Character Matters!

The set could collapse. Our costumes could fall off. But if the characters are solid, we can do anything.

Our ADDICTED series with actors Becca Anderson and Stephen Wayne; the “Sam and Diane” of 34 West.

That’s been the secret ingredient of our downtown Charleston venue. Fully realized characters that can be inserted into any scenario. Like your favorite sitcom characters in an all-new episode.

You want to see the on-again, off-again couple (above) in different situations: Go to prom. Attend the office Christmas party. Organize their co-worker’s wedding.

FYI, we wrote an entire show for each of those scenarios. And each production SOLD OUT every night.

Our LOVE POTION series with actor Jeff Querin as Marty Funkyballoo.

Because it’s always REAL people in unbelievable situations.

Here’s a great example of our writing… we discovered early on that owner Jeff Querin (above) can play the neurotic hero really well. He’s an underdog. He’s charming. He’s wholly optimistic- which is a rarity these days.

And audiences loved it. They hurt from smiling after 90 minutes, because he was that freakin’ adorable.

So we developed new shows to further the story of Marty Funkyballoo. Now he has his own ever-expanding “universe”, if you will.

Our MOONSHINE series with actors John Black, Jeff Querin, and Stephen Wayne.

Our ADDICTED series, LOVE POTION series, MOONSHINE series. All have reoccurring characters that could read the phone book, basically, and audiences would still be captivated. Not that we would ever do that but you get the idea!

The moral of this blog? All you need is a believable character.

Our LOVE POTION series with actor Becca Anderson.

P. S… a transformer exploded downtown one night and we were without electricity. The audience was already seated. It was ten minutes before showtime. What do we do?

We performed the show that night without electricity or fanfare. Just bare bones. And the audience loved it because it was honest… and real.

Years later, people still talk about that night being one of the most magical nights at the theater.

Why? Because good storytelling is all you need :)

For tickets…

Our ADDICTED series played to sold-out audiences for 12 weeks!

Summer Sellout Returns

We specialize in funk. And quirk. But make no mistake. We’re all heart.

Writers/Actors Stephen Wayne, Jeff Querin with Rebecca René Kelley

The cast of our 14-week summer sellout return for a very limited time this January and February.

A 1970’s soap star must face his impending doom… and his monstrous ex-wife, in this hilarious musical comedy.

“It’s absolutely bonkers,” states Wayne, who plays the aging actor. “Its slapstick, it’s heartfelt, it’s completely random. It’s us!”

Actor Stephen Wayne

Watching any of our shows is like watching a 75 minute long episode of your favorite TV sitcom, except with music… and higher energy… and the actors play multiple roles.

STAYIN’ ALIVE is no exception. Inspired by such classics as TOOTSIE, 9 to 5, SOAP DISH, and THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW, co-creators Jeff and Steve wanted to make what they refer to as a “disco-infused soap opera.” Something chalk full of camp but still deals with real people and real issues.

And that’s really the most significant thing that separates 34 West from the pack. Even though the characters are often LARGER THAN LIFE, you can still identify with them.

Even though they’re zaney (think Ron Burgundy or Ace Ventura), you can still relate.

That’s the magic of 34 West.

That’s the reason this particular show sold as well as it did last year. It’s absolutely funky and totally relatable.

If you haven’t seen a performance yet, make your decisions soon. Seats are selling quickly.

And if you already have, why not introduce your neighbors or mom? You’ll definitely enjoy the quirkiness in a completely different way the second time!

For tickets to STAYIN’ ALIVE…

Where Do You Come Up With These?!

Largo Cutting was created for a murder mystery in the basement of a hotel in Ohio’s Amish Country. Yes, you read that correctly.

The year was 2009 and 34 West was touring nationally to theaters, schools, festivals- whoever would commission Jeff and Steve to write and produce original work.

The aging soap star (on the poster) was so popular as a supporting role that he began reappearing in various stories until he was finally given his own headliner, STAYIN’ ALIVE, 2017. It sold out every performance for three months. In 2021, it sold out every performance for four months.

Now Largo and the gang will return for 5 more weeks in 2022.

Why? What is it about these 34 West characters that makes them so endearing? The characters always need flaws. They need hopes, fears, allies, enemies, victories, losses, then bigger victories. That’s a super-quick summary of The Hero’s Journey. (look it up, it’s fascinating).

Like your favorite TV characters or rom-com heroine, they’re underdogs. Jeff and Steve have spent 20 years developing their ability to create real, empathetic, comedic hero’s- and we are living for every moment of it!

For tickets to see STAYIN’ ALIVE…

Update: 34 West Films

Many of you asked about our new Films division… its all true :)

Actors-writers-owners Jeff and Steve have been writing new stories for 21 years. Many of their sold out productions have had follow-up shows, similar to episodes of a sitcom or sequel to a movie.

There’s a whole roster of stories in the 34 West universe just waiting to be streamed (or projected!).

Over the next year, while they’re presenting shows in downtown Charleston (GROOVY is now playing and completely adorable!), they’ll also be building relationships in L.A where interest has already been expressed for their sci fi series LOVE POTION, based off the 2017 production, and ARDEN HIGH (from 2015’s ADDICTED TO LOVE).

34 West continues to be an incubator for new works and innovation at every turn. It’s very exciting to expand its reach to a whole new audience through film and television. We can’t wait to share more details with you in the months to come!

For tickets to GROOVY KINDA LOVE, click here…