Theater Project Presents THREE PLAYS IN THREE WEEKS

Civil Rights, the Russian connection, and a marriage gone hilariously wrong: The Theater Project is presenting three plays about three different aspects of American life, delivering an entire season of thought-provoking entertainment in less than one month. The professional theater company at the Burgdorff Center in Maplewood gives theatergoers a wide selection -- and a chance to save money if they buy a three-play package for $45.

Artistic Director Mark Spina said, "By offering three very different shows, we give people a menu of choices, and a chance to compare and contrast these very compelling plays." The shows will run April 6-22, Fridays through Sundays, at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ. Actors greet the audience after each performance, and talkbacks are held every Friday night.

The three plays are:

THE BEST OF ENEMIES, by Mark St. Germain (April 6-8) is based on the true story told in the book by Osha Gray Davidson: an ambitious community activist brings a Ku Klux Klan leader and an African-American civil rights activist together on a committee to study school desegregation in North Carolina, and all three come to face the worst and best in themselves.

BACK CHANNEL by Theater Project member playwright Joseph Vitale. (April 13 - 15) Based on a true story, BACK CHANNEL covers the secret negotiations between a TV reporter and a Soviet spy who raced against time working covertly to defuse the Cuban Missile Crisis.

EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR by Lauren Gunderson (April 20-22) is NOT a true story, although many real women may identify with fictional Nan Carter, who wants to leave her abusive husband-leave him tied up, covered with honey, and ready for bear in this smart, dark revenge comedy.

At the door admission is $28; $25 seniors and $15 students. Adult patrons can purchase tickets to see three plays for $45, two plays for $40, or one play for $25. Tickets: TheTheaterProject.org. Information: 908 809-8865. The Theater Project, now in its 24nd year, presents its main stage season at the Burgdorff Center in Maplewood. It also offers programs such as a playwright's workshop, new play presentations, and classes for kids in Essex and Union Counties.

All are on display at their web site: TheTheaterProject.org