Mudge, Etc. Set for Williamstown Lost Generation 'Villa'

The world premiere of Villa America by Crispin Whittell begins July 11 on the Nikos Stage at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Commissioned by the Festival, Villa America explores the lives, loves and losses of what Gertrude Stein called "The Lost Generation." Crispin Whittell (Darwin in Malibu) writes and directs.

"Gerald and Sara Murphy were at the center of a circle of artists, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso, who migrated to France in the 1920s. Set on the sun-soaked, wine-drenched coast of the French Riviera, Villa America chronicles the complicated and fascinating relationships between these legendary characters," state press notes.

Concurrent with the play, an exhibition exploring the contribution of the Murphys to twentieth century arts and letters opens at the Williams College Museum of Art on July 8.

The production will star Matthew Bomer (A Streetcar Named Desire at Alley Theatre; film: Flight Plan) as Ernest Hemingway, Charlotte Booker, Nate Corddry (The Graduate national tour, film: The Nanny Diaries) as F. Scott Fitzgerald, David Deblinger, Karl Kenzler and Jennifer Mudge (Reckless, Dutchman) as Sarah Murphy.

Costume design is by Emily Pepper. Lighting design is by Thom Weaver.  Set design is by Mimi Lien. Sound design is by Nick Borisjuk.        

The play runs July 11-July 22 with performances Tuesdays to Fridays at 8:00, Saturdays at 8:30 with matinees Thursdays at 3:00, Saturdays at 4:00 and Sundays at 2:00.  Tickets are $33 and $35 depending on the performance.  Press performance is Thursday, July 12 at 8:00.  Tickets are available at www.wtfestival.org, 413.597.3400 and the Festival box office.

Festival performances are held at the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance of Williams College at 1000 Main Street (Route 2) in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  The theatre is wheelchair accessible.  Assistive listening devices are available. 

Photo by Andy Tew - Villa America cast and creative team

 

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