Flashback Theater Co. is known throughout Somerset for its innovative theater productions. To close their 2019-20 season, Flashback will produce ​Hazard County​ by Allison Moore, at the newly-constructed, open air, Lake Cumberland Farmers Market on East Mt. Vernon Street on July 17-19, 2020. Like many businesses, Flashback’s original plans for the production were impacted by COVID-19, including the plan to produce ​Hazard County​ by Allison Moore in the Flashback Black Box Theater in April and May. The production team of ​Hazard County ​have worked with the non-profit’s board to create a plan for performances to follow Social Distancing guidelines.

Hazard County​ tells the story of what happens when a young producer stumbles into town looking for stories and a fresh start. He believes he’s found both in Ruth. Her made-for-TV tale captures his attention – a broke young widow in a rural Kentucky town, unable to access the trust fund set up for her children after her husband’s murder. But neither of them has told the other the whole truth, and a past tainted by racism threatens to destroy Ruth’s already shaky existence. This story is interspersed with memorable monologues from fans and critics of The Dukes of Hazzard, who blow apart the Southern stereotypes that tend to define Ruth’s world. The show is directed by Bradley Shane Gilmore and Sommer Schoch, and features local artists in its cast.

The new Farmers Market facility on East Mt. Vernon St. is the perfect venue for this production because it allows the audience to be covered from the elements while also providing extra seating space and garage doors that can be open for healthy air-flow. Seats will be appropriately spaced, and audience members are encouraged to wear face coverings. Additionally, the production will be pay-what-you-can; if an audience member sees the space doesn’t suit their comfort level, they will easily be able to leave, and won’t be out the price of a ticket.

Flashback’s previous productions in the Black Box Theater space on East Mt. Vernon St. have been hailed by community members for their intimate setting. While changes are being made for the safety of audiences, Flashback promises to still deliver an intimate experience. Hazard County i​s based on true events that happened not far from Somerset. Audiences will recognize themselves on the stage and the production will be staged in a manner that allows audiences to feel as though they are experiencing the action alongside the actors.

Flashback Theater understands that now is a difficult time for many across our country, and is proud to be producing relevant work in a safe and accessible way. Make plans now to attend ​Hazard County,​ running at the Lake Cumberland Farmers Market on East Mt. Vernon St. July 17-19, 2020.

The production sponsors for this production include City of Somerset, McNeil Music Center, Lake Cumberland Tourism, David Daring Rentals, and Dr. Joseph and Libby Weigel. Flashback Theater is grateful to season sponsors, Applied Behavioral Advancements, LLC and M&W Printing for their ongoing support. Additionally, the Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Flashback Theater Co. with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support comes from Kentucky Tourism.

Location:
Lake Cumberland Farmers Market, Open Air Venue on E. Mount Vernon St.
Somerset, Kentucky

Dates
Friday, July 17th 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18th 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19th 2:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices
Hazard County is not ticketed, but is a Pay-What-You-Can Performance. Season subscribers will have access to a reserved seating area.
Suggested Donation: $10-$20