BRANCH Headlines Society Hill Playhouse's 2012 Season, 2/03-2/26

BRANCH, a new play by Walt Vail, previews in the Society Hill Playhouse Red Room Cabaret on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:00 PM. The theatre is located at 507 South 8th Street.

Press Opening: Friday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m.

In this fascinating look at a pivotal moment in sports history Branch Rickey, manager and part owner of the 1950 Brooklyn Dodgers, addresses a group of people in the Ebbet’s field conference room and relates the story of how baseball’s major league color barrier was broken with the hiring of Jackie Robinson in 1947. BRANCH is a play about racism in American culture, and about one man who did something about it when the timing and opportunity were right. It is being produced as part of the Black History month celebration and is more relevant than ever in light of America's black President.

Vail is a native Philadelphian who now lives in Pitman, New Jersey. He has long been active on the Philadelphia theatre scene. His plays have won many awards and have been presented from Oregon to Maine. His association with the Society Hill Playhouse dates back to 1960 when he developed The Writer’s Project for new plays . He was also an actor who played Mr. Peachum in Philadelphia’s inaugural THREEPENNY OPERA. The Playhouse has also premiered several of his works over the years, including MANNY and SUMMER OF GRACE. Vail is a lifetime member of Philadelphia Dramatists Center and a voting member of The National Dramatists Guild.

BRANCH, directed by Barry Brait, is scheduled for a limited run: February 3rd -26th; Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 each.

For further information contact the Society Hill Playhouse Box Office (215)923-0210. Also visit the Society Hill Playhouse website, www.SocietyHillPlayhouse.com.