Mobtown Players Kick Off Season With Epicoene, or the Silent Woman

The Mobtown Players will kick off the 2011-2012 season with the classic Renaissance comedy Epicoene, or the Silent Woman. Championed by John Dryden as "the pattern of a perfect play," Epicoene was penned by Ben Jonson - the second best playwright of the 17th century.

The production runs September 23 through October 15, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. In addition, there will be two matinees at 4 pm on Sundays October 2 and October 9.

Jonson's protagonist, Morose, has decided to get married and thus cut his nephew, Dauphine, out of his will. The problem? He can stand no noise and must have a demure - and quiet - bride. Trouble is, he's having a hard time finding one. So Dauphine conspires to produce the eponymous Epicoene, just such a silent woman, in an effort to get his hands on the fortune. What's Dauphine's angle? Will he get the cash? And will anyone survive the wedding day?

The production is directed by Noel Schively, who cofounded the Mobtown Players in 1997. A Ben Jonson fan, he also directed the Mob's 2004 production of the writer's best known play, Volpone, which City Paper called "highly charged and ambitiously conceived." He also directed the 2007 hit A Servant of Two Masters. For Epicoene, Schively has assembled an extensive cast that includes thirteen local actors.

Admission is $15 general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at the Mobtown website.

The Mobtown Theater is located at 3600 Clipper Mill Road in Baltimore. For more information, visit www.mobtownplayers.net or search Facebook for "Mobtown Players."

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