People's Light Presents THE MATCHMAKER

People's Light invites you to delight in "one of the sweetest and smartest romantic farces ever written" (The Wall Street Journal). Crafted with satirical wit and whimsy by beloved American author Thornton Wilder, and directed by AbiGail Adams, The Matchmaker pits wealthy widower Horace Vandergelder against the vivacious and sly matchmaker Dolly Levi in a search for the perfect wife. This merry mix of outrageous misbehavior, mistaken identity, and spontaneous romance cavorts across the Leonard C. Haas Stage from February 15 to March 12, 2017. For tickets, call 610.644.3500 or visit peopleslight.org.

People's Light chose The Matchmaker, the inspiration for the blockbuster musical Hello, Dolly!, to center the 2016-17 season because it celebrates the best features of the American character. "This play is full of idealism and open hearts," says Producing Director Zak Berkman. "It concerns itself with themes of love, adventure, and making an honest living.

"Right now feels like a good time for a classic American satire fueled by exuberance, and the happy chaos of Dolly's world."

Director AbiGail Adams says, "I love The Matchmaker for its unabashed belief in the importance of generosity, wonder, and delight," she says. "Our music will be live, our set and costumes a joyful explosion of color, and our cast will leap into cupboards, crawl under tables, and dance with glee."

The diverse ensemble includes long-time members of the Theatre's resident company alongside a host of guest artists. Kathryn Petersen (Ghosts, Dividing the Estate) plays Dolly Levi opposite Graham Smith (A Single Shard, The Cherry Orchard) as Horace Vandergelder. Other company members include Peter DeLaurier as Rudolf, Melanye Finister as Miss Flora van Huysen, Teri Lamm as Mrs. Molloy, Mark Lazar as the Cabman, Stephen Novelli as Joe Scanlon, Pete Pryor as Malachi Stack, and Marcia Saunders as Gertrude. Returning guests include Tabitha Allen as Minnie Fay, Christopher R. Brown as Barnaby Tucker, Liz Filios as Musician, and James Ijames as Ambrose Kemper. Artists new to People's Light include Melanie Hsu as Musician, Mina Kawahara as Ermengarde, and Brandon Meeks as Cornelius Hackl.

AbiGail Adams, the Theatre's Artistic Director and CEO, directs the production. Frequent guest Tony Straiges (The Cherry Orchard, Noises Off) designs the set, and company member Dennis Parichy (Sense and Sensibility, Auctioning the Ainsleys) designs lights. Resident artist and Costume Shop Manager Marla J. Jurglanis (All My Sons, Sense and Sensibility) designs costumes. Returning guest Audrey M. Brown stage manages, and Resident Director Samantha Reading choreographs. Cast member Liz Filios designs sound, composes, and directs music for the production, while resident artist Gina Pisasale serves as Dramaturg.

CONNECT, ENGAGE, INTERACT AT PEOPLE'S LIGHT

Join the cast for AfterWORDS, an informal Q&A after Thursday evening performances on February 23 and March 2 and 9. We will host Tappan Wilder, Thornton Wilder's nephew and literary executor of the Wilder estate, as a special guest for the AfterWORDS on Thursday, March 2.

Scoop on Wednesdays: History, Context, and Gossip

Join us for a lively discussion before Wednesday 7:30pm performances. Resident Dramaturg Gina Pisasale hosts musician, Sound Designer, and composer Liz Filios to get the inside scoop about the rehearsal and production process, design choices, and the world of the play. The program begins at 6pm in The Farmhouse Bistro on February 22 and March 8. Cost of $15 includes light fare. Call the Box Office at 610.644.3500 to purchase.

People's Light will present Open Caption performances of The Matchmaker March 8 at 2pm & 7:30pm and March 12 at 2pm.

Enjoy a prix fixe Dinner and a Show package for $76 (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday matinee, Sunday evening) and $85 (Friday, Saturday evening, Sunday matinee) at The Farmhouse Bistro prior to the Wednesday through Sunday evening performances. That's a savings of up to 15% off the single ticket price. Call the Box Office at 610.644.3500.

Valentine's Day
Treat your sweetheart to Valentine's Day at The Farmhouse Bistro, February 11-18. Indulge in a delectable three course prix-fixe dinner February 11, 12, & 14 for only $55 per person. À la carte selections from the Valentine's Day menu are available February 15-18. Add tickets to The Matchmaker for an unforgettable evening!

Located next to the Bistro is a full service catering venue, The Farmhouse at People's Light, perfect for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations. Contact the Sales Team at 610.647.1631 x156 or thefarmhouse@peopleslight.org.

Meet Your Theatre Match at The Matchmaker
Looking for the perfect theatre companion? Join fellow theater fans for a pre-show wine and cheese reception at The Farmhouse on Saturday, March 4 at 7pm. Use promo code MATCH to purchase tickets for this special event. Price is $35 and includes your theatre ticket. Find out more at peopleslight.org.

TICKET INFORMATION

The Matchmaker previews on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:30pm, Thursday, February 16 at 7:30pm, and Friday, February 17 at 7:30pm. The play opens on Saturday, February 18 and runs through Sunday, March 12.

Standard single tickets start at $38. For tickets, call the Box Office at 610.644.3500. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase group tickets, call 610.647.1900 x111 or email benedict@peopleslight.org.

Buy a package of 3 or more plays and get a second package free! Buy One, Get One packages are available for the 2016-2017 season and start at $114. Productions include The Matchmaker (February 15-March 12, 2017), I and You (March 29-April 23, 2017), The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (April 29-June 4, 2017), Project Dawn (June 7-July 9, 2017), and Moon Over Buffalo (July 19-August 13, 2017). Visit peopleslight.org or call 610.644.3500 to order.

Actors, prices, productions, performance dates and times are subject to change. Additional service charges will apply. Contact the Box Office for more details.

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