Maryland Ensemble Theatre Presents RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) presents Rapture, Blister, Burn, an edgy, clever comedy that presents an unflinching and often hilarious look at gender politics in the wake of 20th-century feminist ideals. Written by Gina Gionfriddo (Becky Shaw, Law and Order), Rapture, Blister, Burn addresses the lengths some go to in order to achieve that elusive goal of happiness.

After graduate school, former roommates Catherine and Gwen chose polar opposite paths. Catherine built a career as an academic, while Gwen built a home with her husband and children. Decades later, each woman covets the other's life, culminating in an intriguing, yet dangerous, experiment: a life swap. Will the grass really be greener on the other side? Rapture, Blister, Burn offers varying perspectives of feminist ideals through the voices of its cross-generational cast of female characters. Director Suzanne Beal is excited to bring this masterpiece to life. "I am especially thrilled to be directing this timely play," Beal shares. "Not only does it resonate with today's #metoo Movement, but it resonates with me personally. I came of age during the height of the Women's Movement. We were drunk on the possibility of female power. When we woke up, we realized how difficult it would be for women to have it all. The play hilariously yet poignantly explores that dilemma."

Suzanne Beal leads our team of Eric Berninghausen set design, costume design by Stephanie Hyder, Mike Brown on lighting design, sound design by Thom Huenger and Lia Seltzer on props. The production stage manager is Rachel Smith, with assistant stage manager Maria Laird and dramaturg Em Perper.

The cast bringing this play to life includes Laura Stark as Catherine, Gené Fouché as Gwen, Ron Ward as Don, Madeline Reinhold as Avery, and Carol Randolph as Alice.

Rapture, Blister, Burn opens on Friday, April 6th and runs through April 29, every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. (with 8 p.m. performances on Thursdays, April 19th and 26th) and Sundays April 15th, 22nd and 29th at 3 p.m. Please note: Sunday, April 15th's proceeds will support the Women's Giving Circle. Tickets continue under our special 20th Season Celebration pricing of $20. Tickets may be purchased by phone at (301) 694-4744, online at marylandensemble.org or in person at the MET box office.

Premiering Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons in June 2012, Rapture, Blister, Burn went on to be performed at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, California in August 2013. Within the same year, the play was selected as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

All tickets $20! Special pricing for local college and high school students - call for details. 301-694-4744 or marylandensemble.org or at the MET (Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 3pm, Friday 11am - 3pm and 1 hour before each show.)

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