Charlotte Shakespeare Presents THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, 3/7-23

Charlotte Shakespeare will present John Guare's classic American comedy The House of Blue Leaves, March 7-23, 2013, at the Duke Energy Theatre in Spirit Square.

Over the past 8 years, Charlotte Shakespeare has presented a variety of plays from traditional classics to new emerging plays that promise to be the classics of tomorrow. The company now delves into 20th century American theatre as it presents The House of Blue Leaves, an award-winning classic American comedy written by John Guare.

Artie Shaughnessy, a zookeeper and failed songwriter, is trying to cope with an unbalanced wife, an impatient girlfriend and a visit from the Pope, all while sustaining his dream of hitting it big. Throw in an AWOL son being pursued by military police, a famous Hollywood director and a starlet with a secret, three beer-drinking nuns and you've got John Guare's explosive comedy The House of Blue Leaves. Set in 1965 in Queens, NY, The House of Blue Leaves illuminates the pursuit of the American dream and an obsession with celebrities that is still relevant today. Groundbreaking for its time, the play uniquely blends multiple genres including farce, dark comedy, absurdism and drama.

Called "enchantingly zany and original" by The New York Times when it premiered in 1971, The House of Blue Leaves has won numerous awards, including the Obie and Drama Critics' awards for Best American Play.

Artistic Director Elise Wilkinson directs a cast consisting of Joe Copley (Artie), Barbi Van Schaick (Bananas), Meghan Lowther (Bunny), Dan O'Sullivan (Ronnie), Glynnis O'Donoghue (Corrinna), Dean Biasucci (Billy), Matthew Corbett (Head Nun), Luci Wilson (Second Nun), Amanda Liles (Little Nun) and Josh Moore (M.P.). Wilkinson is designing the set with Wilson handling props and set dressing. Jamey Varnadore is designing costumes. Lighting is by Trista Bremer.

Performance Schedule

Performances of The House of Blue Leaves take place March 7-23, 2013, at the Duke Energy Theatre in Spirit Square (345 N. College Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202). Performance times are as follows:

Thurs 3/7 7:30pm (Pay What You Can)

Fri 3/8 8pm

Sat 3/9 8pm

Thurs 3/14 7:30pm

Fri 3/15 8pm

Sat 3/16 8pm

Sun 3/17 3pm

Thurs 3/21 7:30pm

Fri 3/22 8pm

Sat 3/23 8pm

The show runs approximately 2 hours, including an intermission.

Tickets

Regular ticket prices are $22 for adults and $17 for students/seniors and are available at carolinatix.org or by calling 704-372-1000. $10 student rush tickets are available the day of the show at the box office for all performances that are not sold out - student ID is required. Additional discounts will be available for Charlotte Shakespeare Facebook fans, Twitter followers and email newsletter subscribers. The Thursday, March 7 performance is a special "Pay What You Can" evening (suggested minimum donation of $5 per person).

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