'Sisters, Such Devoted Sisters' Begins Off-Bway Tonight

The limited Off-Broadway engagement of Russell Barr's Sisters, Such Devoted Sisters, directed by Michael Imperioli begins performances tonight, Wednesday, January 23 through Saturday, February 16 at Studio Dante (257 West 29th Street).  Opening Night is set for Saturday, January 26 at 8PM.

"Many dark nights spent in the seedy depths of Glasgow's nightlife underworld shape drag queen Bernice Hindley's account of drug-fueled escapades, prostitution and club violence.  Despite the harsh realities of a nightcrawler lifestyle, Bernice tells this story with a wicked sense of humor.  Sisters, Such Devoted Sisters presents a shocking and darkly funny stream of consciousness that introduces a full cast of characters, including Bernice's dysfunctional family and friends.  In this engaging tale of survival, Russell Barr, as Bernice, the tattered Versace-wearing queen, brings to life more than a dozen characters, from a porn-obsessed grandfather to a gang of angry, very violent drag queens," explain press notes.

Playwright and performer Russell Barr appeared in Out of Joint's hit productions of Mark Ravenhill's Shopping and F**king and Some Explicit Polaroids in London's West End.  His film credits include Pure, Regeneration, The Gathering Storm, Land Girls, About a Boy and the lead role in The Slab Boys.  Sisters, Such Devoted Sisters won the inaugural Carol Tambor Award for the Best Production at the Edinburgh Festival in 2004.  It has since enjoyed three sold-out runs in London and been performed at theater festivals around the world, including the Brits Off Broadway festival in New York in 2005.  Russell Barr's second play, The Super Slash Naughty xxmas Story, involves 12 Jack Russell terriers - one of which plays the baby Jesus - and a midget.  His third play, Caravan, will premiere in London in 2008.  His fourth piece, a musical, is also forthcoming.

This production includes Set and Costume Design by Victoria Imperioli and Lighting Design by Tony Giovannetti, both Studio Dante resident designers.  Sound Design is by David M. Lawson.

Sisters, Such Devoted Sisters plays Wednesday – Saturday at 8PM at Studio Dante (257 West 29th Street, between 7th & 8th Avenues).  Tickets may be arranged through Smarttix at www.smarttix.com or by calling (212) 868-4444.  Tickets are $35.00.  For more information, visit www.studiodante.com.

Photo by George McLaughlin: Writer/performer Russell Barr