Photo Flash: SALOME Runs At Sherman Playhouse 7/24 Thru 8/15

SALOMÉ is loosely based on the infamous tale put forth in the Bible. At the birthday feast of King Herod, Tetrarch of Judaea (John Taylor, Sherman), his stepdaughter, Salomé (Katya Collazo, Manchester) dances for him and pleases him so much that he offers her anything she desires. Urged on by her mother, Herodias (Katherine Almquist, Sharon), Salomé requests the head of Iokanaan (John the Baptist). The play is a sensuous tale of obsession, revenge, and a young woman's passion that builds to a frenzied, erotic, and inevitable conclusion.

"The themes of the play ? politics, desire, lust, retribution ? are as prominent today as when the play was written," said director Joseph Russo of New Milford. "Despite the fact that the play is set in ancient Judæa, this production has eliminated the robes and palaces of that time and placed the show in a more timeless setting. In doing so, we hope to display the absolute universality of each of those themes."

"The play has everything: the age-old struggle for power and sexual dominance, the desire to hold on desperately to youth, and even the search for some meaning to life, be it prophet or God, who holds the answers to life's questions," said producer Katherine Almquist who also plays Herodias. "SALOMÉ has lust, blood, and jealousy...it's so powerful you will not be able to look away."

The cast also features: Charles Roth (Waterbury); David Hutchison (Stamford); Bailey McCann (New Fairfield); Stacy-Lee Erickson and Jimmy Bain (both New Milford); David Almquist and Andrew Dunlap (both Sharon); and Rebecca-Ecchivaria-Downey and Alex Ecchivaria (both Sherman).

The show's technical credits include set and costume design by director Russo, lighting design by Peter Petrino (Brewster, NY), and stage management by Laura Gilbert (Cornwall).

Originally penned in French in 1891, SALOMÉ was initially banned from English theatres, ostensibly because of an old law forbidding the depiction of Biblical characters onstage, but more likely due to the play's focus on sexual passion. It was finally produced onstage in Paris in 1896 while Oscar Wilde was serving a prison sentence for "Gross Indecency." However, while private showings were produced as early as 1905 (five years after Wilde's death), SALOMÉ was not seen publicly on an English stage until it premiered at London's Savoy Theatre on October 5, 1931.

SALOMÉ runs July 24,25,31 August 1,2 7,8 14,15. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, with a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee on August 2. Tickets for all shows are $20.00 for general admission.

On Thursday, July 23, senior citizens age 65 and older are invited to a dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. where donations will be accepted. On Thursday, July 30, at 8:00 p.m., The Sherman Playhouse will hold its Pay-What-You-Want Night. At this event, you name the price for your ticket.

Reservations can be made online at WWW.SHERMANPLAYERS.ORG or by calling the box office at (860) 354-3622.

The Sherman Playhouse is a regional theatre company located on 5 Route 39 North (at the intersection of Route 37 and 39) in Sherman, Conn.