s time to reminisce and relive the magic of Original Works in Out of Box Theatre’s 2013-14 season! After five years away, we’re thrilled to spotlight the shows that made our intimate setting the go-to for thought-provoking and unexpected storytelling. From the cleverly intriguing “Ariadne’s Thread” to the soul-searching “Evelyn in Purgatory,” each performance offered unique experiences.
Evelyn in Purgatory by Topher Payne
Ever wondered how a simple claim can turn a teacher’s world upside down? Out of Box Theatre explored this compelling scenario in “Evelyn in Purgatory,” kicking off our 2013-14 season! This original work by Topher Payne, winner of the 2012 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award, brought a unique and poignant story to life. In this captivating drama, Evelyn Reid finds herself in “the rubber room,” meeting a diverse group of colleagues who form unexpected bonds. The electric cast, including Christa Hollon Sfameni, Kristin Kalbli, Bob Smith, and LeeAnna Lambert Sweatt, delivered performances that touched hearts and ignited spirits. To generate excitement, we even had a promo video done with the iconic Kurtwood Smith, a brilliant collaboration with Brothers Young Productions! His involvement helped us share the essence of this “Best Bet” production far and wide. This wasn’t just a play; it was a full theatrical experience!
fugitive:EROS and The Chemicals Between Us by Theroun Patterson
Out of Box Theatre celebrated the unique vision of presenting theater wherever and whenever the opportunity arises, and what a pair of plays to showcase that! We dove deep into the enigmatic world of love with Theroun Patterson’s “fugitive:EROS” and “The Chemicals Between Us.” In “fugitive:EROS,” audiences explored what happens when a god falls to Earth, turning love lives upside down in a small coastal town. From darker impulses to timeless reunions, this play reminded us that love truly makes the strangest twists and turns! Featuring a fantastic cast including Jennifer Lee, Davin Grindstaff, Lauren Coleman, Aaron Christopher, and Theroun Patterson himself.
Then, in “The Chemicals Between Us,” we wrestled with the ultimate question: Is love mystical, magical, or simply science? Four characters navigate the complexities of modern romance, quick fixes, and the very essence of forgiveness. Powerful performances by Amanda Cucher, Bajo Sonubi, Doug Graham, and Maggie Blaeser sparked fascinating debates long after the curtain fell. It was an unforgettable journey into the heart of human connection, guided by Theroun Patterson’s brilliant storytelling.
Ariadne's Thread by Markie Shalloe
Stepped right into the "maze of YOUR mind" with Markie Shalloe's "Ariadne's Thread," a haunting thriller that launched our 2013-14 New Works season! 🤯
This wasn't just a play – it was an up-close, riveting experience inspired by a true story! Atlanta playwright Markie Shalloe found her muse in a 1920 New York Times article about Mae Jennings Bennett: a society matron, missionary leader, and hostess of high-end tea parties... who confessed to swindling clergy! Mae claimed to be under "hypnotic influence" for "evil purposes" – and that intriguing starting point blossomed into "Ariadne's Thread."
Audiences witnessed the intense encounter in prison as a Jesuit priest (played by Dave Lauby as Father Aaron) visited the socialite-turned-con woman (Kristin Kalbli as Mae Jennings Bennett) to save her soul. But it was Mae who led him into a new line of thinking, shaking up his worldview and proving this was truly a story of stepping into the labyrinth of one's own mind.
Under Carolyn Choe's sharp direction, and with Bob Smith as Seamus, our intimate space brought every twist of intrigue, belief, and curiosity right to the audience. This was the bold, immersive theatre experience you couldn't get anywhere else.
Santa After Hours by The Usual Gang of Idiots
Ever wonder how the naughtiest holiday show in town came to be? In 2013, after a successful run of “Santaland Diaries,” our Artistic Director Carolyn Choe and the brilliant Bob Smith decided it was time to shake up the holidays!
They were determined to create a different kind of festive fun, one that embraced local talent and wasn’t afraid to push boundaries. Thus, “Santa After Hours” was born! Running late-night (around 9/10 PM) after traditional holiday shows, it quickly became infamous for its bold promise: “guaranteed to insult you at least once or your money back!”
Written by a collective of local playwrights affectionately known as “The Usual Gang of Idiots,” this annual adults-only sketch show became a staple. It’s where you could put the kids to bed and discover the hilariously irreverent, sometimes scary, and always unforgettable adult side of Christmas.
Trash Day by Dave Lauby
In our spectacular season of Original Works in 2013/24 everyone fell in love with “Trash Day!” This side-splitting comedy was an absolute triumph – and an award-winning one at that! 🎉
“Trash Day” won Best Original Works by Metro Atlanta Theatre Awards in 2014! It also earned a stellar A+ rating from reviewer Brad Rudy, who praised it as “very funny” and a story about “the joys of hoarding and the rewards it can bring.”
We dove into the wonderfully chaotic world of the eccentric Wolley family, facing eviction from their stuff-ridden Smyrna home because of Grampa’s legendary hoarding!
The play featured unforgettable performances by Carolyn Choe (MawMaw), Whit Davies (PawPaw), Amy Cain (Glenda), and young Brody Rose (Jackson!), whose sweet friendship with Allegrae (Hannah Love) melted hearts.
“Trash Day” proved that not everything from a trash pile is trash, reminding us that home is about the messy, beautiful connections within. What a ride!