'All in the Timing' a series of one-act comedies

photo Taylor Williams, left, and Jeremy Wilkins explore a pocket of reality in "The Philadelphia," one of six one-act comedies in the Ensemble Theatre's "All in the Timing."

IF YOU GOWhat: "All in the Timing"When: 7:30 p.m. May 3-4, May 10-11 and May 17-18; 2:30 p.m. May 5, May 12 and May 19Where: Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga at Eastgate Town Center, 5600 Brainerd RoadAdmission: $15 adults, $10 studentsPhone: 423-987-5141Website: www.ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com

How do you like your comedy?

Audience members can sample a half-dozen varieties beginning Friday, May 3, in "All in the Timing," a series of six one-act comedies, at Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga at Eastgate Town Center.

The production, written by David Ives, is the first of nine that will be offered over the next three weekends.

"It covers quite a few comedy bases," says first-time director Joseph Tipton, who has acted in a number of ETC shows over the past several years.

"Words, Words, Words," for instance, employs some slapstick humor, he says, while "Sure Thing" relies on language, wordplay and dialogue.

The stories range from an unlikely love saga between a con man and his unsuspecting mark to three monkeys with typewriters trying to reproduce "Hamlet" to a musical parody of minimalist composer Phillip Glass.

Tipton says they are all "great," but his favorite is "Variations on the Death of Trotsky."

"It is very well-written," he said. "It covers a lot of different types of comedy, and it has the most room for play [by the actors]."

The series, in which six actors play four or five roles, is likely trying for the actors because of the short scenes, Tipton says. The roles "are not necessarily fleshed-out characters, so you have to put a lot of yourself into it."

Contact Clint Cooper at ccooper@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6497. Subscribe to his posts online at Facebook.com/ClintCooperCTFP.

Upcoming Events