Jane Ridley and A. Bryan Humphrey Star in Adaptation of Walt Whitman's SONG OF MYSELF at Ware Center Tonight

As relevant today as it was when it was first published more than 150 years ago, a new adaptation of Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself," by A. Bryan Humphrey will be presented at the Ware Center tonight, March 28, at 7:30 PM. The evening is being co-sponsored by the Lancaster Literary Guild.

Humphrey's adaption of one of the best known and most highly acclaimed poems in American history "creates a dialogue of two distinct voices: The voice of Whitman, the poet, and the voice of Whitman's soul. The lovely interplay utilizes the lines from the poem and brings it to life, with two highly-acclaimed and much-beloved actors well known to Lancaster audiences.

Jane Ridley, known for her many leading roles at the Fulton Theatre, will read the lines referencing Whitman's soul. Ridley was born in England to an actor father and artist mother. She studied Drama and Dance at Birmingham College in England and came to the States to earn a masters in fine arts at Ohio State University. Jane first came to the Fulton Theatre in 1999 and has appeared in eight plays including her favorites, Wit and Doubt.

Humphrey -- actor, director, writer and theater teacher -- will portray Whitman as the poet. Bryan has selected specific lines from the poem to share with the audience. Bryan was born in Amarillo, Texas. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees at Baylor University and a doctorate at Colorado University. He spent time as a professional actor traveling the country.

Together these two gifted actors will bring a whole new feeling to "Song". This performance, which lifts words from the original poem, remains true to Whitman's classic free verse style, which in his words appealed to a mass audience, but as interpreted by two fine professional actors.

"Song of Myself", first published in 1855 as part of Whitman's collection, Leaves of Grass remains a relevant reflection of the American experience. When first published, conservatives were outraged. They felt the poem was a slap in the face to accepted social norms of the day due to its blatant depictions of human sexuality. In 1882, a district attorney threatened legal action for violating the state's obscenity laws. Considered tame by today's standards, the poem still is believed to be highly relevant and topical.

Ticket Information: Tickets: $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors; free for students with MU ID. Tickets include the post-performance family-friendly dessert reception with the guest artists. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Ticket Office at 717-872-3811 or 717-871-2308; online, at Millersville.edu/MUARTS; or, in person at The Ware Center (42 N. Prince St., Lancaster) or the Student Memorial Center Ticket Office (Room 103, 21 S. George St., Millersville). Ticket Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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