Shirley Valentine Returns to Hedgerow Theatre 3/2-13

Hedgerow Theatre announces the return of its critically acclaimed production of Shirley Valentine starring veteran Hedgerow actress Susan Wefel and directed by noted actor Tom Teti, March 2nd -13th. Shirley Valentine will play in repertory with Plaza Suite and is the second of three shows in the comedy portion of the theatre's winter repertory.

Willy Russell's one-woman play about a wisecracking British housewife searching for a way to change her humdrum life was a huge hit in London and on Broadway in 1989, when its star, Pauline Collins won the Tony Award for Best Actress and the show was nominated for Best Play.

Wefel was delighted to step back into Shirley's shoes, having played the role to rave reviews last year. As she puts it, "I feel blessed that Willy Russell is such a great writer, creating such a well-defined character. Shirley is easy to relate to and fun to play." Wefel adds that, "She's a middle-aged woman whose kids are grown, whose husband doesn't treat her as romantically as he should, and who has always done everything for everyone else. She's lost her soul, but hasn't lost her sense of humor."

Wefel first played Shirley in an acting class taught by Tom Teti, doing small portions of the play in showcases at Hedgerow. She recalls not being sure if she'd be able to handle doing the whole one-person show when she was first approached to try it. As she explains, "It's all you and if something goes wrong, you have to fix it. I also have to do other characters besides Shirley, creating the voices of those she's talking to." She's grateful to Tom for believing in her and to Producing Artistic Director Penelope Reed for letting her do it. Reviews of last year's production prove that Wefel is being too modest and that the trust in her was justified, as critics deemed her performance "very appealing," "charming" and even "perfection."

Performances are scheduled for scheduled for March 2nd at 1 p.m. (includes a complimentary intermission tea), March 5th and 13th at 7:30 p.m., March 6th at 2 p.m., and March 12th at 4 p.m. Because of a bit of adult humor, the show is not recommended for children.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $10 for students with valid ID and children under 18. Also available is a special Flex-Six package of six mix-and-match tickets to any show for $130 for adults or $110 for seniors. For reservations, call 610-565-4211, or visit www.hedgerowtheatre.org. Hedgerow Theatre, America's First Repertory Theatre, is located at 64 Rose Valley Road, in Rose Valley (near Media).

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