Theater Project to Offer Pay What You Can Performance of NICKEL & DIMED, 3/27

NICKEL AND DIMED is a play about a middle class woman researching a book by trying to survive on minimum wage jobs. To make sure that no one is kept from live professional theater by rising ticket prices, The Theater Project at the Burgdorff Center in Maplewood is offering a special discounted performance at 8 PM, Thursday, March 27, when patrons without reservations will pay much less at the door for admission. The discount does not apply to reserved tickets.

NICKEL AND DIMED, a comedy by Joan Holden, is based on Barbara Ehrenreich's book of the same name. The play's main character is, coincidentally, a successful middle-aged author named Barbara, who has a successful writer-boyfriend and lawyer-daughter. Over an expansive expense account lunch, her editor scoffs at the idea that Barbara has the endurance to investigate the lives of low-wage workers by trying to survive on minimum wage jobs herself. Barbara refuses to be intimidated, and sets off on a caper that tests her stamina, as well as that of her coworkers, employers and customers as she works her way through diners and discount stores, nursing homes and cheap hotels, and a stint as a bird sitter. The Philadelphia Inquirer described NICKEL AND DIMED as "Involving, important and urgently topical."

In keeping with the show's theme, all tickets purchased at the door for the March 27 performance will be designated PAY WHAT YOU CAN -- patrons will name their own prices.,

"We don't want people to miss the show or miss introducing their kids to live professional theater because of the prices," says associate producer Daaimah Talley, "Like many theaters, our costs are rising, grants and donations are shrinking, and we have had to raise prices -slightly. Times are rough all around, but our goal is to make theater accessible for everyone."

"It is heart-breaking to go to New York and pay almost $100 for a half-price ticket," says artistic director Mark Spina. "Those prices send a message that theater is something most of us can only do once or twice a year if we are lucky. We want live theater to be a regular part of people's lives, not a financial sacrifice."

The Theater Project also offers discounts for groups and early ticket purchase, but the PAY WHAT YOU CAN performances are geared to individuals and families. The Theater Project hopes that people who have limited or no experience of the local professional theater scene will be able to try it out through this program.

Tickets for this performance are available on a first come, first served basis starting at 7 PM, March 27 at the theater box office. No advanced reservations are accepted for discounted performances.

There is a talk-back with actors after each Friday night performance, and the actors greet the audience in the lobby after every show. Reserved tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $15 for students. They may be purchased online at thetheaterproject.org or by phone at 908 809-8865.

The Theater Project, www.thetheaterproject.org, is known for presenting outrageous comedy as well as drama with social commentary. NICKEL AND DIMED performs March 20 - April 6, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM.

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