Photo Flash: First Look at THE SUN SHINES EAST; Previews Begin Tonight at Deane Little Theatre

Shining East Productions presents The Sun Shines East, based on a true story written by Corinne Chateau* about an adoptive mother's struggle to break through deep personal barriers and international politics to bring home her daughter. Pat Golden directs a cast of 5 including Karen Christie-Ward*, Tara Gadomski*, Mary Francina Golden*, Bristol Pomeroy, and Amy Staats*. Fourteen performances will be held at theDeane Little Theatre Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre, 10 West 64th Street, in New York City from tonight, January 31-February 16, 2014. *Member, Actors' Equity Association.AEA Approved Showcase. Check out a first look below!

Based on true events, The Sun Shines East is an adoption story set against the backdrop of political strife in the mid-1990s. After suffering a series of miscarriages, Christine, a New York actress, finds herself drawn "east" to The Republic of Georgia to adopt a baby. Her husband Robert, also an actor, a bit less enthusiastically goes along with the idea. Despite a chilly welcome from the staff of the children's hospital there, the two parents-to-be immediately fall in love with a baby girl and make plans to bring her home. However, unbeknownst to them, the government of Georgia shuts down international adoptions. The couple find themselves in the middle of the political and personal fight of their lives, testing both their marriage and ultimately their courage.

Written and produced by adoptive mothers, The Sun Shines East is a moving personal journey, and an urgent call to action as orphan children continue to be used as pawns by politicians ruthlessly seeking political advantage. With moratoriums and increased restrictions on adoption in countries such as Russia, China, and Guatemala, this play reminds us what is at stake for millions of suffering infants, victims of bureaucracy and too young to speak for themselves.

Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by visiting https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/931176 or calling 212-352-3101.

Photos by John FitzGibbon