Strand Theatre Presents YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING, 2/3-19

The Strand Theater proudly presents The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. The production will run from February 3rd thru February 19th. 

The play is Didion's own adaptation of her stunning memoir about the sudden death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne, and the prolonged illness of her only daughter. "Capturing the compassion, humor, and bewilderment of a fiercely intelligent woman whose world lurches suddenly from the ordinary to the unimaginable, The Year of Magical Thinking is a love letter to a child and a tribute to an extraordinary, unconventional marriage told with raw candor and a storyteller's gift for the absurd (Playbill)."

Joan Didion is best known for her novels, personal essays, and screenplays - as well as the powerful story of her grief she captured in The Year of Magical Thinking which she wrote in 88 days, finishing on New Year's Eve, 2004. It won the National Book Award in 2005. In 2007 she began writing the stage adaptation of The Year of Magical Thinking. Vanessa Redgrave played Didion in the Broadway production and was nominated for both a Tony and a Drama Desk Award.

"Joan Didion, with her words as powerful images, has captured our most intimate thoughts about processing the death of a loved one" says Miriam Bazensky, the play's director, "I was anxious and excited to work on this play because of my own tragedy at the loss of my husband. Her play spoke to me on so many levels of feelings, thoughts, actions and finally, acceptance of moving on." Miriam Bazensky joins the The Year of Magical Thinking with 26 years of directing experience. Bazensky is currently the Vice Chair for the Baltimore Playwright's Festival. "The Strand is very excited to be working with Miriam on this project!" says Jayme Kilburn, Strand Theater Artistic Director. "Miriam has been a champion of new works and women's voices in this community for years, and is someone I personally admire."

Joan Didion's one woman play is being performed by local actress, Dianne Hood. Hood has also appeared with Annapolis Theatre Project, Baltimore Playwrights Festival, Maryland Hall Story Theatre, Standing O Productions, Theatre Hopkins, and Valley Touring Theatre and Voices Touring Company. 

The Year of Magical Thinking will be performed at the Strand from February 3rd through February 19th, 2011. Opening night is Friday, February 4th and will include a pre-show reception, as well as a post-show talkback with performer, Dianne Hood, and Director, Miriam Bazensky. General admission is $15, Students/Seniors are $10.  Reservations can be made by phone 443-874-4917.  For more information please visit www.strandtheatercompany.org.