The Country Playhouse Presents MR. MARMALADE, 8/10-8/25

To open our 2012-13 Black Box season, The Country Playhouse pre¬sents Mr. Marmalade by Noah Haidle, for three weekends only, August 10 – 25. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, with Sunday matinees on August 12 and 19 at 2:00 pm, plus a weeknight show on Thursday, August 23, at 7:30 pm.

Lonely little four-year-old Lucy fantasizes about adult life and dreams up an imaginary friend, Mr. Marmalade, who takes on a troubling life of his own, personifying her fearful fascination with grownups and their games. Enter Larry, the little boy next door, at age five the youngest attempted suicide in the history of the state, and the two neglected youngsters awkwardly unite to dispel Mr. Marmalade's sinister power and break through into a normal childhood.

Directed by Scott McWhirter, the cast features Monica Passley, Taylor Biltoft, Danny Seibert, Laura Chapman, Louis Crespo, Keshia Lovewell, and Beverly Hutchison.

Premiering Off-Broadway in 2005 and starring Michael C. Hall opposite Meryl Streep's daughter, Mamie Gummer, Mr. Marmalade draws on the "Alice in Wonderland" scenario of a wise child in a mad, mad world, casting adult actors in children's roles, to heighten its irreality. Amid TV catchphrases and psychobabble, hints of cruelty and pornography nibble at The Edges of the story, shadows of forbidden knowledge to whet the curiosity of modern girls and boys who seemingly know too much, yet understand little. Comedy and pathos interweave in this delightful funhouse fable of naïve worldliness on the brink.

Ticket prices are $22 for adults, and $19 for students and seniors. Groups of 20 or more receive a $5.00 discount off the adult price. Call the box office at 713-467-4497 for reservations, or make them online at www.countryplayhouse.org (at no additional charge).

Country Playhouse is located at 12802 Queensbury (in Town & Country Village, across from City Centre), just 2 blocks east of the Sam Houston Tollway.