THE SUMMER FOOLS FESTIVAL
(three shows in rotating repertory)
VIOLET
By Brian Crawley & Jeanine Tesori
Direction by John Glenn
Musical Direction by R.L. Rowsey
July 1 – August 3, 2008
Set in 1964 in the Deep South during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, Violet follows the growth and enlightenment of a young woman accidentally scarred by her father. In hopes that a TV evangelist can cure her, she embarks on a journey by bus from her sleepy North Carolina town to Oklahoma. Along the way, she meets a young black soldier who teaches her about beauty, love, courage and what it means to be an outsider. One of the most acclaimed off-Broadway shows of the ’90s, Violet astounded critics and audiences with its powerful story and its energetic, toe-tapping Gospel, Rock, Country, and Rhythm and Blues score. Featuring Andrew Alburger, Jana Arnold, Michelle Carter, Scott Creighton, Keith Moore, Cheryl Morrel, Norman Payne, Cliff Todd, Kevin Wade, Debra Wagoner and Amy Jo Weaver.
A genuine sincerity and sweetness that can pierce through one's skepticism… blessed with some lovely indigenous music… a smart amalgam of country, church and blues.
- Seattle Times.
COLLECTED STORIES
By Donald Margulies
Direction by Denise Simone
July 5 – August 3, 2008
A respected short story writer and teacher in her mid-fifties, Ruth Steiner has carved out a comfortable life for herself in the Greenwich Village apartment she has occupied for decades. Lisa Morrison is a talented 26 year old graduate student and aspiring writer, a child of suburban privilege. Lisa arrives at Ruth's apartment for her first tutorial as a gawky, gushing hero worshiper. When Ruth quips, "I had someone darker in mind," she doesn't realize the foreshadowing in her own life story, but the audience should be put on alert. Featuring Anna Johnson and Claudia McCain.
As usual, Margulies holds the rich ore of his material up to the light so that it sends beams in every direction…always fluid and lively, the play is thick with ideas, like a stockpot of good stew. —Village Voice.
NOISES OFF
By Michael Frayn
Direction by Steve Perigard
July 12 – August 3, 2008
Noises Off , proclaimed the funniest farce ever written, is a glorious opportunity to watch seven slamming doors, one breaking window, 30 trips up and down stairs and 17 false entrances, while listening to 73 flubbed lines, 46 miscues, one dramatic highlight, 22 double entendres, six regular entendres and a million laughs all while trying to find a missing plate of sardines. Featuring Andrew Alburger, Jana Arnold, Michelle Carter, Scott Creighton, Jennifer Jacoby Rush, Richard Rush, Cliff Todd, Joel Vilinsky and Debra Wagoner.
As side-splitting a farce as I have seen. Ever? Ever.—New York Magazine.
www.companyoffools.org
all photos on the Company of Fools website are by Kirsten Shultz
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