Simon Says at Boston Center for the Arts

Little Seer Productions presents Simon Says by Mat Schaffer, February 26 – March 14, 2015, Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre, 527 Tremont Street, Boston. Performances are Thursdays 7:30 pm; Fridays 7:30 pm; Saturdays 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Sundays 2 pm (Wednesday performance, March 11, 7:30 pm). Tickets are $30-$40, $25 Thursday night Student discount. Special appearances "The Blindfolded Madman" and mentalist Christopher Grace will take place February 28, March 7, 13, 14, and 28 at 10pm. For tickets and information for both, visit simonsaystheplay.com or call or visit BostonTheatreScene.com, 617-933-8600.

In an effort to scientifically prove the existence of the soul after death, Professor Williston (Ken Baltin) has spent more than a decade studying James (Anthony J. Goes), a young psychic. James achieves his extrasensory ability by channeling Simon, an all-knowing being, offering wisdom from beyond. When Annie (Brianne Beatrice),a recent widow, comes to their home for a reading, events that took place two thousand years ago culminate, achieving reunion, redemption and resolution in the present day.

“From the beginning, art has given mankind entrance to worlds that religion often appropriates and science struggles to understand and explain,” says Director Myriam Cyr. “Simon Says offers a glimpse at the intersection of these worlds. Ever since I read the first draft, I have been hooked.”

The pursuit of other-worldly knowledge has manifested itself in many forms throughout history, ebbing and flowing in both popularity and as a subject of scientific inquiry. Yet, even as technology expands humanity’s understanding of the universe in practical terms, mysticism remains a timeless subject of fascination and artistic exploration. Beyond the elusive, ambiguous oracles of Greek drama, Victorian salon séances, and modern reality shows such as Long Island Medium, the desire to transcend past, present, and future and connect with all-encompassing wisdom grows, even as science seeks new ways to prove—and more often disprove—its existence.

“I didn’t think it would take 20 years—and several readings in New York City and Boston—but as Simon says, there are no accidents,” muses playwright Mat Schaffer. “I am thrilled to premiere this play as a full production—it feels like the right moment to have serious conversations about life, death, free will and fate. I hope audiences, as they leave, will turn to each other and ask ‘Why do I know you?'”

Directed by Myriam Cyr, the cast includes Ken Baltin* as Williston, Anthony J. Goes* as James/Simon and Brianne Beatrice as Annie.

The artistic team for Simon Says includes Janie Howland (Set Designer), Paul Ezzy & Boris FX (Special Effects), Christopher Grace (Illusions)**, John Malinowski (Lighting Designer), Cat Stramer (Costume Designer) and Jay Pension (Producer).

Special thanks to Boris FX, Evan Deluty, Randolph Fuller and George Lewis, Jr. for their support of this production.

*A Member of the Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.