Everyman Theatre to Launch New Series of Informal Play Readings

Everyman Theatre is excited to announce the introduction of a new series of informal play readings. The inaugural series, titled "Women's Voices in American Theatre," will highlight some of theatre's greatest women playwrights through four staged readings curated by the women of Everyman's Resident Acting Company. The readings will take place in the theatre's second-floor rehearsal hall, which will be transformed into a funky stripped-down performance space, on four Monday evenings: April 25, May 9, May 23 and June 6 from 7PM to 9PM.

"These staged readings provide insights about our world today by exploring bold, raw, and brave female voices from the past to present," said Everyman's Artistic Associate Johanna Gruenhut. "We are so excited to shine the spotlight on these important American Classics and draw important parallels to The Great American Rep."

An influential and trailblazing female leader from the Baltimore community will host each reading. The hosts include Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Marian Alsop the Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Rhea Feikin an MPT host, and Dr. Julia Marciari-Alexander the Executive Director of The Walters Art Museum.

The Salon readings will include a pre-show cocktail reception in the rehearsal hall beginning at 6PM where audience and performer can mix and mingle. The new Sicilian restaurant in Mill NO.1, Cosima, will generously provide hors d'oeuvres. Directly following the reading, there will be a second post-show cocktail hour, which will allow for conversations and reflections between cast and audience.

April 25: The Little Foxes
Written by Lillian HellmanDirected by Beth HyltonHosted by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

In Lillian Hellman's riveting 1939 drama Regina Hubbard Giddens, a woman who struggles for wealth and freedom within the confines of society, is forced to manipulate her two brothers out of their substantial, ill-begotten wealth. So begins a vicious circle of lying, scheming, cruelty, and finally, murder.

May 9: Wedding Band
Written by Alice ChildressDirected by Deborah HazlettHosted by Marin Alsop, Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

It is the summer of 1918, there is a war in Europe, and a smaller war in South Carolina. Julie is an African American seamstress. Herman is a white man that has kept company with her for years. As their growing attraction accelerates into an affair they must deal with the prejudices and wrath of ignorance in early 20th century America.

May 23: The Heidi Chronicles
Written by Wendy WassersteinDirected by Megan AndersonHosted by Rhea Feikin, MPT Host

Comprised of a series of interconnected scenes, The Heidi Chronicles spans over 20 years. We follow Heidi Holland from high school classes to her career as an art historian as she tries to find her way in a rapidly changing world, from the socially and politically activist 1960s to the success-oriented 1980s and beyond.

June 6: Intimate Apparel
Written by Lynn NottageDirected by Dawn UrsulaHosted by Dr. Julia Marciari-Alexander, Executive Director, Walters Art Museum

In Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel, a much sought-after African American seamstress, who sews elegant intimates for socialites and harlots alike, looks for love and respect in turn-of-the-20th-century Manhattan.

The Salon Series is generously sponsored by Kelly Keenan Trumpbour, Sandra & Mark Laken, Dr. Lee and Bea Robbins, and Penny Bank.

To purchase tickets to the Salon Series: Women's Voices in American Theatre, visit www.everymantheatre.org.

Everyman Theatre is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.

Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

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