Description

No Strings Theatre Company presents the delightful and wacky "Animals Tales" outdoors in the Black Box Theatre Courtyard from April 10-18.
The animal kingdom meets an irreverent existentialism, a comedic take on following dreams, explains why do cats chase strings, and questions the status quo, in this sometimes funny, sometimes absurd and always witty play by Don Nigro called "Animal Tales" directed by Ceil Herman.

In his notes, the playwright discourages animal costumes and having the actors crawling on all fours, leaving it up to the talented group of actors including Debbie Jo Felix, Autumn Gieb, Edward Montes, Genno and Nancy Tafoya, Joshua and Bekah Taulbee, to create the inner life of their characters. No Strings Theatre presented "Cinderella Waltz" by this playwright in 2004.

"Animal Tales" is made up of short plays that may be presented by themselves or combined as a single show. No Strings Theatre Company has chosen 10 of these to present outdoors in their lovely courtyard, in a live show for a limited audience. Following state regulations to be a NM Safe Certified business, the actors are performing 25 feet away from the audience. In addition, all cast members and crew have received COVID 19 vaccinations. Finally, the theatre has purchased a sound system to enhance the sound quality outdoors.

In one play, a group of turkeys wait outside a family's house, waiting for them to feed them corn cobs, this is the highlight of their day and maybe their lives because, well, turkeys love corn. One of the turkeys, dreams of more for herself than corn cobs and bugs, she wants to play the saxophone despite, as the other turkeys point out, not having lips or hands.. That's not going to stop her though.

Feline friends Maggie and Tabby confront the audacity of life in "String Theory.". Why do we chase string, they wonder? For practice hunting of course. But why hunt when there's a food bowl? Well, it's just what cats do. But why is it, Maggie wants to know, when we chase string, it's fun until you see the hand which moves the string? Then what have you got? A kid's hand and a meaningless existence. But is it fun to chase string? Well, yes, yes it is. Then just chase the string!

A preacher-like baboon addresses a gathering of his fellow creatures urging them to reject the notion that humans have evolved from baboons in "The Baboon God.". Other plays deal with acceptance ("Platypus" and "Bat"), obsession ("Groundhog at the Window") , temptation ("The Trap"), love ("Parrots"), and faith ("In the Great Chipmunk Labyrinth" and "Waiting").

These short plays are absurd and entertaining, veiling thoughts on human nature with the world of animals. They create a complex image of the world around us, while still being digestible and fun. Be sure to check out this live production from No Strings Theatre Company as they return to the stage at long last! Join us for a roaring fun time!

Performances of "Animal Tales" are Saturdays, April 10 and 17 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees on April 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 regular admission and $12.00 students and seniors over 65.
For reservations visit www.no-strings.org. Seating is limited to 25 patrons at each performance, so reserve early to prevent disappointment. For more information, call (575) 523-1223.

thetheatregallery in the lobby of the Black Box Theatre will feature animal artwork. The exhibit will also be available for viewing virtually by going to the website (www.no-strings.org) and scrolling down. Participating artists are Diana Ayres, Margaret Bernstein, Christina Campbell, Rebecca Courtney, Penny Duncklee, Geojeanne Feltha, Kris Karpul, Rosemary McLaughlin, Jan Minnow, Brenda Nevue, Josette and Ray Ponteri, Gabriele Teich, and Adrian Tenorio. Some of the artwork will be exhibited in the Courtyard during the performances of "Animal Tales."

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