Annie Russell Launches 84th Season with Comedy Classic THE FOREIGNER

The Annie Russell Theatre at Rollins College kicks off their 84th season with a modern-day farce that has quickly become a staple of the American stage. In The Foreigner, an Englishman arrives at a bed and breakfast in rural Georgia. Reeling from marital strife and suffering from crippling social anxiety, Charlie leads the residents of the inn to believe he doesn't speak English. The result? Not the peace and quiet he was hoping for.

At first, Charlie is invisible, privy to the juiciest conversations. In an early scene, for example, he learns that the minister's fiancée is pregnant. But soon, all eyes are on Charlie. The innkeeper, Betty, is giddy, anxious to communicate with her mysterious guest. Catherine - the aforementioned fiancée - has found a tolerant confidant. Other townsfolk, however, are less thrilled. By Act II, a bigoted hillbilly has cooked up a plan to run Charlie out of town for good.

The play was written in the early 80s, and has quickly become a classic. "As we rehearse The Foreigner in 2016, our national political discourse is littered from both sides with cries of 'Bigot!' and 'Racist!,' says director Thomas Ouellette. "Polls suggest that many Americans are fearful of a vague but threatening 'them.' I first encountered The Foreigner before any of the actors in this production were born. It is profoundly disconcerting that the play remains so relevant and timely."

The Foreigner opens this Friday, September 23, and runs through October 1. Tickets are $20, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. A ticket to opening night includes admission to a reception immediately following the show. More information on the Annie Russell Theatre's upcoming production of The Foreigner can be found at www.rollins.edu/annie. For more information on the Department of Theatre and Dance at Rollins College, please visit www.rollins.edu/theatredance.

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