Newcastle, Maine - Welcome to the post-holiday season! With it, come the quiet, dark and introspective days of winter. Heartwood Regional Theater Company stands poised to illuminate the season, the stage and our hearts, with two poignant, sensitive and engaging staged readings, running in repertory January 24th thru February 2nd.
“Molly Sweeney,” by Irish playwright Brian Friel, surprised and delighted audiences as Heartwood’s very first “Janu-Drama,” performed in the Porter Hall at Skidompha Library, January of 2004. Two of the three original cast members, Dixie Weisman and John Strong, will reprise their original roles, joined by well known actor Tom Handel, making his first appearance with Heartwood.
“Molly Sweeney” tells the story of its title character, Molly, a woman blind since infancy, who undergoes an operation to restore her sight. Molly's story unravels through the riveting monologues of three related characters: Molly (Weisman), her husband Frank (Strong), and her surgeon, Mr. Rice (Handel). Friel is best known for his stunning use of language and image, as he delves into human issues of love, memory, and self realization.
“Eleemosynary” (e-li-mä-sə-ner-ē), by author Lee Blessing, staged by Heartwood at Skidompha in 2008, will return with original reader Susan Goodwillie Stedman, along with Elise Voigt and Rowan Carroll-Christopher.
Staged with utmost simplicity, the play probes into the delicate relationship of three singular women: the grandmother, Dorothea (Stedman), who has asserted her independence through strong-willed eccentricity; her brilliant daughter, Artie (Voigt), who fled the stifling domination of her mother; and Artie's daughter, Echo (Carroll-Christopher), a child of exceptional intellect and sensitivity, whom Artie abandoned to an upbringing by Dorothea. “Eleemosynary” helps us to understanding the power of language and relationships in our lives.
Performances are sponsored by Season Sponsor, Bath Savings Institution and Show Sponsor, The Bank of Maine. Readings will run for two weekends only in the Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy. Each production will be offered on a Friday night, a Saturday night and one weekend matinee. Matinees will fill particularly quickly - reserve early!
Audiences can expect quick and easy entry to the Poe Theater Lobby, as it has been reconfigured to accommodate winter performances.
“Molly Sweeney” can be enjoyed on the evenings of Jan 24th or Feb 1st @ 7:00pm OR at the 1:30 matinee on Feb. 2nd. Evening performances of “Eleemosynary” will be at 7:00pm on Jan 25th and 31st and the 1:30matinee will be offered on Feb 1st.
Seating is general, though special arrangements may be made at the time of reservation. Tickets are $12/adults and $8/students. Early reservations are strongly suggested, by phoning 207.563.1373 or emailing boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org. For show synopsis, venue directions and general info, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org. Produced by special permission with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
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