Luna Stage Announces VITA AND VIRGINIA, Opening 10/5

Luna Stage opens its 20th anniversary season with the New Jersey premiere of Vita and Virginia, an intimate two-character play by Eileen Atkins, adapted from correspondence between friends, lovers and confidants, Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. Preview performances run September 27th through October 4th and opening night is October 5th. The play runs through October 28th. Performance times are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm, with a special matinee on Thursday October 11th at 2pm. Tickets are on sale now, $25-$35 per person (opening night with reception is $45 per ticket), and can be purchased in person, on the phone at 973-395-5551, or on the Luna Stage website: www.lunastage.org. The performances on Sunday, September 30th, Sunday October 7th and Thursday October 18th will be followed by a talkback with members of the creative team.

Vita Sackville-West was a wealthy socialite and aspiring poet. Virginia Woolf was of more modest means, and widely considered to be a brilliant writer. Yet, these two women shared a long and complex relationship. Told mostly through letters that sparkle with wit and insight, Vita and Virginia sheds an intimate and provocative light on these two visionaries as they negotiate what it means to be a sexual woman in their respective worlds.

Luna Stage founder and artistic director Jane Mandel says, “We always seem to be trying to define the proper boundaries and rules of love and relationships. We try to turn something completely gray into something black and white. But love is not like that. The concept of love is quite malleable and the human need for companionship and both intellectual and sexual stimulation is quite complex. I love this play because it offers a funny and touching look at two brilliant women struggling with just these definitions and limitations.”

The production is directed by Ms. Mandel. The set is designed by Charles Murdock Lucas. Lighting is by Rachel Budin, sound by Margaret Pine and costumes by Deborah Caney. The production is stage managed by Mary Ellen Allison.

For information on this production and all other events and programs at Luna Stage, visit www.lunastage.org. Luna Stage is located at 555 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ 07052. 973-395-5551. The theatre is handicapped accessible and assisted listening devices are available.