Independent Drama Society Presents THE GOOD DOCTOR at the Factory Theatre, 7/15 - 7/23

From July 15-23, the Independent Drama Society will celebrate the end of its three-year tenure with THE GOOD DOCTOR, directed by Marketing Director Christine Toohey. This Neil Simon comedy, inspired by the short stories of Anton Chekhov, will be the final production of this young company.

Celebrate life's ups and downs with THE GOOD DOCTOR, a farcical comedy from Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Simon. With infectuous humor, a writer gives life to a series of tales inspired by Anton Chekhov's short stories. Poignant, touching, and funny, these vignettes draw inspiration from such varied characters as a suave seducer of other men's wives, a determined young actress, and a hapless government clerk. Founding member Christine Toohey helms this thoughtful and playful production.

"This play has a little of everything," says director Christine Toohey. "It's a Neil Simon comedy, first and foremost, and there are many, many fun characters in this piece. But the production will also take the time to explore the individual, everyday tragedies of human life that captured Chekhov's interest. We'll engage our audience's intellect as well as their sense of humor, and they'll leave chuckling even as they ponder the play's themes."

The Independent Drama Society production features Chris Anton, Kate Daly, Melissa deJesus, Zach Eisenstat, Mark Estano, Sarah J. Gazdowicz, Sierra Kagen, Chris Larson, Bob Mussett, David N. Rogers, Victoria Townsend, and Brian Tuttle.

The design team inclides Sean A. Cote (Set Design), Fabian Aguilar (Costume Design), Matthew Breton (Lighting Design), and Chris Larson (Sound Design). Jeff Kubiatowicz is the Stage Manager and Chris Anton is the Production Manager.

THE GOOD DOCTOR will run for two weeks in the Factory Theatre, 791 Tremont Street in Boston's South End. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/177781 for $20 general admission or $15 for students/seniors.

Neil Simon is a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright whose plays include Lost in Yonkers, Sweet Charity, The Star-Spangled Girl, The Odd Couple, and Barefoot in the Park. In 1972 his professional relationship with Emanuel Azenberg began, and Simon produced several shows under Azenberg's direction including The Good Doctor, God's Favorite, Broadway Bound, and The Goodbye Girl. Simon has also written over twenty screenplays including The Out-of-Towners, Murder by Death and The Goodbye Girl. He received four Academy Award nomincations for his screenplays. Neil Simon was given an honorary degree as Doctor of Humane Letters from Hofstra University and a Doctor of Laws from Williams College. The Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway was named after him, and he is an honorary member of the Walnut Street Theatre's board of trustrees. In 1991 he won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost in Yonkers. Neil Simon has received four Tony Awards, and he most recently received the Mark Twain Award for American Humor in 2006.

Director Christine Toohey is a founding member of the Independent Drama Society and the company's Director of Marketing. Her directing credits for IDS include Minutes Remaining (Fringe Wars submission) and Nouveau Normal (SLAMBoston). She has appeared onstage in And Then There Were None and The Illusion (Independent Drama Society), Gorefest VII: The Worster Seed (ImprovBoston), and She Loves Me (Longwood Players, DASH Award Winner for Best Ensemble). She has worked in marketing for the Huntington Theatre Company, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, the Longwood Players, and ImprovBoston. She is currently a cast member of ImprovBoston's Family Show and the Management Associate at New Repertory Theatre.

After three successful seasons, the Independent Drama Society has announced that THE GOOD DOCTOR will be the company's final production. Having accomplished the company's goals towards furthering their mission, IDS's staff members have decided to close the doors and move on to pursue their own individual interests, THE GOOD DOCTOR represents an opportunity to celebrate the company's successes and the contributions of the administrative staff, production team, designers, and actors who have made each production possible.

Recipient of three IRNE nominations, The Independent Drama Society is a not-for-profit company dedicated to upholding the values of openness and collaboration in order to produce excellent and enjoyable theatre. IDS received rave reviews for its 2010-2011 season of love and loathing: David Auburn's Proof in August, Romeo and Juliet in September, Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross in January, and Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice in April.

THE GOOD DOCTOR a comedy by Neil Simon 

Performing at:

The Factory Theatre
791 Tremont Street in Boston's South End

Performance Schedule:

Friday, July 15 @ 8pm (Opening Night Reception)
Saturday, July 16 @ 3pm and 8pm
Sunday, July 17 @ 3pm (Post-Show Talkback)
Monday, July 18 @ 8pm (Industry Night/Name Your Own Price)
Thursday, July 21 @ 8pm
Friday, July 22 @ 8pm
Saturday, July 23 @ 3pm and 8pm

Tickets:
General Admission: $20
Student/Senior: $15
To purchase tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/177781