World Premiere Engagement of THE P.O.W. AND THE GIRL Opens At The Sherry Theatre Today

It's the 1980s in Britain. Sarah, a college student, lives with her grandfather, John (Johnny) Harris, after the sudden death of her mother. John was a prisoner of war in a Japanese prison camp during World War II. Several decades later, he openly manifests classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including flashbacks and petty to explosive outbursts directed at his granddaughter. This in turn, has a negative impact on Sarah's well-being.

Meanwhile, Sarah meets a sweet, sincere young man named Paul and a budding romance ensues. When she discovers that Paul's life also is far from perfect, it emerges that she may have found a kindred spirit in Paul.

Torn between familial duty and a chance at love and happiness, can Sarah's new relationship with Paul survive? Can John ever overcome the traumas of incarceration, torture and abandonment?

Katrina Wood is the playwright. Her previous writing credits include three musicals: A Christmas Carol, produced at the Lincoln Theatre Royal in the U.K.; and in Los Angeles, a revised version entitled Bob Cratchit and Mister Tightawd; and Spindle City: The Lizzie Borden Musical, nominated for several Valley Theatre Awards in 2016 including Outstanding Musical. She also produced Farm Boy, a Los Angeles Times Critic's Pick and the sequel to War Horse. She has worked in theatre and television most of her life, including a stint with the English National Opera. Raised in London, she is the daughter of the late prominent English character actor Percy Herbert (The Bridge on the River Kwai, Mutiny on the Bounty, The Guns of Navarone, Becket) who was a Japanese Prisoner of War during World War II. Ms. Wood is also a clinical psychologist, and has written on the subject of domestic emotional stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder that may exist undetected in average families.

Trace Oakley is the director. He has over fifty directing credits including Pearly Gates, Crimes of the Heart, Standing on My Knees, Bob Cratchit and Mister Tightwad, Spindle City: The Lizzie Borden Musical, RuddiGORE (his adaptation of Gilbert & Sullivan) and Carrie That Tune: Hit Songs from Flop Musicals, which he conceived and wrote.

Oakley's cast for The P.O.W. and the Girl includes Adrian Burks, Samantha Mallory, Chas Mitchell, Claudia Wit and Dylan Wittrock.

With humor and heart, as well as realistic depictions of the harsh impact of war on families, The P.O.W. and the Girl salutes the extraordinary courage and resilience of families who triumph over adversity with the powers of love and hope.

ONLINE TICKETING: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3742908

INFORMATION: Https://powandgirl.com

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