Bootstrap Foundation's TELL IT SLANT Opens 4/17 at Southside Theater

Tell It Slant, a new musical drama about the youthful love of poet Emily Dickinson, by Palo Alto playwright Sharmon J. Hilfinger and composer Joan McMillen, will play April 17 - May 16, 2010 at the Southside Theater at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

The play is directed by Virginia Reed, based on original production direction by Rachel Anderson. Performances are Fridays through Sundays at 8:00 pm. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Preview April 16 at 8:00 pm. Tell it Slant is produced by the Bootstrap Foundation and is part of the In Performance Series at Fort Mason Center, which is supported by Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Tell It Slant portrays the little-known story of Emily Dickinson as a young woman, tracing an emotionally volatile love triangle involving Emily, her brother Austin, and their intimate friend Susan Gilbert. Calling herself "a boy," Emily bands together with her older brother Austin against the authority of their parents and the oppressive evangelism of the 1840s.

Set in the Dickinson family's Amherst, Massachusetts home and environs, the play follows Emily through her formative years. Inwardly rebellious, but outwardly obedient, she continually finds herself at odds with the social expectations of the time. As Emily tries to define herself in a world that has few options for women, she experiences uncertainty and finally a betrayal that plunges her into deep despair. The play explores Emily's deep feelings for her friend Susan which go beyond the social norms of friendship and lead to her discovery of her remarkable poetic voice. For Dickinson, the process of creation is playful, curious, rebellious, dangerous, unexpected, and finally redemptive. Dickinson's poetry is interwoven in the script both as original songs by Joan McMillen, and as scenes improvised by the chorus of actors. The reclusive poet is revealed as both rebel and lover through unusual, poetic staging with the ensemble of actors and musicians on stage at all times.

This production premiered at the Pear Avenue Theatre in September, 2009, directed by Rachel Anderson. The remount at the Southside Theater is directed by Virginia Reed, featuring Caitlyn Louchard as Emily Dickinson, Siobhan Doherty as Susan Gilbert, Todd Brotze as Austin Dickinson. Nick Allen, Bear Capron, Paz Pardo, Michael Sommers and Juliet Strong complete the ensemble of actors who play multiple roles.