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 Berkshires Summer 2005 Theater Schedules 
 1/2 TIX. As of June 224th, the popular 1/2 TIX and cultural events discount program is up and running again at the following locations: 1. Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce Infor–mation Center on Main Street, Great Barrington 2. Pittsfield, inside the Berkshire Visitor’s Center, 121 South St. 3. (New) Adams Visitors Center, 3 Hoosac St. Participating organizations include Berkshire Choral Festival, Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Company, Barrington Stage, Shaker Mountain Opera, Jacob’s Pillow, Berkshire Opera. Also available a complimentary Culture Card for discounts at museums and other county wide arts events. Tickets available at all locations on the day of performance on a first come, first served, cash only basis. Hours of Service: Every day except Monday from 2pm to 6pm; with extended matinee hours, Fri. & Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Barrington Stage Consolati Performing Arts Center, Sheffield, MA (413/528 8888) Website MAINSTAGE Barrington Stage has been much in the news in New York as well as the Berkshires. The company’s big summer 2004 hit, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee transferred triumphantly to Off–Broadway and has now moved on to an open–ended Broadway run at the Circle in the Square. While Julianne Boyd’s once again presenting a William Finn work, this one Elegies:A Song Cycle is a revival so any buzz will be limited to the Berkshires. Ms. Boyd has also been a long–time Sondheim champion and her revival of Follies is likely to bring many Sondheim devotees taking a special trip to Sheffield. I would have preferred Ms. Boyd to choose something more adventurous than Oscar Wilde’s much done The Importance of Being Earnest for her straight play of the season–– but then she surprised everyone with a remarkably enjoyable and quite fresh Cyrano last year, so I’m ready to be surprised again. For the never before experience, there’s always the second state. While Mt. Everett Regional High School transformed into the Consolati Performing Arts Center (CPAC) each summer continues as the company’s main home, some productions will be mounted in neighboring towns. Perhaps this expanded geographical reach will enable to company to eventually expand its season. June 23–July 16. (Press opening, June 26 at 5 PM). Stephen Sondheim’s and James Goldman’s Follies. This seven–time Tony–award winning musical memory play will be directed by Julianne Boyd and will have a starry cast to include: Kim Crosby (Sally), Leslie Denniston (Phyllis), Jeff McCarthy who starred in Barrington Stage’s terrific Mack & Mabel (Ben), Lara Teeter (Buddy, and also choreographs), Marni Nixon (Heidi) and Donna McKechnie (Carlotta) star. July 21 through Aug. 7, (Press opening July 24 at 5 PM). Ms. Boyd will also direct Oscar Wilde’s much produced The Importance of Being Earnest. August 11 to 28 (press opening Sunday, August 14), Elegies at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington. Rob Ruggiero, William Finn’s 2003i collection of musical love letters, celebrating the lives of people (and a handful of dogs) that have lent meaning to the writer’s life. Barrington’s Stage II: J June 30 to July 17. World premiere of Fuente by Cusi Cram which took first place in the 2004 Herrick Theatre Foundation New Play Contest at Barrington Stage Company last May. Sturgis Warner will direct. What it’s about: An adventure in magical realism gone awry, the play is set in the remote desert town of Fuente –– a place where the breeze hasn’t blown in 200 years. The story follows a group of characters as they discover love, revenge, and the perilous powers of Aquanet hairspray. Cast: Paolo Andino, Lucia Brawley, Michael Ray Escamilla, Zabryna Guevara, Piter Marek and Jeanine Serralles. Designers: Brian Prather (scenic designer), Ben Courtney (lighting designer) and Guy Lee Bailey (costume designer). Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 3 and 7:30pm. The official press opening is Thursday, July 7 at 7:30pm. A semi–staged concert version of the original tribal love–rock musical Hair at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center from August 3 to 7, and from August 10–14 at the Berkshire Music Hall in Pittsfield. Berkshire Fringe Festival Bazaar Productions, Daniels Arts Center on Simon's Rock College Campus at 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington. www.berkshirefringe.org This is a new event hoping to grow and come back each year. The inaugural festival will rung from July 12 to July 24, 2005 and feature evevnts spanning disciplines of theater, dance, music, film and video, and visual arts. Each event is just $15. For pictures and full details check out the above website. Berkshire Opera Berkshire Opera Company, 297 North Street, Pittsfield, 413–442–0099, www.berkshireopera.org. The season continues smaller than one would hope for, but what there is promises to be very fine. Details on dates and casting TBA. Handel’s Rinaldo. Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief Donizettu;s Elisir d’more The Berkshire Theatre Festival Berkshire Theatre Festival–– POBox 797, Stockbridge, MA 01262 (413/298–5536) web site BTF Main Stage: The company’s executive director Kate Maguire is taking few chances with her Main Stage lineup –– three frequently revived productions, and one of Stephen Sondheim’s lesser but popular with regional producers shows, Side by Side. The most original and surprising item is likely to be a solid little off–Broadway hit Souvenir, that should go over well with Berkshire audiences. Thanks to Judy Kaye’s terrific performance, this oddly charming little show extended several times at the York theater and the BTF run is one stop of what promises to be an extensive tour. To find out what it’s about, see my review of the York Theater production. . The second stage usually associated with cutting edge productions is also focusing on revivals, with the only new play on the horizon a thriller, Rat in the Skull, giving one of the actors affected by Shakespeare & Company’s financially prompted layoffs to strut his stuff on a different stage. I hope Hutchinson does better with this genre as he did with his slice of movie history Moonlight and Magnolia which opened to decidedly so–so reviews (including ours. Side by Side. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Music by Jule Styne, Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers; Continuity by Ned Sherrin Directed by Gary M. English. From June 21 to July 9th; Opens June 24. Cast: Jessica Walter will play the role of the Narrator onsent, Night Life and Rumors. Also in the cast is Michele Ragusa whose Broadway credits include: Urinetown, Ragtime, A Class Act, Titanic and Cyrano; Marcus Neville, who originated the role of Harold in The Full Monty in both the Broadway and London productions. Equus. Written By Peter Shaffer and directed by Scott Schwartz. July 12 to July 23; opens: July 15. Queer As Folk’ star Randy Harrison will play Alan Strang, a young man who inexplicably blinds six horses one night. In the mental hospital to which he is later confined, he meets Dr. Dysart, who tries to unravel the mystery behind this violent act. Broadway veteran Roberta Maxwell will play Hester. Victor Slezak will play Dr. Dysart and Pamela Payton Wright will be Strang’s mother. The original Broadway production of Equus won the 1975 Tony Award for Best Play. American Buffalo written David Mamet and directed by Anders Cato. From July 26 to August 13th; opening 7/29/05. Cast: Jim Frangione plays is Don; Sean Nelson will play Bob and Christopher Noth will be is Teach. Souvenir, A Fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins. This play with music by Stephen Temperley is directed by Vivian Matalon and stars Judy Kaye. From August 17 to September 3rd; opens August 19th. BTF’s Unicorn Theatre: I Do! I Do! Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones Music by Harvey Schmidt Directed by Sarah Gurfield. From May 26 to June 25th; opening May 27th. This two–hander has been often revived. The Father. Written by August Strindberg Directed by Anders Cato. From June 29 to July 16. Eric Hill in the title role; David Adkins will be the Doctor and Lenka Peterson, the Nurse. Rat in the Skull By Ron Hutchinson. Directed by Dennis Garnhum. From July 20 to August 6, opening July 21. Cast: Jonathan Epstein, best known to local audiences for his many performances at Shakespeare & Company makes his BTF debut. The Franco American Connection. An Evening of French Contemporary Theatre at the Unicorn from August 22 to September 2nd. Two new French plays have been selected for this celebration to run from August 22 to September 2; with performances Monday thru Saturday evenings at 8 with matinees at 2 pm on August 2 and 10. Tickets are $27. My Buddy Bill written and performed by Rick Cleveland, directed by William PayneAugust 10–20. This workshop production relates what it feels like to be an F.O.B. (Friend of Bill). MISTERIOSO–119 by Marc Israel–Pelletier is a collaborative workshop with The Lark Theatre Company of New York City. The play about a women’s prison will have a cast of 50 explor ing the politics of the death penalty in America. The Mac–Haydn Theater musical theater in the round on Rte. 203 in Chatham, NY.. 518–392–9292 for or check their website. Performance schedule: first week Thursday, 2 and 8 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 5 and 8:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.; second week: Wednesday at 2 and 8, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 and 8:30, Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $23.50 and $24.50 for evening performances, $22.50 for all matinee seats, children under 12 with an adult $12.00. There is a $2.50 handling fee per individual ticket order. Discounts are available for groups and senior citizens. This year’s as usual full to the brim season features something older than usual –– Sigmund Romberg’s operetta, The Student Prince and something much newer, a regional premiere of Barry Manilowe’s Copacabana. May 26–29, June 1–5: Nuncrackers. It’s chaos at the convent when the Little Sisters of Hoboken (possibly the zaniest, most famous nuns in the world) put on the holiday season’s favorite ballet! June 9–12, 15–19: The Student Prince by Sigmund Romberg –– the story of the prince and the innkeeper’s daughter who fall in love but must part when his duty calls. June 23–26, June29–July 3: Carousel. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s score: which includes "You’ll Never Walk Alone, " "If I Loved You", and J"une Is Bustin’ Out All Over,." July 7 to10, 13 to 17. 42nd Street the musical with the dancing feet. July 20 to 24 (special show times), Liberace. The music and glamour of the late showman , performed on a glittering grand piano! Spectacular wardrobe and with dazzing outfits. July 28 to 31, August 3 to 7: La Cage Aux Folles. Jerry Hermann’s fast-stepping extravaganza currently enjoying a major Broadway revival. August 11 to 14, 17–21, Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. An area premiere. Based on Manilow’s Grammy winning platinum seller of the same name. August 25 to28, August 31 to ;September 4, Brigadoon. Lerner and Loewe’s first hit. The Miniature Theatre of Chester, an Actors’ Equity Association company, at the Chester Town Hall, on Middlefield Street off Route 20. (413–354–7771) –– web site . Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 pm., with matinees Thursday and Sunday at 2:00pm. Tickets are $20–25 General Admission, $10 Students; group rates are available. The Miniature Theatre of Chester’s is celebrating its 16th season. I saw and liked The Retreat From Moscow on Broadway. David Mamet's attempt at a Henry James topic had a stylish production at the public Theater. The Nina Variations introduces MTC audiences to one of the most popular and widely produced playwrights, Stephen Dietz. The only brand new and most intriguing offering will be a world premiering sequel to Arlene Hutton’s popular Last Train to Nibroc. which we reviewed at MTC in 2001. William Nicholson’s The Retreat From Moscow, running July 6 to 17. The three-character play will be directed by James Warwick with Roger Forbes as Edward, the father; Jill Tanner asAlice, the mother; Tom O'Brien as Jamie, their son. For a preview of what to expect see our review of the last Broadway production–– here. David Mamet’s Boston Marriage, from July 20 to – 31 and directed by Michael Dowling. For details as to what it’s about, check out review of a fairly recent Off–Broadway production. The Nina Variations by Steven Dietz, directed by company’s artistic director Byam Stevens, from August 3 to– 14. This is a homage to Anton Checkov’s The Seagull, with star–crossed lovers Nina and Treplev brought together in a room they seemingly can’t leave. The result is forty–two variations on their famous final scene. See Rock City by Arlene Hutton, world premiere, August 17 to 29, directed by Victor Maog. This is a sequel to Last Train to Nibroc which I didn't catch when it played at the Miniature Theatre but liked very much off-Broadway ( review). This returns to Raleigh and May now just returned from their honeymoon and faced navigating a tricky strait that includes in-laws, the hardships of World War II in rural Kentucky, their livelihoods, and even their life together. Old Castle Theatre, Vermont Route 9 at Gypsy Lane P.O. Box 260, Bennington, Vermont O5201 (802–447–0564 Box Office, 802–447–1267 Office, 802–442–3704 Fax) Website . Bennington, Vt., is a bit too far north for me to get there often. This is another company that had some problems last season, but they’ve nevertheless moved forward with a lineup for 2005. Below the shows and dates, with details to follow as they become available: Inherit the Wind By Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee, May 20 to – May 29. The Price By Arthur Miller, June 17 to June 26 Mornings at Seven By Paul Osborne, July 15 to August 7 Chesapeake, a solo play by Lee Blessing August 24 to August 28 Picnic By William Inge September 30 to October 16 Shakespeare & CompanyShakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble St., Lenox, (413) 637–1199 Web Site Berkshirites won’t want to miss the lastest Wharton one–acts at what may be the company’s last season at the lovely Springlawn Mansion –– and with the lovely Corinna May back on stage. The company’s famously handsome leading man Alyn Burrows will don the royal robes of King John while the lov June 3 to September 4, Spring Lawn. Ice Glen, a Berkshire romantic comedy by Joan Ackermann, directed by Tina Packer. This is a Regional Premiere Press Opening: Friday, June 10 at 8:30 pm. Local playwright Joan Ackermann (Off the Map, The Batting Cage) sets her new romance at the end of the Gilded Age in a decaying, elegant Berkshire manse now for sale. Among the quirky family of servants soon to be evicted is Sarah Harding, a gifted and unknown poet enthralled with Stonegate’s rolling countryside and wildlife. When neighbor Edith Wharton passes Sarah’s poems on to a Boston publishing firm, editor Peter Woodburn comes calling. Though initially shocked at her refusal to have her words read by the public, Woodburn discovers a heart in her poetry, and in the Berkshires, that beats outside the commercial world – in its own creative home. Cast: Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Michael Hammond (Peter Woodburn), Dennis Krausnick, Gillian Seidl, and Kristin Wold (Sarah Harding). June 25 – September 4, Spring Lawn. The Wharton One–Acts: The Mission of Jane and The Promise, adapted from Edith Wharton by Dennis Krausnick. Press Opening: Saturday, July 2 at 4:00pm. In Wharton’s 1904 comedy of manners, The Mission of Jane, Lethbury, a childless New York husband, basks in the beige blandness of his marital bliss. While he is at ease with his serenity, his wife’s disquiet grows. When she suggests to her acquiescing husband that they adopt a baby, little did they expect the most unusual prodigy, named Jane, they would raise. And only in hindsight, many years later at Jane’s intended nuptial moment, do they learn what must have always been her Mission. In The Promise, adapted from Les Metteurs en Scene, a resourceful American woman, in partnership (and in love) with a penniless French aristocrat, arranges marriages between wealthy American girls and the titled families of Europe – until that fateful day when they step too far into the lives of the matches. Cast: Jason Asprey and Corinna May. July 8 – September 3, Founders’ Theatre. Press Opening: Friday, July 15 at 7:30 pm. The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, directed by Daniela Varon It’s Carnivale time in the Veneto and the spring winds blow warm, then cold. Change is in the air as traveling players roam the hills, gentlemen journey to Padua in search of education and fortune, and wily lovers disguise, deceive, and clown their way to their hearts’ desires. Cast: Jonathan Croy, Dave Demke, Susannah Millonzi, Barbara Sims, Rocco Sisto, Meg Weider, and Walton Wilson. July 21 – September 3, Founders’ Theatre, King John by William Shakespeare, directed by Tina Packer. Press Opening: Friday, July 29 at 7:30 pm. The company’s first professional production of this play with it an internationally explosive world of political maneuvers hanging in the balance. Cast: Bill Barclay, Allyn Burrows as King John, Mel Cobb, Jonathan Croy, Dave Demke, Annette Miller, Susannah Millonzi, Diane Prusha, Barbara Sims, Meg Weider, and Walton Wilson. August 16 – September 4, Spring Lawn. The Tricky Part written and performed by Martin Moran, directed by Seth Barrish. A solo show, reviewed by us when it played off–Broadway –– Tricky Part, review –– and making its area premiere here. Press Opening: Friday, August 19 at 8:30 pm. Thirty–three years after his childhood faith in God and himself was shattered, Martin Moran now brings his harrowing personal story to the stage full of such grace and compassion that even amidst the recent revelations of the Catholic church, forgiveness is more than possible. September 4th will bring another Studio Festival of Plays to the Founders’ Theatre –– An all–day, all–night festival of five different compelling plays presented as readings or staged readings by Company artists. Studio scripts that have gone on to full productions in the past include Golda’s Balcony, The Scarlet Letter, A Tanglewood Tale, and Wit. Seating is general admission, and tickets are a $15 suggested Back to Index Theater Barn, 654 Route 20 New Lebanon, NY (518) 794–8989 info@theaterbarn.com–web site. Lots of antiques shops and restaurants en route. The 2004 summer/fall season begins June 18th and will run through October 10th. It will feature four plays and four musicals. Performances: Thursday and Friday evenings at 8, Saturdays at 5 and 8:30, and Sundays at 2 and 7. Performances of the two fall shows are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and Sunday afternoons at 2. Musical theater buffs will be most interested in the reprise of Ahrens & Flaherty’s first work together. The rest illustrates the Barn’s typical daring to take on even big shows like The Full Monty hits on a small scale. June 17 – 26: Over the River And Through the Woods by Joe DiPietro. Generational comedy about an uptight young man and his colorful grandparents that had its premiere in this area (at the Berkshire Theatre Festival). June 30 to July 10: Swingtime Canteen. Set in London circa 1944, a recreation of an all–girl band canteen show. July 14–24: The Rats and The Mystery at Twicknam Vicarage are one–acters by Agatha Christie and David Ives. July 28–August 7: Songs For A New World, Jason Robert Brown revue. August 11–21: Lucky Stiff a musical farce by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, their first collaboration.. August 25–September 4: The Full Monty hit musical based on hit movie about about unemployed men who plan a strip show. September 9–15: Greater Tuna two actors portray the denizens of a crazed Texas town. September 23–October 9: Shirley Valentine Willy Russell’s one–woman show Williamstown Theatre Festival 1000 Main Street, Williamstown, MA (413/597–3400) web address. The venues are new and so is the director, Roger Rees. But the plays, except at the second stage are likely to be new looks at much done plays. If you’re in the area, you’ll want to see if a hot young director like Will Frears can really give a fresh new feel to William Inge’s Bus Stop as Moisés Kaufman almost surely will in his staging of Wilde’s Lady Windemere’s Fan. By almost doubling its seating capacity to175 seats, the crush for tickets to the Festival’s most exciting offerings, the new plays at the Nikos, is likely to be eased up a bit. Tickets will go on sale online at the Festival’s official website, www.WTFestival.org, on Friday, June 10. Mail orders received prior to June 10 will be processed before internet sales begin. The Main Stage is now housed in the new 550–seat multi–level auditorium. Tickets range from $20 to $52. Performance times are Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m. Matinees are Thursdays at 3 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Kids’ Night: Kids under 18 attend the Main Stage free of charge every Friday night when accompanied by an adult. Limit one free kids’ ticket per full price adult ticket. General Rush Tickets are available for every Thursday evening Main Stage performance beginning at 6 p.m. on the day of the show. Anyone may purchase general rush tickets for $15 each. Limit two rush tickets per person. The lineup for the 2005 Main Stage Season is as follows: Lady Windemere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde, directed by Moisés Kaufman (July 6 – 17). Expect some new twists with this cutting–edge director at the helm. Cast: Isabel Keating (Judy Garland in Broadway’s The Boy from Oz) as Duchess of Berwick, Adam Rothenberg as Lord Darlington, Sandra Shipley as Lady Jedburgh, Jean Smart (TV’s Designing Women. ) as Mrs. Erlynne, Samantha Soule as Lady Windermere, Benjamin Walker as Cecil Graham, and Chandler Williams as Mr. Dumby. Top Girls by Caryl Churchill, directed by Jo Bonney, July 20 to 31. This is the play that established Caryl Churchill as one of the late 20th century’s most prescient playwrights. Cast: Reiko Aylesworth (Michelle Dessler on TV’s 24 ) as Lady Nijo/Win, Becky Ann Baker (Broadway’s Assassins), Brienin Bryant as Waitress/Kit/Shona, Jessica Hecht (currently playing Portia in Julius Caesar on Broadway) as Marlene, Ellen McLaughlin (original company of Angels in America) as Pope Joan/Louise, and Elizabeth Reaser as Patient Griselda/Nell/Jeanine. On the Razzle by Tom Stoppard, directed by David Jones, August 3 to 14. Billed as the fun play of the season, especially if you appreciate Stoppard’s clever wordplay. Cast: Michael McKean (from Hairspray) as Zangler, Margaret Colin as Frau Fischer, John Lavelle as Christopher, Aasif Mandvi as Melchior, Sandra Shipley as Gertrud, Robert Stanton as Weinberl, and Benjamin Walker as Sonders. Bus Stop by William Inge, directed by Will Frears (August 17 to 28). Frears is considered one of the hot young directors on the theater scene. Cast: Elizabeth Banks (Pittsfield, MA native seen in the films Seabiscuit, Spider–Man and Spider–Man 2) as Cherie, Bill Camp (Homebody/Kabul) as Dr. Gerald Lyman, Logan Marshall–Green (former WTF apprentice, TV’s 24 and The O.C.” as Bo Decker, Laura Heisler as Elma Duckworth, Kristine Nielsen as Grace Hoyland, and David Zayas as Will Masters. Nikos Stage productions will be held in the 203–seat Adams Memorial Theatre. Ticket prices are $33 or $35, depending on performance date. Performances are Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m. Matinees are Thursdays at 3 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Here’s the line–up for 2005 Nikos Stage season of new plays: Created Fate by Etan Frankel, directed by Christopher Ashley, from July 13 to 24. What it’s about:Nathan Penney has lots of everything. A bank account worth millions, a super–sized waistline, a multitude of vintage muscle cars. So why shouldn’t he hire a private eye to get him some sugar and spice that’s extra nice? Why shouldn’t Nathan Penney go out and buy himself the love of his life, the girl of his dreams? Why shouldn’t Nathan Penney, master of his domain, create his own fate? Cast: Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos), Sarah Chalke (Scrubs & Rosanne) and Michael Chernus (Adam Rapp Festival, Rattlestick). The Sugar Syndrome by Lucy Prebble, directed by Maria Mileaf, July 27 to August 7. What it’s about: Seventeen- year-old Dani surfs internet chat rooms searching for someone who is honest and direct. What she finds is a man twice her age who thinks she is an eleven year–old boy. The play contains adult subject matter and is intended for mature audiences. Cast: Gaby Hoffman (200 Cigarettes, Now and Then & Sleepless in Seattle), Patch Darragh (Our Town), Tim Hopper (Present Laughter), and Betsy Aidem (Nine Months & Law & Order). Tough Titty by Oni Faida Lampley, directed by Charles Randolph–Wright, August 10 to 21). What it’s about: Diagnosed with breast cancer, trying to stay married, raise two small sons and endure poisonous treatments, Angela confronts her childhood ideas about God and goodness, and wrestles with the haunting question, "What did I do wrong?" Funny, poignant – and tough. Cast: Quincy Tyler Bernstine (Matt & Ben), Peter Jay Fernandez (current Broadway production of Julius Caesar), Christine Toy Johnson (Huntington’s 36 Views), Paul Kreppel (“That 70s Show”), Antoinette LaVecchia (TheaterWorks’ Kimberly Akimbo), Brenda Pressley (original company of Dreamgirls), and Shona Tucker (Constant Star at Arena Stage). The various other Festival activities will include: Late–Night Cabaret (July 14 to 16, August 11 tp 13) Free Theatre Production TBA, directed by Amanda Charlton (July 25 to 31) this year moving inside to the Festival’s new Main Stage; Greylock Theatre Outlook Project (July 7, July 25, August 8). leapFROG (August 18 – 20), a new program that pairs talented young writers and composers with the Boris Sagal and Bill Foeller Directing Fellows and our Act I ensemble to create two new works – a play and a musical. Developed throughout the summer, the finished works will be given public performances free of charge in Goodrich Hall August 18 – 20. Fridays @ 3 New Play Series (July 15 to August 19) which offers readings of the latest works by talented writers featuring Festival and guest actors and directors, at the Nikos Stage, Friday afternoons at 3 p.m. with $3 tickets availabe through box office or web site. This year's line-up is as follows: Friday, July 15: Lucy and the Conquest by Cusi Cram, directed by Suzanne Agins. Pill popping Lucy Santiago heads to her family home in Bolivia after being fired from the syndicated hit Beach Detectives. All she wants to do is forget her troubles, but her wildly eccentric family and a mysterious spirit that lives under Simon Bolivar’s campaign bed won’t let her. Lucy is forced to confront her own troubled history as well as the history of a conquered people. Friday, July 22: Goldfish by Dominic Leggett, directed by Rosemary Andress. Tom and Alice have invited Karol for dinner. He’s an old friend of theirs – a dissident dramatist from Eastern Europe turned minister and businessman. Tonight he’ll appear on Tom’s talk show to promote his biography – written by Alice. But the cozy arrangement turns sour when he arrives much the worse for wear, with an erotic dancer in tow – and when they disappear into the garden, events spiral out of control. Friday, July 29: Critical Darling by Barry Levey, directed by Suzanne Agins. Reaching the cusp of improbable celebrity is not without its anxieties for Frank and Evie, two aging British expatriates seeking literary fame in 1939 New Mexico. Marriage presents one solution; a young Czech émigré proposes another. Starring Roger Rees. Note: I saw this last winter, when it was staged as part of the New Group's bare bones series and am happy to see that it's getting further exposure-- see review of that production here. Friday, August 5: Act a Lady by Jordan Harrison, directed by Tom Bloom. When the men of a small Prohibition-era town don petticoats to perform a period melodrama, nobody but the accordion teacher raises an eyebrow. But as opening night approaches, the play-within-the-play begins to spill off the stage: purloined emeralds, silk snoods, and vengeful ghosts descend upon the Midwestern cattle farmers. By the time the show goes up, one has to wonder: who is on which side of the red velvet curtain? Friday, August 12: Drawing Monsters by Shawn Nacol, directed by Michael Barakiva. A modern gothic about cleavage, carnage, and the Queen of the Pulps. From 1933 to 1938, Mrs. Margaret Brundage created the covers for Weird Tales magazine. In 100 pictures of nude women being tortured, raped, and disemboweled, Brundage used her own daughters as models. Inspired by true events, the play unveils a family of women who were drawn to death.Friday, August 19: Antebellum by Robert O’Hara, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. On the evening of the world premiere of Gone with the Wind, a woman shows up on a farm outside Atlanta while a world away, a man shows up in a detention center outside Berlin and a romance unfolds. Editor's Note: This playwright has done some fascinating work so anything new from him is sure to be of interest. 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