Hutton's The Nibroc Trilogy Runs in Rep, March 17-April 29

78th Street Theatre Lab will present The Nibroc Trilogy-- three Off-Broadway plays, set between the start of World War II and early 1950s, chronicling the love story of recurring central characters, May and Raleigh -- with previews set to begin March 17, prior to an official press opening Sunday, April 1 at the 78th Street Theatre Lab (236 West 78th Street) in Manhattan. Eric Nightengale directs.

"With romance, comedy and a grace evocative of the era in American history during which it is set, Arlene Hutton's The Nibroc Trilogy follows one couple's personal journey through WWII on the home front and post-war America. In Last Train to Nibroc (first seen Off-Broadway in 1999), May and Raleigh meet in 1940 on a crowded eastbound train. From neighboring small towns in Kentucky, May and Raleigh, a would-be missionary and a writer, respectively, navigate through the tough times of a country at war and discover what they must sacrifice in order to get what they want," state press notes.

"May and Raleigh's Appalachian love story continues with the New York Off-Broadway premiere of See Rock City as the couple plans a honeymoon in Rock City, Tennessee in 1943. When victory overseas brings unexpected consequences at home, May and Raleigh are forced to face hidden truths and find common solutions to the challenges of a new, post-war America. Ms. Hutton's saga concludes with the New York Off-Broadway premiere of Gulf View Drive, which looks at the aftermath of war and the breakup of the traditional family in the 1950s. Ten years into their marriage, May and Raleigh live in an island community off the Gulf Coast of Florida where their love is tested when relatives descend upon their dream home."

Alexandra Geis reprises the role of May in all three plays, having originated the role in the world premiere of Last Train to Nibroc in 1999 at 78th Street Theatre Lab. Joining Ms. Geis in the cast is as Raleigh is Greg Steinbruner, who has played role in previous productions of See Rock City and Gulf View Drive. The show also features Polly Adams -- recently seen in United 93-- as May's mother, Christina Denzinger as Raleigh's sister, and Ruth Nightengale as his mother.

The production has set design by Bradford Olson; lighting design by Ji-Youn Chang; costume design by Shelley Norton; hair and wig design by Bobby H. Grayson, and sound design by Eric Nightengale. 

In addition to The Nibroc Trilogy, Arlene Hutton's plays include As It Is In Heaven and I Dream Before I Take the Stand. Her plays have been produced Off- and Off-Off-Broadway, extensively around the United States, and in Edinburgh, London, Barcelona, Beijing, Taipei and Amsterdam. She is a member of New Dramatists and the Dramatists Guild. 

Scheduled March 17 through April 29, The production will perform in repertory at 78th Street Theatre Lab (236 West 78th Street), Wednesdays-Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 4:30pm and 8pm; and Sundays at 3pm and 7pm; with additional 2pm performances on Saturday, April 21 and Saturday, April 28; performances on Sunday, April 15 will be at 1, 4 and 7pm; and with the following exceptions: no 8pm performances March 21-23; and no matinees, March 17, 18, 24, 25 or 31. Tickets are $32. For tickets, call 212-352-3101 or visit www.TheaterMania.com.

For additional information, including a detailed schedule, visit www.nibroctrilogy.com.  Visit www.78thstreettheatrelab.org for more on the 78th Street Theatre Lab.

Photo by Beth Lincks - Christina Denzinger as Treva, Ruth Nightengale as Mrs. Brummett, (center) Alexandra Geis as May, and Greg Steinbruner as Raleigh in Gulf View Drive