Westport to Present Reading of New Marans Play, 2/26

Westport Country Playhouse will present the reading of a new play, "A Strange and Separate People," on Monday, February 26, at 7 p.m.  The new work is written by Jon Marans, who also wrote Old Wicked Songs, which played last fall to major critical and pubic acclaim at the Playhouse.

In A Strange and Separate People, "a young Orthodox Jewish wife and mother is unexpectedly caught up in a love triangle that involves herself, her husband and her husband's new alternative love interest. The play reveals the challenges she now faces in her life, her faith and her place in a new and different world," state press notes.

Discussing how he was influenced to write the play, Marans said, "I had a friend who had a distressing, but fascinating dilemma.  He was an Orthodox Jew who both loved his religion and loved who he was as a person.  However, the two were incompatible.  And yet, he didn't want to give up either one.  And wouldn't." 

Marans is the author of Old Wicked Songs, a 1996 Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Drama, winner of the L.A. Dramalogue Award, and included in Otis Guernsey's "Best Plays of 1996-97." Other produced plays and musicals include Jumping for Joy, Irrationals, Legacy of the Dragonslayers, and Opportunity Knocks.

The reading is part of Westport Country Playhouse's play reading series, a commitment to developing new works for the theatre.  Play readings are the first step in bringing the playwright's words from the page to the stage in front of a live audience. Plays are read by professional actors, without sets or costumes. Readings are followed by an audience feedback session with the playwright in attendance.

Actors reading the play will be announced shortly. The director will be Chad Rabinovitz, Westport Country Playhouse artistic associate.

Tickets are $10; there is general admission and no assigned seating. 

Students and educators are eligible for 50% discounts.  Groups of 10 or more save up to 30% off the regular ticket price. 

For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.