New Adaptation of GREAT EXPECTATIONS Heads to Everyman Theatre's Stage

Everyman Theatre brings Charles Dickens' classic novel to the stage in a dynamic adaptation by Gale Childs Daly. Hailed as "tight and suspenseful" by the Chicago Tribune, Daly's adaptation of Great Expectations masterfully condenses Dickens 500-page novel into a high-spirited play where only six actors portray more than 35 characters. The show is currently in rehearsal and runs from February 1 through March 5, 2017.

Directed by Tazewell Thompson, this classic bursts to life in a stylized, and fast-paced world, leaving audiences gasping for breath while eagerly anticipating what awaits the poor, orphaned Pip who was mysteriously plucked from obscurity by the wealthy and decaying Miss Havisham in 19th Century England. The cast features Everyman's own Bruce Nelson (Wait Until Dark, Death of a Salesman, A Streetcar Named Desire). Joining Mr. Nelson on the stage are Drew Kopas (Death of a Salesman, A Streetcar Named Desire, All My Sons) as Pip, and four actors new to Everyman Theatre. Celebrated actress Fran Dorn returns to the region to play Miss Havisham among others. Brit Herring, a seasoned character actor and graduate of the Academy of Classical Acting, plays more than six roles. Rounding out the cast is Elizabeth Anne Jernigan and Gerrad Alex Taylor.

"Charles Dickens' Great Expectations explores the essence of human nature at depths that can bewilder even the sharpest of minds, yet Gale Childs Daly's adaptation manages to bring that richness to the surface for a riveting show of non-stop twists and turns," said Everyman Theatre's Founding Artistic Director Vincent M. Lancisi. "We are thrilled to present this bold production for the first time ever in the Baltimore and DC region, especially after it has already wowed audiences from Chicago to Philadelphia in its short history. Equally exciting in the opportunity to work with acclaimed director Tazewell Thompson, and under his direction we anticipate Everyman Theatre's production of Great Expectations will be an instant classic."

Returning to Everyman Theatre after making his directorial debut in Baltimore for the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Ruined in 2015, Tazewell Thompson is an internationally acclaimed opera and theatre director, playwright and teacher. He has directed more than 100 plays, including 24 at Washington DC's Arena Stage, and he has worked with the renowned companies at New York's Manhattan Theatre Club and Public Theatre, Chicago's Goodman Theatre and the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, among others throughout his long career. Notably, Mr. Tazewell's production of Porgy and Bess was broadcast live from Lincoln Center and received Emmy nominations for best director and best classical production. As a playwright, his award-winning Constant Star has enjoyed 14 productions across the country, and he has received commissions from Lincoln Center Theatre and South Coast Rep, among others.

One of the most captivating elements of the show is the scenic design. As the production requires only one set, Everyman Theatre began developing the stage design long in advance to ensure the imagery would perfectly complement both the classical elements of Dickens' story and the heightened energy of Daly's adaptation. Selected for the role was set designer Yu-Hsuan Chen who just this year received her MFA from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, but has already received praise for her work in theatre, dance, and film around the globe, including New York, Taiwan and Germany where she won a prize at the Porsche Ad Awards.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

TNT: Theatre Night for Teens

January 31, 2017 at 6:00 PM

Students in grades 9-12 can enjoy dinner, an artist meet-and-greet, the play, and post-show discussion and dessert. Tickets: $10 each.

Pay-What-You-Can Performance

January 31, 2017 at 7:30 PM

Salon Series: Women's Voices: The Ruby Sunrise

February 6, 2017 at 6:00 PM

Rinne Groff's The Ruby Sunrise is a searing look at one family's compulsion to shatter "that highest, hardest" glass ceiling. Tickets: $15 each ($5 for students).

Taste of Everyman

February 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM

Mix and mingle with other theatre lovers during a pre-show cocktail party featuring mixed drinks paired with hors d'oeuvres by The French Kitchen, curated to each show. Tickets: $60 each for show and event.

World of the Play

February 18, 2017 at 5:00 PM

Take part in an in-depth panel discussion on the themes and topics of the show, hosted by Marc Steiner (WEAA's The Marc Steiner Show). Tickets: $5 each (free for Everyman Theatre subscribers).

Cast Conversations

February 23, 2017 at 9:30 PM

Talk about the play with the members of the cast after the show. Tickets: Free.

Everyman Theatre is a professional Equity theatre company celebrating the actor, with a Resident Company of artists from the Baltimore/DC area. Founded in 1990 by Vincent M. Lancisi, the theatre is dedicated to engaging the audience through a shared experience between actor and audience seeking connection and emotional truth in performance. Everyman is committed to presenting high quality plays that are affordable and accessible to everyone. The theatre strives to engage, inspire and transform artists, audiences and community through theatre of the highest artistic standards and is committed to embodying the promise of its name, Everyman Theatre.

Harris, Jones and Malone is the proud production sponsor for Great Expectations. The 16/17 Season is generously sponsored by LifeBridge Health and Neil & Ellen Meltzer. Everyman Theatre's Pay-What-You-Can nights are supported by Dr. E. Lee & Bea Robbins. Everyman Theatre is proud to have The Baltimore Sun Media Group and WYPR Season Media Sponsors.

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.

Everyman Theatre is a proud member of the Bromo Tower Arts and Entertainment District and the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance.

Vincent M. Lancisi is the Founding Artistic Director of Everyman Theatre; Jonathan K. Waller is the Managing Director. For information about Everyman Theatre, visit www.everymantheatre.org or call 410.752.2208.

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