Virginia Rep Opens Noël Coward's HAY FEVER, 2/15

Virginia Repertory Theatre announces the opening of Hay Fever by Noël Coward at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre on Friday, February 15, 2013 with a preview on February 14. Part of the Acts of Faith Theatre Festival, the show will run through March 3 with a talk back on Sunday, February 24 following the 2:00 p.m. matinee. This witty comedy of manners set in the 1920's English countryside portrays the outlandish lifestyle of four bohemians as they host unsuspecting guests for a weekend in the country.

Bruce Miller, Artistic Director for Virginia Rep, says the show may not seem like an obvious choice for the Acts of Faith Festival. "However, Coward's characters represent a movement known as the "Bright Young Things", the lost generation of hedonistic young adults who struggled with spiritual issues and the meaning of life (or lack thereof) between the wars in Britain. This movement made a large impact on society in the 20s and 30s and should generate some interesting discussion. The wit and style of Noël Coward should also be a real treat for Downton Abbey fans."

Virginia Rep is delighted to have Director Steve Perigard working with the outstanding cast of both seasoned and young actors. Steve's recent directing credits include The Pillowman, Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music, Scorched Earth (World Premiere), A Year with Frog and Toad, Circle Mirror Transformation and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. During his twelve seasons as Associate Artistic Director for Barksdale Theatre and Theatre IV, Steve directed over fifty productions.

Irene Ziegler plays the lead role of Judith Bliss. A recipient of the Theresa Pollak Prize for Excellence in the Arts and the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award for Drama, Irene is well known in Richmond as an author, actor, and playwright. She has had recurring roles or guest starred in many notable TV series and films, including Safe Haven and teaches playwriting at the University of Richmond.

Playing opposite Irene as David Bliss is Michael Goodwin whose professional career spans 48 years working in theatre, series television, and film including Lincoln and Law and Order. Adrian Rieder (Richard) was last seen at Virginia Rep as Leo in Cadence Theatre Company's In the Next Room and as Nat in the world premiere of Scorched Earth. He most recently appeared as Biff in the Firehouse Theatre Project's Death of a Salesman. He has performed Off-Broadway and regionally opposite such noted actors as Elizabeth Ashley, Dixie Carter, Marlo Thomas, and F. Murray Abraham. Rounding out the cast are Maggie Horan, Matt Bloch, Denis Riva, Molly Hood, Terri Moore, and Maggie Roop. Full Bios will be available on our press page.

Talk Back - Sunday, February 24, following the 2:00 p.m. matinee.

Ticket Information

Box Office 804-282-2620

www.va-rep.org