Photo Flash: Meadow Brook Theatre Presents ENCHANTED APRIL , 3/17-4/11

Four bored women trade the gloomy English winter for the Italian seaside in Meadow Brook Theatre's presentation of "Enchanted April," running March 17 through April 11 on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

When four women in 1920s England decide they can't take any more of what winter has to offer, they band together to rent an Italian villa. Finding each other through the paper, they have nothing in common but their desire to get away. At first, their conflicting personalities make it seem like a bad idea, but the nearly magical trip eventually reminds them all of what it means to be alive and in love.

Based on the book by Elizabeth von Armin, Matthew Barber's play received excellent reviews and a Tony nomination when it appeared on Broadway.

The cast is comprised of a mix of MBT veterans and first-timers, including Robyn Lipnicki (Lotty Wilton), Jean Lyle Lepard (Rose Arnott), Andrew Huff (Mellersh Wilton), Aaron H. Alpern (Frederick Arnott), Leslie Ann Handelman (Caroline Bramble), Ruth Crawford (Mrs. Graves), Mitch Koory (Anthony Wilding), and Jennifer George (Costanza).

Meadow Brook Theatre Interim Artistic Director Travis W. Walter directs, with scenic design by Kristen Gribbin, costume design by Corey T. Globke, lighting design by Reid G. Johnson and sound design by Mike Duncan. Terry W. Carpenter is the stage manager.

Tickets range from $24 to $39 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group discounts. The schedule includes an American Sign Language interpreted performance on Wednesday, March 31 at 8:00 p.m.

This production of "Enchanted April" is made possible through the generosity of The Observer & Eccentric newspapers, Meadow Brook Theatre Guild and AT&T Yellow Pages.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a non-profit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for over 40 years.

Photos by Rick Smith of Rick's Photography.