The dummies guide to murdering your husband
(if you were going to - but you’re not)
Written by Nathan Johnson
Directed by Katie Jones
Dramaturgy by Katie Jones, Abby Auman and Mark Jones
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Jason A. Phillips as Barrett, filthy rich businessman
Mickey Poandl as James, Barrett’s husband
Alex Parsons as Tristan, Barrett’s assistant
SETTING
A fancy airbnb in the Berkshires.
TIME
2023
ARTIST BIOS
Alex Parsons (Tristan)
This is Alex's first production in the Asheville theatrical community! Originally from Boston, he is a stand-up comic who can be seen at different open mics and shows around town. He is thrilled to be involved (as he continually reminds us) with such a talented, hard working team! To see what he's up to next, follow: @alexandertheordinary on Instagram
Nathan Johnson (Playwright)
Nathan Johnson is a queer performer/playwright/artist.
He was a finalist for the Dramatists Guild Fellowship and a recipient of the National Queer Theatre-WIO Fellowship. His plays have been performed and/or received finalist positions at The SAUK (2x), American Stage-Lift Every Voice New Play Festival, Woven Theatre- Loom New Works Festival, Meanwhile Park Playwriting Prize (2x), and The Chain Theatre. Later this year, his plays will be workshopped in NYC, MA and VT. Nathan is thrilled to be working with Katie, Jason, Alex, Mickey, Abby and The Magnetic Theatre!
He has studied and worked with David Mamet, Marsha Norman, Jeffrey Sweet, Anne Bogart, Kristin Linklater, Donja Love, Andrei Serban, William H. Macy and others. As an actor, he’s worked in off-broadway, television, and film (My Big Gay Italian Wedding, The Party planner with David Tutera, One Life to Live). He has done makeup for hundreds of celebrities (Paul McCartney, Liza Minnelli, Alicia Keys, Kate McKinnon, Lea Michele, Paula Abdul, Annette Bening—and his beloved Charles Busch and Julie Halston), but he is most recognized from his time on two seasons of Project Runway. MFA Columbia University.
Nathan is a lifelong champion of the underdog and a believer in unicorns. @nathanwalnut on all the socials.
Mickey Poandl (James)
Since graduating American University with a degree in Theater Performance in 2013, Mickey has directed plays and staged readings for the DC Capital Fringe Festival (The Conversion of Thais the Whore), the Kennedy Center Page to Stage Festival (Love Godfrey, Love George) and the Women's Voices Theater Festival. Mickey is a longtime actor, arts critic (DC Theater Arts, Asheville Stages), improviser (Skipping to the Good Parts), and now playwright (New Queers Eve at The Magnetic Theatre)! In 2023, Mickey made some TikToks and won a free trip to the "Masterclass of Happiness" in Finland, which was featured on ABC Nightline. They work in nonprofit communications and live in downtown Asheville with their gray bobtail cat, Smokey Puss.
Jason A Phillips (Barrett)
Jason A Phillips studied theatre at Southwestern University and has over 30 years’ experience as an actor, director and writer. He has worked in Austin, TX with the Rude Mechanicals and Vortex Theatre, and in Chicago with Lifeline Theatre. Here in WNC he has performed with The Montford Park Players, Parkway Playhouse, Adesto Theatre and The Magnetic Theatre. Most recently he appeared on stage at Magnetic as Uncle Ivill in The Splatter Play and as Charlie in Fish. He conceived and co-wrote New Queer’s Eve which premiered in December and directed the world premiere of the rock opera HappyLand both at the Magnetic in 2023. Jason is very excited to be a part to this staged reading and the New Play Development program.
Katie Jones (Director / Dramaturg)
Katie is a theatre director, performer, and educator. She grew up down south but spent her 20s working primarily in Chicago, as well as in Sarasota, New York, Los Angeles and Denver. Katie’s passion for new work began as part of the 2005 class at Directors Lab New York, and she has never looked back. She founded Wishbone Theatre Collective in 2009, and performs with them throughout the country. Katie has a BA from Clemson University and an MFA from Naropa University, where she studied multiple forms of devising and performance art. In addition to serving as The Magnetic Theatre's Co-Artistic Director, she has worked locally with Asheville Creative Arts and the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, as well as teaching at Catawba Valley Community College and Brevard College.
Abby Auman (Dramaturg / Lighting and Sound)
Abby is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC. Abby’s original piece The Splatter Play premiered at The Magnetic Theatre in October, and she was one of four local writers responsible for creating New Queer’s Eve, which played at The Magnetic in December.