Mendocino Theatre Company presents MORNING'S AT SEVEN

The Mendocino Theatre Company opens its 40th anniversary season on March 2, 2017 with a revival of Paul Osborn's endearing comedy Morning's at Seven, originally performed in 1987. Directed by Bob Cohen, this heart-warming play from 1939 takes a humorous look at a close-knit family, exploring the eccentricities, regrets, and longings that underlie the lives of ordinary people.

Set in middle America in the late 1930s, the play focuses on the four Gibbs sisters, three of whom--Cora, Ida and Esty--are married. The fourth, Arry, lives with Cora and her husband Thor. When Ida's son, Homer, finally brings his longtime girlfriend home to meet the family, their inextricably intertwined lives are thrown into domestic and existential turmoil, stirring up a lifetime of feelings that puts each of them to the test. What ensues is a warm, wonderful, comedy that, in the words of NY Times critic Charles Isherwood, "doesn't insist on being funny and is all the funnier for it."

The play takes place in the back yards of two neighboring homes. In a style she calls "impressionistic", set designer Diane Larson, working hand-in-hand with lighting designer Lee Edmundson and technical director Steve Greenwood, has created a beautiful set that gives a strong sense of place for this ensemble piece.

"We are blessed with a stellar cast...some familiar faces, and some new to our stage," says director Bob Cohen. Returning to the MTC stage for this season opener are longtime company members Dan Kozloff and Ruby Bell Sherpa. Joining them are Mark Friedrich, Dwight Branscombe, Jan Saul, Phillip Regan, Lynn Sotos, Crystal Leatherwood and Debira Branscombe.

Morning's at Seven plays at the Mendocino Theatre Company at 45200 Little Lake Street in Mendocino March 2 through April 9, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8:00 pm and selected Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for youth 22 and under. For tickets and information, please contact the MTC box office at 707-937-4477 or go to mendocinotheatre.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Preview Performances are on March 2 & 3: Tickets are just $15 for adults and $7 for youth.

Gala Opening Night is March 4th: Tickets include hors d'oeuvres, champagne and a post-show meet and greet with the cast and crew. Tickets are $45.

Sunday Talkback is March 26, 2017: A conversation with the actors and director immediately following the 2:00 p.m. performance, moderated by the MTC executive director.

Photo Credit: Ruby Bell Sherpa, Debira Branscombe, Lynn Sotos and Jan Saul as the Gibbs sisters. Photo by Larry R. Wagner.