DARK OF THE MOON to Bring Eerie Tale of Forbidden Love to The Sherman Playhouse

On Friday, September 22, The Sherman Playhouse will debut its fall production of Howard Richardson and William Berney's Dark of the Moon, an eerie tale of forbidden love, set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains and the supernatural world. The curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. for a four-week run.

Dark of the Moon is based on the haunting folk ballad of "Barbara Allen" and recounts the story of John, a strange "witch boy" who upon first beholding the beautiful Barbara Allen immediately falls in love. He is given human form to woo and marry her on the condition that she remains true to him. Whether or not the rural, God-fearing townsfolk will allow this union to take place is the question that will plague them all "until death to them part."

"Dark of the Moon is an interesting and inspiring look into the universality of the human condition," said director, producer, and set designer Robin Frome of New Milford. "It delves into prejudice, religious morals and conventions, the verisimilitude of folklore, and the eternal struggle of partners in love against a disturbing and restricting environment. We have brought this production to a work of art utilizing a provocative set, sound, and lighting design."

The production features a large cast of area actors: John Squires (Pawling, N.Y.), John Fabiani (Watertown), Judy Sullivan (Roxbury), Paige Gray (Danbury), Michael Wright (Newtown); Patrick Kelly, William Kenyon (both Ridgefield); Kate Morris, Jeff Rossman, Bailey McCann (all New Fairfield); Rufus de Rham, Katherine Almquist (both Kent); Phair Haldin, Keli Solomon, Meg Jones, Lynn Nissenbaum (all New Milford); Jessica Gleason, Michael Schaner, and Chris Marker (all Sherman).

Besides Frome, the show's crew consists of lighting designer Al Chiappetta, sound designer David White, costumer Lisa Bonelli, choreography Marissa Caron, cast musician John Bolster, and stage manager David Almquist.

Dark of the Moon made its Broadway Debut at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) on March 14, 1945. The New York Times called the play "a provocative mixture of fantasy and earthiness...the color of folklore and the pathos of human yearning are effectively combined."

Dark of the Moon runs September 22,23 29,30, October 1 6,7,8 13,14,15 at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There will be three 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinees on October 1, 8 and 15. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under.

On Thursday, September 21, all patrons are invited to attend a "Half-Price Preview Night" at 8:00 p.m., where tickets are only $12. Students may see any performance for $12 if they carry a valid student ID.

Reservations can be made online at shermanplayers.org or by calling the box office at (860) 354-3622. The Sherman Playhouse is a non-Equity theatre company located at 5 Route 39 North (next to the firehouse) in Sherman, CT.

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