Trustus Theatre Presents LAST SUMMER AT BLUEFISH COVE 5/7-29

After a long running string of musicals, Trustus Theatre is embarking on a new production of an old Trustus classic. Fans of the theatre since 1985 will remember Jane Chambers' Last Summer at Bluefish Cove as one of the hallmark productions of the first season, which was brought back by popular demand in 1986 and 1994. Trustus Theatre is once again visiting this tiny cove and introducing new audiences to the exciting and engaging women of Last Summer at Bluefish Cove on Friday, May 7th at 8:00pm. The show runs through May 29th, 2010.

For Trustus Artistic Director Jim Thigpen, the decision to bring Last Summer at Bluefish Cove was an easy one. "Twenty five years of great plays...and [Last Summer...] may be my personal favorite when it comes to empathizing with characters' lives," said Thigpen. "It's a special evening, and I hope everyone will share it with us." Without a doubt, Thigpen excited, not only about producing this unique show, but also directing it once more and building upon the past three productions that were lauded.

The show opens with Lil and Eva meeting on the beautiful coast of Bluefish Cove. Eva has left her husband and is on her own for the first time in her life.

Through a series of misunderstandings and assumptions, a chaotic "opening of the season" party kicks off a special relationship between the women of Bluefish Cove and the "new girl in town."

The characters go on to discover the roots of love and companionship as their friendships and relationships blossom and mature through time.

The late playwright Jane Chambers, a South Carolina native and award-winning playwright and novelist, wrote this piece as a testament to the power of love through crisis, both physical and existential. "[...] Life, whatever its length, has meaning and affect," wrote Chambers in an introduction to Last Summer at Bluefish Cove. "Life is not a crap shoot; it is what we who love each other do together, and that is, in itself, sufficient meaning."

Director Jim Thigpen has assembled an all-star cast of Columbia talent to bring this heartfelt and, at many times, hilarious show to life on stage. Favorite Columbia performer and director Dewey Scott Wiley (The Kathy and Mo Show, Always...Patsy Cline) will be portraying Lil, who is vacationing at Bluefish Cove. Well-known Columbia actress Vicky Saye Henderson (The Graduate, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told) will be playing Eva, who goes to Bluefish Cove to escape her failing marriage.

The unique and enthralling women of Bluefish Cove will be played by Robin Gottlieb (Rent, Evita), Becky Hunter (The Little Dog Laughed), Elena Martinez-Vidal (The Sweet Abyss), Stephanie Price (Dog Sees God), Lonetta Thompson (Intimate Apparel), and DiAnne Wilkins (Pride and Joy).
With such a dynamic script, director, and cast Last Summer at Bluefish Cove promises to be an exciting and heartfelt evening of theatre providing an expose on life, love, and companionship among women. An intensely moving evening filled with laughs and inspiration, this production of Last Summer at Bluefish Cove will prove to be another unforgettable entertainment event at Trustus Theatre, who stands strong by their commitment to produce the most engaging and thought-provoking plays in South Carolina.

Jane Chambers' Last Summer at Bluefish Cove opens at 8:00pm on Friday, May 7th. The show runs through May 29th, 2010. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the box office at 520 Lady St. or by calling (803) 254-9732 for reservations. Ticket prices vary depending on the night of the week, and student rush tickets are still available at half-price 15 minutes prior to curtain with a valid ID.

Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady St. The main stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building.

For more information call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season info.

PHOTOS CREDIT: Jason Steelman