TheatreLAB to Host Staged Reading of THE HEIDI CHRONICLES

TheatreLAB, Richmond's home for unexpected and evocative performance, is proud to host a one night only staged reading of Wendy Wassersteins' The Heidi Chronicles, as a farewell to Associate Artistic Director, McLean Jesse (Best Actress - 2016 Style Weekly Readers Poll, Best Actress - 2015 Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Award). Directed by James Ricks, the reading and accompanying art auction will take place on July 24th at TheatreLAB's venue, The Basement.

"Funny, touching... with rare grace and sensitivity," The Heidi Chronicles will feature Jesse in the role of Heidi, in her last performance on a Richmond stage before moving to Washington DC to study at The Academy of Classical Acting at George Washington University. The cast will feature some of Richmond's finest actors: Katrinah Carol Lewis, Audra Honaker, Deejay Gray, Bianca Bryan, Kelsey Cordrey, JB Steinberg, Matt Shofner, and Alexander Sapp, with stage directions read by Andrew Scott.

The event will double as a silent art auction, where Jesse's paintings will be sold in an effort to lighten the load of her move to the capital. Many of her paintings can be previewed at www.mcleanjesse.com. In addition, McLean will be selling the original artwork from "Sadie's Last Painting," a summer production from Free Jambalya, during which McLean creates a new painting, live, each performance.

From TheatreLAB Associate Artistic Director, McLean Jesse:

"I look forward to new adventures outside of RVA, but I won't be leaving quietly. This theatre community has my heart, and I intend on giving it a proper farewell."

From TheatreLAB Artistic Director, Deejay Gray:

"McLean is one of the first people to be a part of TheatreLAB and while her involvement over the past few years has varied from actress to director to designer to staff member, she has always been a fierce cheerleader for us. We hope all of RVA will join us as we toast to her career here while we celebrate her future!"

On July 24th, doors will open at 7pm, with the performance beginning at 8pm. The silent art auction will begin when doors open at 7pm and will conclude during the post-show reception. Cocktail attire is preferred.

Seating is limited and tickets are $20 - regular; $15 - students and TheatreLAB subscribers. Tickets are on sale now at TheatreLABrva.org.

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