Beckett & Parry 'Turn the Screw' at Westport, Oct.11-27

Westport Country Playhouse will present The Turn of the Screw, a thriller adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the story by Henry James, directed by Loy Arcenas, October 11 through October 27.

"In a gripping tale that sparks the imagination and blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, a young, naïve governess journeys to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children. The story she tells – which was 'written in a diary in faded ink' – is a story of terror and horror. The details of the diary – a letter, a locket, a riddle and a name – weave a chilling story that reveals unexplained mysteries about the house's extraordinary past," explain press notes.

Cast members are Charlotte Parry (Broadway: Coram Boy, The Real Thing) as The Governess and Tom Beckett (Westport: On the Verge, David Copperfield) playing The Man and other roles.

The production team for The Turn of the Screw includes Candace Donnelly (costumes); Robert Wierzel (lighting); and Fabian Obispo (sound and composition).

The performance schedule for The Turn of the Screw is Tuesday at 8 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.  Opening night, including a post-performance party, is on Saturday, October 13.  Sunday Symposium on October 14 will bring authorities on the themes of the play to provide the audience with insights on historical and dramatic context.  Prologue on Friday, October 19, offers a pre-show, half-hour conversation with Tazewell Thompson providing details about the production. Open Captioning is available on Sunday, October 21, when audience members with varying degrees of hearing loss can watch an easy-to-read digital screen with scrolling words in synchronization with the performance. During Backstage Pass on Wednesday, October 24, following the matinee, the production staff explains the play's technical aspects including sets, lights, props, sound, costumes and special effects. On TalkBack Thursday, October 25, members of the company return to the stage after the performance for a lively discussion with the audience.

Single tickets are $30 to $55; $65 for opening night with reception. Flex tickets are available. Students and educators are eligible for 50% discounts.  Groups of 10 or more save up to 30% off the regular ticket price.  For group sales information call (203) 227-5137, x120.

For more information or to receive a season brochure, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information about the 2007 season and the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Photo by Kathleen O'Rourke

Tom Beckett and Charlotte Parry

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