Photo Flash: First Look at TheatreWorks New Milford's TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE

On Friday, May 6, TheatreWorks New Milford will debut Charles Busch's uproarious comedy, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife. The curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. for a three-week run.

In The Tale of the Allergist's Wife Marjorie Taub, a middle-aged Upper West Side doctor's wife, is devoted to mornings at the Whitney, afternoons at MOMA and evenings at BAM. Plunged into a mid-life crisis of Medea-like proportions, she's shaken out of her lethargy by the reappearance of a fascinating and somewhat mysterious childhood friend. Can Marjorie, her long-suffering mother and her loving husband Ira, Board Certified Allergist, survive the shake-up?

"I totally get Marjorie Taub's dilemma, and find this adventure in self-exploration both familiar and very funny," said director Debbie Levin of Brewster, N.Y. "She's torn between who she could've been and who she is now and, needless to say, its a very hilarious trip. The cast, crew, production team and I have had a great journey exploring this very clever and witty piece, and feel privileged to bring it to life on the stage in New Milford."

"I have a pretty good feeling you'll laugh a lot," said producer Glenn R. Couture of Ansonia. "But here's the kicker: you'll feel so wrong for laughing at Marjorie, her family, her friends, and yet you'll still keep laughing. What better way to lift the stress of life than to laugh at the situations of other people - especially fictional ones?"

The production features an outstanding cast of regional actors: Rosemary Howard (Milldale), MJ Hartell (Brookfield), Matt Austin (New Milford), Mitch Prywes, and Jody Bayer (both Danbury).

Besides Ms. Levin and Mr. Couture, the crew consists of set designer and co-lighting designer Richard Pettibone, costumer Kitty Ridenour, co-lighting designer Scott Wyshynski, sound designer Tom Libonate, and stage manager Barbara Disraeli.

The Tale of the Allergist's Wife first opened at the Manhattan Theatre Club on February 29, 2000. The production moved to Broadway on November 2, 2000 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where it ran for 777 performances. The show was nominated for both a Tony and a Drama Desk Award for Best Play. The New York Times called the play "Uproarious, a window rattling comedy of mid life malaise...The Allergist's Wife earns its wall to wall laughs."

The Tale of the Allergist's Wife runs May 6,7 13,14,15 20,21,22. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, with 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinees on May 15 and 22. Tickets for all shows are $23 for reserved seating. Students and Military personnel with ID will be admitted for $18.

On May 5, Senior Citizens are invited to a free dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 12 at 8:00 p.m. is TheatreWorks' Pay-What-You-Want night. At this performance, patrons name the price for their tickets.

Reservations can be made online at theatreworks.us or by calling the box office at (860) 350-6863.