HEAD BACKSTAGE AT KEY WEST THEATER

The Drews Perform April 12

There are those who believe our universe – the one within which our planet and galaxy exist – is but one of many such universes, involving multiple dimensions, overlapping times and repeating histories. While that concept may be hard to wrap your head around, the Red Barn Theatre in Key West may be able to help.

The production “Short Attention Span Theatre,” will return April 7-29, with this year’s theme being parallel universes. It’s an evening of six eclectic new one-act plays, each of which will take a skewed, often humorous, look at the world (or universes) we live – or may live – within.

“They’re all comedic plays, but they’re meaty,” said Mimi McDonald, who is executive producing the show. “They’ll make you laugh, but they’ll also make you think. They’re about things that could happen, or could be, or that make you wonder about reality. The show’s colorful, lots of cool costumes, lots of good music. It’s a great evening if you’re looking for something fun and out of the ordinary.”

McDonald spent a lot of time finding just the right plays for this year’s show. She researched the best new short plays that have won awards from 2021 and beyond, and took advantage of her relationship with Miami’s City Theatre, which is well-known for its short play roster. Each play McDonald chose has its own world and reality.

“The concept of SAST is good writers, good actors, good direc- tors,” she said. “I wanted new things by published writers. And we found them, for sure. … David Ives is always good, and Laurie Allen. It’s hard to pick favorites – they’re all terrific.”

Once again the entire McDonald theatrical clan – Mimi, husband Gary, daughter Amber and son Jack – will be behind the scenes directing the various plays and creating the sets. They’ll be joined by Key West photographer/playwright Mike Marrero.

“Our kids have grown up in the theater,” McDonald said, “and it’s nice to have the youthful perspective on these particular plays. And Mike’s got a real sense of humor, too. The audiences are going to be laughing a lot.”

It’s a veteran cast of Key West favorites they’ll be directing: Susannah Wells, Erin McKenna, Arthur Crocker, Cassidy Timms, Jeremy Zoma and Iain Wilcox. Expect them to be pushing the envelope far into the parallel universes.

Tickets for “Short Attention Span Theatre: Parallel Universes” are available at redbarntheatre. com or 305-296-9911. Ticket holders for the opening night performance on April 7 will be invited to join the cast and crew for a reception in the Zabar Courtyard, catered by Michelle Chennault.

The show is sponsored by Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry of the Keys, Design Group Key West, and by grants from Culture Builds Florida and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

— Contributed

Andrew Thomas Kiniry and Byron Andrew Banghart have been performing as The Drews for just a few years now, but their friendship and musical history span over two decades.

They first met on the rec soccer field in Norrisville, Maryland in the ’80s and their musical connection began at North Harford High School in the late ’90s, as both were in the men’s choir and guitar ensemble under the direction of none other than Banghart’s mother, Martha. Their first duet was “Do You Hear the People Sing” from Les Miserables performed at the 1998 musical review at North Harford. The Drews’ story and brotherhood shows on stage in their musical intuition and lighthearted presence.

Kiniry and Banghart have participated in numerous projects over the years. Kiniry has gained acclaim through his blues guitar roots, performing as a member of Benjamin Vo Blues Band at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. His leadership in the band, Copper Bets, and their album “Habitual Harmony” earned them the title Best Blues Rock Band of Central Pennsylvania in 2022. Above all, Kiniry considers himself a fan of music with endless influ- ences from American roots and British blues to grunge rock ’n’ roll with Rory Gallagher, Blind Melon and Elmore James standing out. Together, Banghart and Kininry find inspiration from artists such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Kris Kristofferson, McGuinness Flint and Guy Clark, among others.

Besides their love of music, The Drews share another profession: carpentry. When they’re not performing together, often they can be found building together. This adds to the honest grit found in their sound and lyrics, often relating to and expressing the struggles of the working man in a rapidly changing world full of political pitfalls and technological absurdities.

A common thread for both Banghart and Kiniry is a love of the Key West culture and community. They can often be found playing around town at Andy’s Cabana or Mellow Cafe. The Drews will perform at Key West Theater’s Backstage Listening Room at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Tickets can be purchased online at thekeywesttheater.com or by visiting the box office at 512 Eaton St. Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.