DINNER WITH FRIENDS Announced At Everyman Theatre

Everyman Theatre presents Donald Margulies' Dinner with Friends from March 12 April 7, 2019. Founding Artistic Director Vincent M. Lancisi transfers his passion for cooking and food into the direction of Dinner with Friends, which portrays the discovery and eventual acceptance of how our most intimate bonds ripen or rot over time. This re-examination of unrealistic mid-life expectations offers substantive insight into friendship, marriage, and divorce all over a delicious meal.

Like any culinary trend, relationships are destined to evolve but can the recipe of friendship retain its zest if the key ingredients begin to change? A fabulous dinner at the home of food writers Gabe and Karen proves hard to swallow when Beth drops the bomb that husband Tom wants out of their 12-year marriage. Suddenly, both couples find themselves grappling with questions of loyalty, individuality, and commitment in Donald Margulies' deliciously funny, sharply observed Pulitzer Prize-winning drama celebrating its 20th anniversary this season with the time-tested flavor and richness of a classic dish.

The heart of this play questions the unspoken expectations surrounding long-standing relationships, says Founder, Artistic Director Vincent M. Lancisi. What happens when life doesn't go according to plan when the friends and partners we planned on growing old with leave? It's a reality that so many of us experience in middle age, and I'm thrilled to be bringing this modern classic to the Everyman stage. Dinner with Friends takes a look at how drastically one's basic assumptions are upended with the slightest shift in perception.

The four-person cast features three of Everyman's beloved Resident Company Members and one newcomer to the Everyman stage. Company Members Megan Anderson and Danny Gavigan play Beth and Tom, soon-to-be divorcees. Karen and Gabe, the foodies whose friends' uncoupling rocks their own relationship to its core, are portrayed by fellow Resident Company Member Beth Hylton and new arrival M. Scott McLean.

Anderson and Hylton have a long history of performing together at Everyman Theatre. "Beth and I have done over 10 plays together," says Anderson. As members of the Everyman Resident Company, the rapport they have developed with each other over the years becomes part of the performance. "When a script calls on you to create a history between your characters, Beth and I actually have a history. We've been colleagues for a long time. When you're lucky enough to work with your friends, they raise you up!"

Dinner with Friends runs March 12 through April 7, 2019. Tickets ($10 65) are on sale now, online (everymantheatre.org), by phone (410-752-2208), or at the Everyman Theatre Box Office (315 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD).

Cast and Production Team:

The cast for Dinner with Friends includes Resident Company Members Megan Anderson* (Sweat), Danny Gavigan*(The Importance of Being Earnest), Beth Hylton* (The Book of Joseph), and M.Scott McLean (Everyman Debut).

The production team for Dinner with Friends includes set designer Donald Eastman (Intimate Apparel), lighting designer Harold F. Burgess, II (Sweat), costume designer David Burdick (The Importance of Being Earnest, Sweat), sound designer Sarah O'Halloran (Everyman Debut), fight/intimacy choreographer Lewis Shaw , properties master Jillian Mathews, and stage manager Amanda M. Hall.*

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States Indicates an Everyman Resident Production Member

TNT: Theatre Night for Teens
Sunday, March 10, 5:30 PM
Students in grades 9 12 enjoy a dynamic night out at the theatre featuring pre-show dinner, an artist meet-and-greet with a member of Dinner with Friends design team, and a 7:00 PM preview performance, followed by post-show discussion and dessert. Tickets: $10 each (space is limited)


Pay-What-You-Can Performance
Sunday, March 10, 7:00 PM
Pay-What-You-Can for the last rehearsal before official previews of Dinner with Friends begin. Tickets: By donation (cash only), available on a first come, first serve basis at the Box Office beginning at 5:30 PM.
Seating is general admission.


** NEW! ** Foodies & Friends: Happy Hour with Baltimore STYLE
Tuesday, March 12, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Tap into your inner foodie with Baltimore Style and Everyman Theatre for a one of a kind Happy Hour celebrating Everyman's upcoming show, Dinner with Friends. Hosted by Boy with the Blue Beard, the evening will feature Style's Cocktail Queen Ginny Lawhorn demonstrating a custom cocktail. Enjoy drink specials and light bites by Flavor, Pinch Dumplings, and other local eateries.
Tickets: $20 includes admission to 7:30 PM performance.


** NEW! ** Fogo & Friends: Dinner and a Show with Fogo de Chao
Thursday, March 21, 5:00 PM
It's dinner and a show with style. Join Everyman Theatre and our friends at Fogo de Chao and KD Elite Transportation for a delicious twist on a night out at the theatre: one discounted price includes a prix-fixe meal at Fogo de Chao in downtown Baltimore along with complimentary transportation to and from the theatre and a ticket to the evening's show!
Tickets: $100 includes ticket to Dinner with Friends, dinner including dessert and drinks, and shuttle transportation.

Friday Flow
Friday, March 29, 6:45 PM
Join us the third Friday of every show this season for a totally unique Everyman Theatre experience! Take a yoga class at Everyman Theatre. Stay for the play. Flow and Show! Admission: $10 for pre-show class; $12 at the door. Not included with ticket purchase


Childcare Matinee
Sunday, March 31 at 2:00 PM
A creative, convenient, and reliable childcare solution during select performances: parents can enjoy the 2:00 PM matinee performance confident that their children are well cared for and creatively engaged by Everyman Theatre Education and Community Engagement staff. Perfect for ages 3 12.
Registration: $30 per child for three hours of care.


Cast Conversations
Thursday, April 4, Post-show
Chat with participating cast members following the 7:30 PM performance of Dinner with Friends along with local social media influencers sharing insights from the show. Admission: Included with ticket to 7:30 PM performance.

 

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