Studio Theatre of Bath to Present Pulitzer Prize-Winning TALLEY'S FOLLY

Studio Theatre of Bath presents Lanford Wilson's Pulitzer Prize Winning Play "Talley's Folly" in the uniquely suited Library Park Gazebo beginning Thursday, August 18th.

Talley's Folly is a simple, charming and endearing romance for all those who think there is no one out there for them.

Director John Willey remembers his first time experiencing this piece. "When I saw this play performed many years ago I was captivated and immediately drawn into the lives of these characters. As their story unfolded in front of me I was moved to laughter, felt compassion and enwrapped in nostalgic romance. It has stayed with me over the years and I can still see pieces of that production that move me to this day in my memory. I have always known I wanted to direct this show and when Studio Theater gave me the opportunity, I jumped at it."

Willey, who has directed several quality productions in the Bath area in recent years, including STB's "The Elephant Man", "King Lear" at the CCAC and his Shakespeare on the Kennebec production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream", expands on what makes this play so special for all involved.

"The Pulitzer Prize script itself is beautifully written, lyrical, moving, funny and dramatically varied in pacing and tone. Matt is an immediately likeable being with layers of complexity, intelligence and depth with a talent for mimicry and humor and Sally is an attractive woman with a deep secret wound, a strong heart and an independent mind in a world and time in which these traits were not well appreciated in women."

Kendray Rodriguez of Arrowsic and Vince Shatto of Woolwich portray Sally and Matt in the STB production which is a marathon of sorts in two-person play.

Willey notes, "This is a singular opportunity for an actor and actress to embrace two characters who live and breathe 97 minutes of real time on stage while dealing with the struggles of societal and familial expectations, deep life-changing personal wounds and secrets; and to negotiate their way through these obstacles and lifelong barriers to a place of trust, understanding and ultimately love."

"Talley's Folly" is a stellar production with a talented and experienced local cast.

"In my 20 years with Studio Theatre of Bath," STB president Marc Rodriguez notes, "I've always been drawn to the fact that the organization has never used 'community theater' as an excuse to cut corners. This is a top notch show, put on by super-talented people who probably should be doing this show in bigger places. But you didn't hear that from me. Seriously, don't print this, I want them to stick around."

"Talley's Folly" will be performed August 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 6:30 PM, Rain or Shine. Tickets are $12 in advance online or $15 at the door, via cash or check for the latter. For more information, "like" Studio Theatre of Bath on Facebook, visit www.studiotheatreofbath.com or emailstudiotheatrebath@gmail.com.

Pictured: Kendray Rodriguez and Vince Shatto rehearse for the upcoming Studio Theatre of Bath production of "Talley's Folley", opening August 18th at the Library Park Gazebo. Photo by Sararose Willey.