Act One
The first act is based on Mark Twain’s The Diary of Adam and Eve, and it presents an interesting theory on these biblical characters. In contrast to the original telling of the story, the play depicts Adam and Eve not as instant lovers and companions, but rather as two people who really don’t get along well after they first encounter each other. However, as time passes, they learn to adjust to, tolerate and even depend on one another.
The infamous snake also makes an appearance, and the play presents this creature as cunning, clever and highly intelligent. In fact, it’s the snake’s ability to intrigue the humans, particularly Eve, that shows how Twain’s interpretation of this story is quite unique.
Act Two
The second act moves forward in history, but not by much. The setting is in the first century A.D., and the plot is based on Frank R. Stockton's The Lady or the Tiger? It centers on a “fate-determined” choice, in that when a man has been charged with a crime, that defendant is given a “fair trial” by choosing what’s behind two identical doors.
Behind one door is a maiden, and behind the other is a tiger. If the defendant chooses the tiger door, he’s devoured immediately, and justice is supposedly served. If he chooses the door with the maiden behind it, the defendant is found innocent and immediately marries the maiden.
Act Three
The third act is based on Jules Feiffer's Passionella, which tells the story of a chimney sweep who becomes a successful and glamorous movie star by night. The development of the two personalities in this act is perhaps, more than anything else, what makes this interesting play come together, and helps thespians realize just what they’ve gotten with The Apple Tree tickets.
Overall, the story and the cast, lead by star Kristen Chenowith, provide theater-goers with a night to remember, as all three of these acts present unique perspective on historical times and historical tales. Get The Apple Tree tickets to see three stories in one.