The one-man show — penned and performed by Kahlil Ashanti — will officially open 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.