Auburn Theatre & Dance presenting Robert O’Hara comedy ‘Barbecue’

Tessa Carr & Magalí Zaslabsky | 9/19/2023

Barbecue poster featuring image of grill, reading Barbecue by Robert O'Hara, directed by Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha, September 28 to October 8 on the Telfair Peet Theatre Mainstage

Auburn University Theatre and Dance will open its 2023-2024 season with Robert O’Hara’s hilarious comedy play “Barbecue” at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 28 on the Telfair Peet Theatre Mainstage. The show is directed by Auburn Department of Theatre and Dance Assistant Professor Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha.

The drinks are chilled. The snacks are set. The grill is sizzling. The O’Mallery family is primed for a barbecue. And yet, this particular barbecue on this particular day in this particular park proves much more than just a pleasant family gathering. Robert O’Hara’s hilarious comedy explores the complexities of family and how those families shape us while challenging our perceptions of the stories we tell. Pull up a chair and join the intervention.

The artistic team for “Barbecue” includes director Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha; Assistant Director Daisha Flint; Costume Designer Tracy Oleinick; Assistant Costume Designer Linnie Johnston; Wig Designer Sydney Pereira; Lighting, Projection, and Scenic Designer Fereshteh Rostampour; Sound Designer and Engineer Andrew Lynch; Assistant Sound Designers Tony To and Lisa Alfa; and Fight Coach Andrew Schwartz. The cast includes Patrick Barnett, Hannah Carstarphen, Nick DiJulio, Hali Everette, Morgan Hogans, Asha Knight, Bethany Novotny, Megan Starling, Michaela Williams and Avonlea Yeakley.

The run time for “Barbecue” is approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission.

“Barbecue” is a comedy. Yet, like many family gatherings, tensions rise, and a variety of words are exchanged. The play contains strong adult language that may not be appropriate for all audiences, including words that some may find blasphemous. Please note that theatrical smoking, alcohol consumption, tasing and physical restraint will occur as part of the production.

Buy Tickets

Tickets for the production of “Barbecue” are available now. Reserve early to get your desired seats. Call the box office at 334-844-4154, contact Theatre & Dance via email or visit the box office website.

Showtimes:

Thursday, Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. (Opening)
Friday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 1, 2:30 p.m. (Matinee)
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. *
Friday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 8, 2:30 p.m. (Matinee)

*Talkback after show

Ticket Prices:
•   General: $18
•   Senior citizen: $14
•   Faculty and staff: $14
•   AU student with ID: Free
•   Non-Auburn University student: $14

Box Office Hours:
•   Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
•   On Saturday evening performances: 6–8 p.m.
•   For matinee performances: 1–3 p.m.

Or call the box office: 334-844-4154

“Barbecue” had its world premiere at the Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Patrick Willingham, Executive Director) in New York, Oct. 8, 2015. The play was directed by Kent Gash. “Barbecue” was commissioned by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago (Martha Lavey, Artistic Director; David Hawkanson, Executive Director).

“Barbecue” is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by TRW PLAYS, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036.

Tags: Theatre and Dance Arts and Culture