Shelley, Innvar, Etc. Play Ring Round the Moon at BSC

Jean Anouilh's romantic comedy, Ring Round the Moon, directed by Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, will christen Barrington Stage Company's new home on Union Street in Pittsfield from August 10 through 27. The official press opening is Thursday, August 17, at 8pm, with a gala ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, August 19, at 5pm and performance at 7pm.

"Filled with music and dancing, Anouilh's Ring Round the Moon is an enchanting romantic comedy revolving around wealthy twin brothers who vie for the love of the same beautiful young woman. To add to the fun, the twins are played by the same actor: BSC favorite Christopher Innvar in the dual roles of Hugo and Frederic," state press notes.

Returning to BSC following her celebrated Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest is Tony-winner Carole Shelley in the role Madame Desmermortes. Shelley created the role of Madame Morrible in Wicked on Broadway and since last summer, has been starring in the hit national tour. Also returning to BSC are Tandy Cronyn as Capulat, Mark H. Dold as Patrice Bombelles and Robert Zukerman as Joshua.

Making their BSC debuts are Debra Jo Rupp, who recently finished 8 seasons as 'Kitty' on FOX-TV's "That 70s Show" as Isabelle's mother, Ginifer King as Isabelle, Jordan Charney as Messerschmann, Christa Scott-Reed as Lady Dorothy India, John C. Vennema as Romainville, and Rebecca Watson as Diana.

Ring Round the Moon is designed by Karl Eigsti (sets), Elizabeth Flauto (costumes), Scott Pinkney (lights) and Randy Hansen (sound). Stephen Terrell, will choreograph the dances, and Michael Burnet has staged the fight sequences.

Playwright Jean Anouilh is considered to be one of France's most popular and successful playwrights. Among his noted works are The Lark, The Waltz of the Toreadors, Thieves' Carnival, and Mademoiselle Colombe Written in French in 1947 as L'Invitation au Chateau, Christopher Fry adapted Ring Round the Moon for the stage in 1950.

Performances of Ring Round the Moon run August 10 through 27, at Barrington Stage, 30 Union Street in Pittsfield. Performance times are Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm; matinees are Friday at 2pm and Sunday at 5pm. Barrington Stage is fully-accessible with parking close by. Tickets are $38-$52. Discounted preview tickets are $15 for Thursday, August 10 at 8pm, and Friday, August 11 at 2pm and 8pm. For more information, call 413-236-8888, or visit www.barringtonstageco.org.

Photo by Kevin Sprague--Christopher Innvar and Carole Shelley

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