Silver Spring Stage Presents Shaw's PYGMALION, 6/4-6/27

Silver Spring Stage presents George Bernard Shaw's classic comedy PYGMALION, directed by Pauline Griller-Mtichell and produced by Richard Ley, when fussy English professor Henry Higgins wagers that he can transform a guttersnipe cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a lady of breeding, voice, and manners. Pygmalion will perform weekends June 4 to June 27.

Silver Spring Stage is located in the Woodmoor Shopping Center, lower level (next to the CVS) at Colesville Road and University Boulevard. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors/students. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinees on June 13 and June 27 at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.ssstage.org. Information is also available by calling (301) 593-6036.

His most popular play and inspired by a famous actress of the time, George Bernard Shaw tinkered with PYGMALION for 30 years following its first writing in 1912 as like one of his principal characters Professor Henry Higgins he sought out the perfection of language and thought in his famous comedy. With its later film versions and reinvention as the music MY FAIR LADY, the story remains as enduring and endearing as ever. In his consummate literary style, Shaw lampoons English society, its class system and pretensions while championing in the end women's independence at a time when English women struggled to achieve the vote. Shaw wrote PYGMALION for the actress Mrs. Patrick Campbell because of her affectEd Manner of speech, which he gently mocked and wished for her to overcome through the play. Mrs. Campbell loved the play, which was delayed in its opening to 1913 due to her mental collapse, to which she recovered. The title is based on the Greek myth of the sculptor who falls in love with his work of art, who is later given life by the Gods. Though many wanted Eliza to end up with Higgins (the stand-in sculptor) - which was implied in the musical - Shaw wanted to emphasize that Eliza had gained her own identity by transforming her station from cockney to upper class. The brightest of Shaw's wit and the underlying romanticism make Pygmalion a play that audiences have enjoyed for nearly 100 years and will continue to do for many more.

The cast includes Henry Higgins (James Raby), Colonel Pickering (John Barclay Burns), Eliza Doolittle (McCall Doyle), Mrs. Pearce (Cheryl Sinsabaugh), Alfred P. Doolittle (Eric Burgan), and Kathie Mack (Mrs. Higgins). The cast also features Toni Carmine, Nicole White, Jonathan Dyer, Brian Doyle and Sommer Woodley. PYGMALION is a joy for all audiences to enjoy.

The production team includes Rob Allen (Stage Manager), Marcia Kolko (Assistant Director), Anna Britton (Set Design), Jim Robertson (Light Design), Nick Sampson (Sound Design), and Sonya Okin (Props/Set Dressing).

The Stage's 2009-2010 "Appearances Can Be Deceiving!" season concludes with the provocative FAT PIG by Neil LaBute (July 16-Aug. 8)

Silver Spring Stage has provided quality, affordable theatre for over 40 years. We are an all-volunteer, non- profit organization and appreciate any contribution to enable us to offer excellent and entertaining productions. Thank you for your interest and support of Silver Spring Stage. All programs at Silver Spring Stage are made possible in part by grants from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County and the Maryland State Arts Council.

For more information, visit online at www.ssstage.org.

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