The Gamm Announces 2007-2008 Schedule
By: Randy Rice
The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm), has announced the schedule for it's 2007-2008 season.
The Gamm's season will begin with Bernard Pomerance's Tony Award- winning drama, The Elephant Man, and end with Shakespeare's comedy, The Taming of the Shrew. In between are: Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman; Russell Lees' Nixon's Nixon; and David Mamet's Boston Marriage."A Shakespearean farce, a dark Victorian drama, an absurd turn-of-the-century drawing room comedy, a contemporary tale of real world political machinations and, for my money, THE play of our young century, Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman. It's an incredible season. Five plays in a variety of theatrical styles, all sharing the intensity and challenge audiences have come to expect from The Gamm" said Artistic Director Tony Estrella.Sep 6-Oct 7, 2007 THE ELEPHANT MAN by Bernard PomeranceThe true and riveting story of John Merrick, a Victorian Englishman doomed by his grotesquely deformed body to life as a sideshow freak until he is befriended by a famous young surgeon. Under the care of Dr. Frederick Treves, who educates Merrick and introduces him to London society, the so-called 'Elephant Man' changes from a sensational object of pity to the urbane and clever darling of the rich and famous. But can Merrick's dream to be accepted as a man like any other come true? Oct 25-Nov 18, 2007 NIXON'S NIXON by Russell LeesIt's an historical fact that, on the night before he announced his resignation, President Richard Nixon summoned Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to the White House. What might have transpired between these two larger-than-life characters is the subject of Lees' tragically funny political satire about that secret meeting on August 7, 1974. Paranoid and on the verge of hysteria, Nixon knows he must resign but wants to be talked out of it. Steely and rational, Kissinger does not want to lose his position as Secretary of State. Both men's egos are out of control. As the liquor flows, they wrestle with history, re-enact scenes of their political triumphs and eventually devise a dizzying and doomed plot to keep Nixon in office. Jan 24-Feb 24, 2008 THE PILLOWMAN by Martin McDonaghFrom award-winning Anglo-Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, a viciously funny and seriously disturbing tale in which humor and pathos take center stage. In an unidentified totalitarian state, Katurian,a butcher by day, a writer of haunting fairy tales by night, faces a pair of interrogators from the local police force. It is his stories that have landed Katurian in prison, since the grisly child-murders described in his fables have inspired a string of copycat crimes. As the police resort to increasingly absurd and unconventional methods to crack the case, Katurian's stories come to life, blurring the line between fact and fiction, truth and storytelling. With dark humor and spellbinding narrative, McDonagh explores the dark corners of the human imagination and the delicate balance between individual freedom and security of the state.Mar 20-Apr 13, 2008 BOSTON MARRIAGE by David MametAnna and Claire, two bantering, scheming "women of fashion" have long lived together on the fringes of upper-class New England society. Anna has recently become the mistress of a wealthy man, who supports her luxurious lifestyle. Claire, meanwhile, has become infatuated with a respectable young lady and wants a jealous Anna to help her arrange a tryst. As the two women exchange blisteringly mannered barbs and take turns taunting Anna's hapless Scottish parlor maid, the object of Claire's affection suddenly appears, setting off a crisis that puts both women's futures at risk. Boston Marriage is an old-fashioned drawing-room comedy infused with the playwright's trademark tart, explicit and elegantly sardonic dialogue.May 15-Jun 15, 2008 THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William ShakespeareLucentio is in love with Bianca, the dutiful daughter of the wealthy Baptista Minola. Unfortunately Bianca already has two other suitors and her father will not let her marry until her older ill-tempered sister, Katherine, is wed. Lucentio's gold-digging friend Petruchio comes to town and arranges to marry Katherine against her will. A lively battle of the sexes unfolds, as Petruchio returns to his country house and takes on the monumental task of 'taming' his unruly bride. Complex themes of love, choice, security and contentment collide in Shakespeare's most boisterous comedy. Subscriptions to The Gamm's 2007-2008 Season are $90-$135. Early-bird subscribers save an additional 8% through April 30. For sales, call 401-723-4266. For more information, go to www.gammtheatre.org.