Theater at Monmouth's Intimate Apparel Weaves a Delicate Tapestry of Joy and Sorrow

Monmouth, Maine – The final mainstage production of Theater at Monmouth’s What Dreams May Come Golden Anniversary Season is Lynn Nottage’s exquisite tome of longing and determination Intimate Apparel. In 1905, an African American seamstress supports herself by creating exquisite lingerie for wealthy Manhattan clients. When a letter arrives from a stranger, it awakens a desire within her that leads to the love that she’s yearned for, but it is nothing like she expected. This historical romance by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage creates a portrait of a young woman’s determination and the true meaning of intimacy. Inspired by a true story, Intimate Apparel is a heart-rending contemporary work in the style of an enduring classic—from the first female playwright to win two Pulitzers. The run begins on Thursday, July 25th at 7:30 p.m. and continues through August 16th including matinee and evening performances on both weekdays and weekends.

"A rich, vivid portrait of turn-of-the-last-century New York; a feminist lament of intelligent, talented women defined and controlled by men; a soft-focus glimpse into the beating hearts behind the archives of African-American life a century ago." - New York Times

In an interview with Alexis Soloski of The Guardian, Nottage commented on her interest in furnishings, and specifically beds, affecting characters’ interactions: “I wanted to see the way in which [the bed] impacts interactions. Even if the bed isn’t used, even if no one sits on it, how does that change the sexual dynamic, the social intercourse?” Intimate Apparel asks us how far we will go for our desires, when to let our dreams go and when to hold them close, and where lies the true source of our power. Intimate Apparel was a winner of the 2004 New York Drama Critics Circle and the Outer Critics Circle Awards as well as the American Theatre Critics Award for Best Play.

Director Josiah Davis writes, “For so many Black people, especially in America, there is no access to the detailed stories of our ancestors. We know there is a bloodline who worked hard to give us a better life. Who created beautiful things with skilled hands. Who made messy mistakes. Who desired to be loved. Who endured prejudice, confusion, and loneliness. Who dared to daydream of the future. Even though these stories aren’t recorded, we know they exist and are as intricate as Valenciennes’ Lace. With this production of Intimate Apparel, I am taking up Lynn Nottage’s task of remembering. The experience of memory. Remembering that we all have a history. It is robust and we must reclaim it to honor those who came before us. Big and small.”

Intimate Apparel features Amber Baldwin* as Esther; Caitlin Duffy as Mrs. Van Buren; Kara Green as Mayme; Lawrence James* as George; Tessa Martin as Mrs. Dickson; and Robert Najarian* as Mr. Marks. Set design by Meg Anderson, costume design by Michelle Handley, lighting design by Jennifer Fok, and sound design by Rew Tippin.

Performance Calendar: OPENING 7/26 at 7:30 p.m.; additional performance dates 7/25, 7/31, 8/3, 8/6 at 7:30 p.m., 8/7, 8/11, 8/16 at 1:00 p.m., and 8/4 at 7:00 p.m. with a Post-Show Discussion.

The themes in this play will best be appreciated by patrons 14 and older.

Audience Engagement

Classic in Context Discussions
Classics in Context fulfills our audience’s desire for in-depth information on the plays before attending each production. The series will feature four discussions with scholars and artists, focusing on the season’s offering. Audience members can attend the post-show discussion with scholars and artists after attending the preview production. For 2019, Classics in Context Discussions will take place following the Preview Performance in July.

Post-Performance Discussions
Join us at selected weekend evening performances for Post Performance Discussions with the cast and creative team. For 2019, Post-performance Discussions will take place on the following dates: Saturday, July 6 following the performance of Murder for Two, Sunday July 21 following the performance of Merry Wives; July 28 following the performance of Hamlet; August 4 following the performance of Intimate Apparel; and August 11 following the performance of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.

Tickets, Subscriptions, and Ways to Save.

TAM Season Passes offer up to 25% off the single ticket price and exclusive benefits such as priority seating and free ticket exchanges. Gold, Flex, General, or Senior Passes are available, so whether you want a ticket for each show or five tickets to one show, there’s an option for you. Single tickets for the Summer Repertory and Fall Show are $34 for adults, $29 for senior citizens, and $20 for students (18 and under). Groups of 10 or more can enjoy TAM shows at up to a 20% discount. Groups may also schedule pre or post-show discussions and tours of historic Cumston Hall.

Opening Nights are Educator Nights.

Educators receive 20% off the general ticket price with a valid photo ID at the Box Office.

Under 30 Rush Tickets.

For patrons under 30, $10 Rush Tickets are available for up to 20 audience members at each performance in the season excluding the Family Show and Special Events. Sign up by contacting the Box Office at boxoffice@theateratmonmouth.org or 207.933.9999 after 11 a.m. on the day of the show. Requests made before the Box Office is open will not be processed.

For calendar, group sales, and reservations, please contact the TAM Box Office at 207.933.9999 or visit www.theateratmonmouth.org.