Ashanti's Basic Training to Play Off-Broadway's Barrow Street Theatre

By Andrew Gans
September 4, 2008

Basic Training, which has been seen in Los Angeles and at Fringe festivals in Montreal, Vancouver and Edinburgh, will arrive Off-Broadway later this month.

The one-man show — penned and performed by Kahlil Ashanti — will begin performances at the Barrow Street Theatre Sept. 26 with an official opening scheduled for Oct. 13.

The autobiographical Basic Training, according to press notes, chronicles Ashanti's "enlistment in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the elite entertainment troupe 'Tops In Blue.' During his time on tour as a comedian, actor, dancer and soldier, a life-altering event forces his attention home to face the childhood he was trying so hard to forget. Twenty-three unforgettable characters guide you through this hilarious true tale of survival and redemption, all experienced through Mr. Ashanti's rapid fire talent."

No Child's Hal Brooks is the production's supervisor; Tyler Micoleau is the lighting designer.

Barry Josephson ("Enchanted," "Bones"), Erich Jungwirth (Soho Think Tank) and Richard Jordan ("Nine Parts of Desire") are producing the Off-Broadway premiere. A film version of Basic Training is also in the works, according to Josephson.

Show times are Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 PM with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM.

The Barrow Street Theatre is located in the West Village at 27 Barrow Street at 7th Avenue South. For tickets, priced $35, visit www.smarttix.com.

For more information go to www.BasicTrainingNYC.com.