Spinning Tree Theatre Presents TURN OF THE SCREW

Spinning Tree Theatre presents "Turn of the Screw" Oct. 15-Nov. 1 Critically-acclaimed Spinning Tree Theatre is once again bringing to the stage a Kansas City premiere with "The Turn of the Screw," beginning Oct. 15 and continuing through Nov. 1 at Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Penn Valley Drive, Kansas City, Missouri.

"The Turn of the Screw" stars two of Kansas City's most esteemed actors - Charles Fugate and Nichole Marie Green. "The Turn of the Screw" is directed by Julie Shaw and produced by Spinning Tree Theatre Co-founders Michael Grayman and Andrew Parkhurst.

"The Turn of the Screw" is an adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher from Henry James' 1898 Gothic thriller in what The New York Times called "a dazzling act of imagination". Spinning Tree Theatre brings this mysterious and haunting tale to the stage just in time for the Halloween season. The story follows a young governess who journeys to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children. The governess quickly discovers that they are not alone in the home...but are they haunted by ghosts or by her fevered imagination?

"We selected this play because it is expertly written and provides an opportunity for two bravura performances," Grayman and Parkhurst said.

Green began her character study of "the woman" by reading the original James story, which served to ignite her imagination.

"It is a difficult piece because it brings theatre back to its roots: no frills, no bells and whistles, just pure storytelling," Green said. "This is my absolute favorite type of theatre. It is reminiscent of an old ghost story around a campfire. It's truthful, it's a little haunting, and it should be compelling."

While Green plays one character in the play, Fugate portrays multiple characters including men, women and children. Fugate, no doubt, is up to the task.

Tickets for "The Turn of the Screw" are available by calling Spinning Tree Theatre (816) 569-5277 or online at www.spinningtreetheatre.com. Tickets are $25-$40, and seating is limited.

"The Turn of the Screw" is the second offering in Spinning Tree Theatre's fifth season. In February 2016, Spinning Tree will present the musical "13" with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and starring 13 of Kansas City's stars-to-be. In April, Spinning Tree will present Peter Shaffer's powerful play "Amadeus" starring Robert Gibby Brand and Walter Coppage. Season tickets are still available.

Spinning Tree Theatre aims to produce works that celebrate and reflect the diversity of Kansas City itself by exploring a variety of cultures and art forms through theatre, music and dance. Our goal is to present new, contemporary and classic pieces that are relevant, thought provoking and entertaining. We hope to educate, challenge, stimulate and inspire audience and artist alike.

www.spinningtreetheatre.com