Long Wharf Theatre to Present WHEN SHE HAD WINGS, Begin. 5/17

Long Wharf Theatre will present When She Had Wings by Suzan Zeder, directed by artistic resident Nick Saldivar, as part of its Next Stage program on May 17th, May 21st, and May 22nd in Stage II.

Nine-year-old B is on a quest to fly, just like her hero Amelia Earhart. If she can't manage to lift off before her tenth birthday, which is just three days away, she will never be able to soar among the clouds. Help arrives just in the nick of time, when a mysterious woman from the sky tumbles into her tree house. Written by Suzan Zeder, one of the leading American playwrights for young and family audiences, When She Had Wings is an inspiring adventure story that's appropriate for all ages.

"What I really love about this show is just how it can strike a chord with a person of any age," said Olivia Florence, who is playing B in Long Wharf's production, "I think there's true value in a show that's able to touch the hearts of people ages nine to ninety."

"It really has something to offer the whole family. There are some big ideas to wrestle with and a real sense of artistry for the more sophisticated theatergoers. There is spectacle, humor, and heart to keep younger audiences delighted," said Nick Saldivar.

The cast includes Olivia Florence as B, Olivia Welch as A, Johnson Flucker as Dad/Attendant/Man, Trevor Williams as Sound Op, and Jhulenty Delossantos as Wingman.

Actor Trevor Williams says he is excited to be performing again for young audiences. "I think that you can expect a lot more from a young audience," he said, "I feel like adult audiences come in with more expectations and pre-conceived notions of what a show should be. Children are much more willing to play. They're much more willing to take what they're handed and work with it."

The creative team is entirely made up of member of Long Wharf's Next Stage resident program, which offers early-career theatre professionals the opportunity to work in a professional theatre. "It's been a lot of fun," said Reid Moffatt, sound designer for the production, "I get to try out a lot of new things as well as build on my previous experiences as a sound designer and as an engineer. A big challenge for me is that this production requires Foley which I've never worked with before. I've been able to just play and experiment. Even though it's a challenge, it's a lot of fun."

The show will run for six matinee performances intended for local school groups in addition to the four public performances. "So far, we have just over 900 students attending the school matinees," said Madelyn Ardito, education programs manager at Long Wharf. "We have students from grades K-8, which is very exciting for us."

The cast and crew all look forward to sharing this new work with young audiences in the Greater New Haven area. When asked what he would say to children coming to see the show, Trevor Williams said "Go ahead and come in attached to the ground...but don't expect to stay that way."

When She Had Wings opens on May 17th at 7pm in Stage II at Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Drive New Haven CT. Public performances are May 17th at 7pm, May 21st at 11am and 2pm, and May 22nd at 2pm. There is a $5 suggested donation. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (203) 787-4282 or online at www.longwharf.org.