Real Life Tragicomedy Takes the Stage in GREY GARDENS

The Barn Players are pleased to present the Tony Award winning musical "Grey Gardens," Friday, September 15th through Sunday, October 1st. Based on a 1975 documentary, the musical tells the true life story of Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Set in 1941 and 1973 at the Bouvier mansion in East Hampton, this bold musical follows this mother and daughter on their hilarious and heartbreaking journey from glamorous aristocrats to recluses in a crumbling house filled with memory and cats.

"Grey Gardens" has a musical score by Scott Frankel; lyrics by Michael Korie; and book by Doug Wright. The presentation is being helmed by Barn Players Artistic Director Eric Magnus, with musical direction by Michelle McIntire. The cast includes Cori Anne Weber in the dual roles of Edith Bouvier Beale and "Little" Edie Beale, Kay Noonan as Edith "Big Edie" Bouvier Beale, Charlotte Gilman as young Edie Beale, with Kevin Hershberger as George Gould Strong and Hunter Hawkins as Joseph Kennedy, Jr. Other members of the ensemble include: Annalise Gray, David Loethen, Mark McNeal, and Alyson Tinker. Assistant Direction is by Shelly Stewart Banks; Stage Management is by Rebekah Grieb; Assistant Stage Management is by Amanda Albert; Set Design is by Doug Schroeder; Light Design is by Chuck Cline; Costume Design is by Kimberly Thompson; Sound Design is by Joshua Finch; Props Design is by Katie Blinn; with Production Assistance by Alex Leondedis, Barn Intern.

Director Eric Magnus says, "Grey Gardens" (which is based on one of the top real-life documentaries in film history), was of great interest at the time of its release because of the relationship of these two women had to first lady Jackie Kennedy. It also sparked curiosity as to the question of how these two privileged socialites fell so far from their lofty lifestyles and positions in society. The musical, like the documentary, isn't focused on how they came to be living in squalor, but rather on the quirky, combative and fascinating dynamics of the relationship between a mother and her daughter. It's going to be incredibly exciting to explore that relationship with this wonderfully talented cast, and to bring the story of the Beale women to our Barn audience."

WHAT, WHEN & WHERE: "Grey Gardens" presented by the Barn Players. Friday, September 15th through Sunday, October 1st, 2017. Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Industry Night: Monday, September 25th, 7:30pm. The Barn Players, 6219 Martway, Mission, KS 66202.

TICKETS: Adult tickets are $18; Senior (Age 65+) tickets are $15.00; Group tickets of 10 or more are $12 each; Students (with ID) tickets are $12. You may buy online at: thebarnplayers.org, via phone at 913.432.9100, or at the Barn's box office. Cash and credit cards are accepted.