Knoxville is a booming town for all kinds of art and culture. But recently, one of the arts that has become specifically popular in Knoxville is theatre. Whether you enjoy straight plays, musicals or opera, there is at least one performance this month that you will not want to miss.
King Charles III
UT’s Clarence Brown Theatre is currently putting on a production of the future history drama “King Charles III.” The play follows Prince Charles of Wales’ reign after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the troubles he encounters while dealing with the potential passing of a new bill. The play has received mass critical acclaim in its past productions, being nominated for six Laurence Oliver awards in 2015 and five Tony awards in 2016. “King Charles III” opened last week and is running until Feb. 24; with student tickets being only $5, you won’t want to miss it.
You can read our review of “King Charles III” here.
Dog Act
Flying Anvil Theatre prides itself in bringing the off-Broadway experience to Knoxville, putting on smaller, more experimental shows than you would see at Clarence Brown or the Tennessee Theater. “Dog Act,” Flying Anvil’s current production, is certainly something that you wouldn’t see on a big Broadway stage. The show, set in the post-apocalyptic northeastern United States, follows traveling performers Zetta Stone and Dog as they try to make it to a gig in China. Those looking for a mix of dark themes and musical comedy will not want to miss “Dog Act,” which is set to play through Feb. 17.
The Senator’s Wife
As part of their New Play Festival, Tennessee Stage Company is hosting the world premier of “The Senator’s Wife.” The play is a political/family comedy in which the widow of a Democratic U.S. Senator is being wooed by a current Republican Senator. While this might seem like a very serious subject, the play is actually a romantic comedy. Anyone who loves political satire will not want to miss “The Senator’s Wife,” playing at the Historic Southern Railway Station from Feb. 14-24.
Lucia Di Lammermoor
Knoxville Opera brings the classic opera “Lucia Di Lammermoor” to the Tennessee Theater later this month. The opera follows the story of Lucia, a girl in 17th century Scotland who falls in love with her clan’s enemy. When her brother forces her to marry to save her family, Lucia is forced to kill to save herself and, hopefully, her love. Additionally, anyone who comes to the show will have the opportunity to go on stage and take pictures with the cast following the show. Fans of opera will not want to miss this classic, playing at the Tennessee Theater Feb. 22 and 24.
