Darrie Lawrence, Hal Robinson & More Star in BABETTE'S FEAST 6/16-26

Threads Theater Company and International Arts Movement will present the world premiere of BABETTE'S FEAST, a timeless tale of food and love by Rose Courtney, directed by Quin Gordon, which will run from June 16th-June 26th at Space 38/39 at International Arts Movement. Adapted from a short story by Isak Dinesen, BABETTE'S FEAST is the unusual tale of a small, conservative 19th century European town whose community members are forever changed by the arrival of an outspoken French refugee named Babette. BABETTE'S FEAST was also made into a critically acclaimed Danish motion picture of the same name in 1987, winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

This production was conceived and developed by Abbie Killeen, who will also star as Babette. Joining her in the cast will be Met Opera Singer Kamel Boutros, William Connell (this season's revival of A View from the Bridge, LCT's Coast of Utopia), playwright Rose Courtney (recently seen in I Never Sang for My Father at Theater Row), Matteo Eckerle, Darrie Lawrence (Come Back Little Sheba, Buried Child, and Steel Magnolias on Broadway), Hal Robinson (Cabaret, Nick & Nora, and Grand Hotel on Broadway), James Russell (Shaw Project's Major Barbara), and Rachel Wallace.

BABETTE'S FEAST is the story of a small, austere religious community in a 19th century Norwegian seaside town. One day, a mysterious French woman and political refugee named Babette ends up on the doorstep of two elderly and pious Christian sisters who, by recommendation of a past suitor, hire Babette on as cook and housekeeper. Fourteen years in their employ however, Babette hits the Parisian lottery. In an act of great personal sacrifice and out of a sense of deep gratitude, this secretly famous chef prepares a sumptuous feast, introducing the community (who devoutly deny earthly enjoyments) to the essence of grace. Through wine, delicious food, and meaningful conversation, the small tight knit community is finally able to love and forgive one another, and after a lifetime of fear and blind rule-following, experience collective joy and abandon for the first time.

BABETTE'S FEAST will run at Space 38/39 (38 West 39th Street between 5th and 6th Ave) from June 16th - June 26th, with performances Mon-Sat at 8pm and Sat at 3pm. Tickets are $15 and can be bought at www.TheaterMania.com or by phone at 212-352-3101.

BABETTE'S FEAST is made possible in part with public funds from the Manhattan Community Arts Fund, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

THREADS THEATER COMPANY is a New York City-based non-profit theater company focused on producing plays that start inclusive conversations about faith and contribute to cultural renewal. For more information on Threads Theater Company visit: www.threadstheatercompany.org

International Arts Movement is a non-profit arts organization that gathers artists and creative catalysts to wrestle with the deep questions of art, faith and humanity in order to inspire the creative community to engage the world that is and create the world that ought to be. www.internationalartsmovement.org

Photo credit: Monica Simoes