Clear Space Presents LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART

Clear Space's fall production of LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART captured many adult audiences during its opening weekend and hopes to do the same for the in subsequent weekends it plays.

A play by Terrence McNally, the show comically explores serious issues in two troubled marriages and their superficial prejudices.

The two straight couples decide to spend the Fourth of July at the beach, in a house, upon his recent death from AIDS, one wife's brother left to her. Despite the company of each other and the diversions of food, drink, and party games, the four characters reveal through dialogue and monologues that they are still completely alone and in pain.

According to Stage Agent, McNally's play is not only "ambitious, poignant, and often riotously funny," but also "an indictment of ignorance and stagnancy in the fight against AIDS, as well as a powerful look inside dissolving marriages, lost hopes and dreams, and the looming, capricious nature of death."

Artistic Director David Button, who also directed the piece, believes the show is a "different type of theatre" and sees it as one of the most risk-taking and mature pieces Clear Space has undertaken.

"McNally's story makes us aware of the significant changes in the gay civil rights movement, especially this year," Button said. "We have become a country that, for the most part, has accepted the gay community and even given us the right to marry. The past two decades have opened doors that have been closed for a very long time, and given our community liberties that weren't thought possible 25 years ago."

Tackling this comical, yet intense piece are four ambitious actors: Lewes-based Valorie Jarrell, Boston transplant Rich Bockelkamp, D.C. actress Anna Jackson, and AEA and Philadelphia-based actor Andrew Criss, the latter three of whom are all new to the Clear Space stage.

LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART runs for two more weekends - October 2-5 and October 9-11 - with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.clearspacetheatre.org, by calling 302-227-2270, or in person at the box office located inside the Clear Space Theatre at 20 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.