Sarah Ruhl's Melancholy Play
WAM Theatre in Pittsfield Nov. 12 to 21
By: Kaitlyn Squires - Oct 27, 2010
WAM Theatre returns with Tony nominated Sarah Ruhl's 'Bold, Outward, Sassy, Sexy and Unashamed'* contemporary farce, 'Melancholy Play'. This production will run from November 12-21, 2010 at the NEW STAGE Performing Arts Center in Pittsfield, MA and will feature Betsy Holt (Oldcastle’s ‘Leading Ladies’) as Tilly, Todd Quick (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey) as Frank, Per Janson (Trinity Rep) as Lorenzo, Karen Lee (The Wharton Salon) as Frances, Erika Helen Smith (Classic Stage Company) as Julian the cellist and Leigh Strimbeck (co-Artistic Director of WAM) as Joan. In line with WAM Theatre's philanthropic mission, a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts. Tickets are now on sale by calling 1-800-838-3006 or going to www.wamtheatre.com
Marjorie Hutter, Director of Philanthropy for The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts remarked, “I remember when Kristen first called me to talk about the vision for WAM – that offering a theatrical venue for women’s voices and experiences would go hand-in-hand with advancing women’s philanthropy for social change. As the chosen beneficiary of WAM’s fall show, the Women’s Fund couldn’t ask for a better alignment of mission and values. We welcome this terrific opportunity to share with WAM’s audience the impact of our grantmaking in Berkshire County. So when you attend WAM’s fall production, please know that you’ll also be part of changing the world, right here at home!”
“Sarah Ruhl is among the most acclaimed and accomplished young playwrights on the contemporary scene. Ms. Ruhl's signature style blends a vibrant emotionalism with quirky comedy in theatrically adventurous ways.” - New York Times
“Sarah Ruhl’s Melancholy Play mixed the absurdity of Pirandello and Fellini and the edgy prettiness of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Off-beat, lyrical and just a little bit nutty, it is a real charmer.” -Chicago Sun-Times
WHERE:
NEW STAGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 55 North Street, Pittsfield, MA
WHEN:
Friday, November 12, 2010: 8pm
Saturday, November 13, 2010: 3pm* & 8 pm
Sunday, November 14, 2010: 3pm
Friday, November 19, 2010: 8pm
Saturday, November 20, 2010: 3pm* & 8pm
Sunday, November 21, 2010: 3pm
*A free post-show discussion with the actors and creative team will follow.
TICKETS:
$25 general public
$12 students
To book tickets, go to www.wamtheatre.com or call 1-800-838-3006
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Tilly (bank teller), Frances (hairdresser), Joan (nurse), Frank (tailor) and Lorenzo (therapist), together with Julian (cellist), come together in this whimsical celebration of sadness. Tilly, an irresistibly melancholy young stranger, makes her sorrow so sexy that everyone in her life falls maddeningly in love with her. Tilly's sudden joyful transformation results in a mystical and hilarious quest exploring the happiness of melancholy and the melancholy of happiness.
This play is suitable for ages 13 and up.
About WAM Theatre:
WAM Theatre is a theatre company based in the Berkshires of Massachusetts and the Capital Region of New York State. Inspired by the book ‘Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide’ by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, WAM Theatre was founded in 2009 by professional theatre artists Kristen van Ginhoven and Leigh Strimbeck. WAM’s philanthropic mission is two-fold. First, producing theatrical events for everyone, with a focus on women theatre artists and/or stories of women and girls. Second, to donate a portion of the proceeds from those events to organizations that benefit women and girls.www.wamtheatre.com
The vision of the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts is to empower women and girls to reach their full potential in a world that is just and fair for all. Their mission is to create economic and social equality for women and girls in Western Massachusetts through grantmaking and strategic initiatives. The proceeds donated from this production will be directed to the Fund's grantmaking initiatives. www.womensfund.net