Virginia Repertory Theatre to Present Tennessee Williams' SUMMER AND SMOKE, 4/22-5/15

Virginia Repertory Theatre announces the opening of Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, 114 West Broad Street on Friday, April 22 with a preview on Thursday, April 21. The production runs through May 15, 2016. Set in Mississippi at the dawn of the 20th century, the story centers on a young woman's sexual awareness as it evolves from chaste modesty to desire. First staged on Broadway in 1948, the show was not well received. A 1952 revival at Circle in the Square Theatre featuring a legendary performance by Geraldine Page received rave reviews and was credited with beginning the Off-Broadway movement. Stu Falconer, one of six New York actors to form Barksdale Theatre (now Virginia Rep) in 1953, left his job as the stage manager of that Circle in the Square production to move to Virginia.

Director Bruce Miller finds this connection with Stu Falconer fascinating. "I fondly remember talking with Barksdale Founder Muriel McAuley about an emotional, impromptu reading of Summer and Smoke that took place one evening with the founders and their children sharing roles. The transition to start their own theatre had been trying, and that reading served to remind them that following their passions had been the right decision." That story has influenced Miller's vision for the show and his

decision to cast two children. Miller's directing credits include As You Like It, Boleros for the Disenchanted, Legacy of Light, My Fair Lady, The Little Dog Laughed, The Crucible, The Lark, the Smoke on the Mountain trilogy, On Golden Pond, Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, A Lug Nuts Christmas, Tartuffe, and most recently at Hanover Tavern I Do!, I Do!. Miller will step aside this summer after 41 years as the founding Artistic Director of Virginia Rep. He will remain involved with the theatre in education and fundraising.

The design team includes set designer Rich Mason (Equus and The Mountaintop for Cadence Theatre in partnership with Virginia Rep), lighting designer BJ Wilkinson (Equivocation, Peter and the Starcatcher for Virginia Rep), and costumer Sue Griffin (Mame, South Pacific, Gypsy for Virginia Rep).

Alexander Sapp will play the role of John, the undisciplined young doctor. Sapp is currently on stage at the Children's Theatre in the title role of Croaker. Other recent Virginia Rep credits include South Pacific, Treasure Island, and A Lie of the Mind in partnership with Cadence Theatre Company.

Virginia Rep is delighted to welcome three actors from the University of Virginia MFA Professional Actor Training Program in their debut on the November stage. Carolyn Demanelis will play the lead role of Alma. Recent credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Our Town, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Alexandra Deglise will play the role of Rosa, and Dana Colagiovanni will play Nellie.

Four Thoughts
1:30 p.m. on Sundays
The new Four Thoughts discussion series will continue on Sunday April 24, May 1, and May 15, 30 minutes prior to the performance. Bruce Miller will present four thoughts or ideas that provide context to the play. Open to public. No reservation needed.

Ticket Information

Box Office 804-282-2620
www.virginiarep.org
Full Price Tickets: $38 - $46.
Discounted Group Rates and Rush tickets available.
U-Tix for college and high school students $10. Available by phone or in person day of show only. Student ID required.

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