Palm Beach Dramaworks 2007-8 Season

Palm Beach Dramaworks Announces 2007-08 Season

"The Subject Was Roses," "The Fourth Wall," "Agnes of God" and "Benefactors"

8^th Anniversary Season Will Begin October 19^th

("Agnes Of God" photo by Shel Shanak) 

West Palm Beach's only resident professional theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks is proud to announce Frank D. Gilroy's Pulitzer Prize Winning play "The Subject Was Roses" will kick off its 8^th anniversary season on Friday, October 19th (8PM) at their intimate downtown theatre (322 Banyan Boulevard).  The season will continue with a distinguished roster of plays including "The Fourth Wall" by A.R. Gurney, "Agnes of God" by John Pielmeier and "Benefactors" by Michael Frayn.

The critically successful "The Subject Was Roses," Frank D. Gilroy's Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, tells the complex story of a married couple who have settled into their facade of a happy union.  Emotional wounds and unresolved marital disputes resurface when their son, Timmy, returns home from World War II and is greeted by the open yet strained arms of his parents.  Now mature, Tim finally understands the family dynamics that have played throughout his boyhood.  (October 19^th – December 2^nd).

The state of American politics is skillfully woven into "The Fourth Wall" by Pulitzer Prize nominee A.R. Gurney  – a modern-day lively and clever comedy that explores our place in the world today.  In this newly revised version, the play begins as Peggy, much to the chagrin of her husband, Roger, redecorates their Buffalo, New York apartment as if it were a stage – everything faces one bare wall, the 'fourth wall'.  Soon everyone who enters their living room begins to behave as if they were acting in a play along with the occasional urge to break into song!  (December 21^st – February 3^rd). 

With performances set to begin February 22^nd, John Pielmeier's haunting and thought-provoking play, "Agnes of God" traces the spiritual journeys of three women as they search for the truth.  Dr. Martha Livingston, a court appointed psychiatrist, is called upon to determine the sanity of a young nun accused of murdering her own baby. The Mother Superior is bent on protecting Sister Agnes, thus raising the suspicions of Dr. Livingston.  While in search of answers surrounding the baby's death, the meaning of faith, reason, sacrifice and redemption are called into question. (February 22^nd – April 6^th).

The season's final offering, "Benefactors," opens April 25^th.  This Broadway and London hit is about the way the world changes around you just when you are trying to change it yourself.  The plot centers on David and Jane, who are a happy and prosperous couple and by contrast, their neighbors, Colin and Sheila, are a bitter and struggling couple.  David, an architect, is currently working on the redevelopment of an inner city slum – this propels him and his wife to take on their neighbors as their next 'redevelopment' project.  This well-crafted and complex play written by Michael Frayn explores the contrasting natures of those who help and those who are helped; those who create and those who destroy.  (April 25^th –June 15^th).

Performance times are Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2PM.  Individual tickets are $40 for evening performances and $38 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.

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