John Olive's 'The Voice Of The Prairie'

"The Voice of the Prairie"
Opens May 11^th at Palm Beach Dramaworks

West Palm Beach's only resident professional theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks continues its 7^th anniversary season with John Olive's play "The Voice of the Prairie" opening on Friday, May 11^th (8PM) at their intimate downtown theatre (322 Banyan Boulevard).   Special priced preview performances are slated for May 9^th & 10^th (8PM).  Performances are scheduled to play through June 10^th.

It's the 1890s and young Davey Quinn, along with his grandfather, are the voices of the prairie traveling from one saloon to another sharing stories and tales of the country.  When "Poppy" dies, Davey gains a new traveling companion, Frankie – a young blind girl escaping from an abusive father.  The young couple is separated just as romance is blossoming.  While reminiscing about Frankie years later, Davey is discovered by Leon Schwab, a radio entrepreneur who takes the story-teller out of Nebraska and puts him on the radio. Davey soon wins the hearts of Americans with tales of his adolescence, early adventures and young love.  The publicity hungry Schwab tracks down Frankie and reunites the couple; however, no one anticipates the repercussions of their emotional reunion.  "The Voice of the Prairie" is a nostalgic look back at first love and childhood adventure with a comedic spirit that will charm the entire family.       

Directed by Dramaworks' Producing Artistic Director William Hayes the cast includes Nanique Gheridian, Todd Allen Durkin and Gordon McConnell.  The production will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes designed by Erin Amico and lights designed by John Hall.

John Olive is a playwright, screenwriter and novelist.  His plays have been produced at Manhattan Theatre Club, Chicago's Steppenwolf, The Old Globe and the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen. His writing credits include Careless Love, Standing on my Knees, Killers, Evelyn and the Polka King and God Fire.  The Summer Moon received a production grant from the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays in 1997.  Since 2000, John has collaborated with the Seattle Children's Theatre writing adaptations of Our Only May Amelia, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and Jason and The Golden Fleece. 

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a non-profit, professional theatre and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, Florida Professional Theatres Association, Florida Theatre Conference, and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

Performance times are Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2PM.  Individual tickets are $38 for evening performances and $35 for matinees.  Group rates for 20 or more, and discounted season subscriptions are also available. The theatre is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 322 Banyan Boulevard, between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue, Florida 33401.   Parking is offered across the street for a nominal fee, or in the City Garage on the corner of Olive Avenue and Banyan Boulevard for $1.00 per hour with the first hour free! For ticket information contact the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or visit their website at www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

FALL IN LOVE TODAY!  ADOPT A PET FROM YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER