Felt a little scatterbrained lately? Having trouble living in the moment? If you’re looking for a comedic cure, consider heading to Space 55 at 8 p.m. on Friday or Saturday for the one-time engagement of the new show “Where is Now?”
A mix of music, comedy and sketch that explores how difficult it can be to live in the present without thinking about the past or anticipating the future, “Where is Now?” may have a serious theme, but its presentation is lighter, said Charlie Steak, Space 55’s associate artistic director.
The concept behind the show originated after the husband of a Space 55 ensemble member posted on Facebook about how difficult it can be to live in the present, Steak said. Life seems a series of steps anticipating some far-off future: one does well in high school to go to college to get a good job to eventually retire. It is this concept that “Where is Now?” works to explore.
The show’s roots in Facebook particularly resonate, as social media is one theme the show deals with. One part of the show explores how much time people spend at an event documenting it, rather than participating. Another part, which Steak said he is particularly excited for, delves into the extremes of involvement in social media.
To say much more than that about the content might spoil the show. However, it promises a full and entertaining night.
“What we ended up with, miraculously, is a really funny show,” Steak said.
In developing the idea for the show, Steak said he went to specific writers and asked them about the theme.
The show’s writers include Ashley Naftule, Erika Reitz, Janet Burruel, Lee Quarrie and Steak himself. Performers include Kevin Lee, Ben Howard, Ron Foligno, BJ Garrett, Skyler Shelley and Wendy Warwick White.
“Where is Now?” is the third show of its kind from Space 55 — the first, “Love, Sex and No Man’s Land,” considered how people distinguish between love and lust, and the second, “Resolutions,” explored the concept of resolutions, including why people make them and what kinds of resolutions people make.
One difficulty the theater has had with getting audience members involved in a show like this is the expectation some people have of theater as constrained to the full-length play, Steak said. The show, which Steak described as “thought-provoking and entertaining,” provides a good alternative to some of what’s available, he said.
There are those who might be interested in shows like this but aren’t aware of what’s going on in the arts. But even those who may attend more popular or well-known events could take a lesson from “Where is Now?”
One example Steak provided: if someone goes to a baseball game and is looking at their phone at a crucial moment, then their lack of involvement in the moment caused them to miss it.
“It’s a shame to miss the home run,” Steak said. “Whatever the home run is.”
“Where is Now?” will be playing Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at Space 55 on Pierce and Seventh streets. Tickets are $10.
Contact the columnist at molly.bilker@asu.edu
