University of Utah to Stage World Premiere of RARE BIRD in March
By: Blair Howell
The University of Utah Department of Theatre will stage the world premiere of internationally renowned playwright and poet Brighde Mullins's new play, RARE BIRD. The special event will raise funds for undergraduate student scholarships and awards.
The professional production is directed by Elizabeth Williamson, Associate Artistic Director of the Pioneer Theatre Company, and stars the incomparable Anne Cullimore Decker as Harriett, the "Oldest Living Former Showgirl." Decker is one of the best-known actors in the Salt Lake Valley, and she's performed on nearly every stage in Utah. From her tour-de-force performance as Maria Callas in MASTER CLASS at Salt Lake Acting Company to her witty portrayal of Madame Armfeldt in the Utah Symphony and Opera's production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Decker has proven herself a consummate performer. She has taught for the University of Utah Department of Theatre and Honors programs. She is also devoted advocate for all the performing arts in the Salt Lake community. RARE BIRD’s Director Elizabeth Williamson has worked at some of the most illustrious theaters in the country, including Steppenwolf and Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Williamson is also a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab. Three years ago she was hired by Pioneer Theatre Company, and one of her primary tasks was to launch the New Plays Initiative. She is largely responsible for bringing RARE BIRD and playwright Brighde Mullins on board for this special event. “I saw the first workshop reading of RARE BIRD exactly 10 years ago at the New York Theatre Workshop,” Williamson said. “I loved its wild beauty, and its unexpected humor.” Mullins' plays have been produced in London, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco and include such titles as MONKEY IN THE MIDDLE; THOSE WHO CAN, DO; FIRE EATER; and MEATLESS FRIDAY. She is the recipient of a United States Artists Award (2010), a Whiting Foundation Fellowship (2001), a previous NEA Fellowship (1990), and many others. RARE BIRD will be presented on the University of Utah campus in the Babcock Theatre on March 9-11 and 14-18 at 7:30 p.m. with additional matinees on March 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call 801-581-7100 or visit www.kingsburyhall.org.(Photo by Spencer Sandstrom)
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