Donkey show worth the drive to Salisbury

I can’t tell you what “The Donkey Show: A Midsummer Night’s Disco,” currently playing at the Meroney Theater in the Salisbury, was about.

I can tell you that on Thursday night I laughed more during the play -- a disco version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – than I did during the movie “Norbit.”

Here’s what I know: There are three couples, and each person lusts after someone else's partner. Two beefy guys in pale blue leisure suits and Afro wigs call themselves the Vinnies and think they're sexy. A fairy on roller skates gives people Funky Cold Medina, which makes them all pass out and then wake up in love with their partner. Oh, and there's a conga line through the audience and a Cirque Du Soleil-style dance number complete with masquerade masks and costumes.

Like I said, it was confusing. Since everyone wears glittery outfits, platform shoes, bell-bottoms and sings songs such as “Staying Alive,” “Car Wash” and “I’m Your Boogie,” does the play really need to make sense? The play takes place on a disco dance floor, which extends into the orchestra seats of the theater. Audience members sit on the stage and get to dance with cast members. If you’re not careful, one of the Vinnies might sit on your lap.

Piedmont Players' production of “The Donkey Show” is kitschy in a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” way. It’s worth the 45-minute drive from downtown Charlotte. Arrive early enough to grab a glass of wine at the Blue Vine next door to the theater. It makes the play funnier.

Did I mention there’s a dance number set to the music of the Mos Eisley cantina scene in “Star Wars”? Well, there is. R2-D2 makes an appearance, too. So, does a donkey.