The Sherman Playhouse Presents THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, 7/9-31

On July 9, The Sherman Playhouse will premiere the Tony Award-winning comedy-drama, THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, by Jay Presson Allen, based on the novel by Muriel Spark.

Set in 1930s Scotland, the play tells the story of a headstrong, passionate, eccentric teacher in a private school for girls. Jean Brodie, portrayed by Noel Desiato of Sherman, ignores the curriculum of the staid school and influences her impressionable charges with her over-romanticized world view. Dismissing the more mundane subjects, she teaches them of love, politics, and art. Her pupils are "la crème de la crème." She is a teacher who cares deeply for her girls. The problem is she cares about all the wrong things.

"Once again, I am simply thrilled to be working with Noel Desiato, especially after her turn as Katharine Hepburn in 'Tea at Five,'" said director Jane Farnol of Gaylordsville. "Miss Brodie is such a complex character that takes a true artist to bring to life...fortunately, that's where Noel comes in. But 'it takes a village' to make any show complete, of course, and I'm blessed to have such a large and wonderfully talented cast of actors to get the job done. I think audiences will be very impressed with the final polished production."

"The play is an engrossing tale about acceptance, life, love, and betrayal," said Katherine Almquist of Sharon, portraying the dual roles of Miss Mackay and that of the show's producer. "Miss Brodie is passionate about her unorthodox teaching methods, her dedication to her girls, and yet she unapologetically expresses her admiration for Mussolini and Hitler. Add to that her alleged affairs with two male teachers, the fight to keep her teaching position, and her belief in the unwavering support of her favorite pupils - a belief that comes with dire consequences - and what you have in the end is an exquisitely intricate story full of conflict and passion."

Along with Desiato, the cast features some of the region's finest actors: David Hutchinson (Shelton), David Almquist (Sharon), Liz Hawley (New Preston), Michael Wright (Newtown), Patricia Michael (Dover Plains, NY), and Peter Pecora (Kent). Miss Brodie's students will be portrayed by Bella Dumitrascu (Litchfield), Shea Coughlin (Sherman), Jerusha Wright (Newtown), Sasha Krivosky (Clinton), and Abby Myhill, Becca Myhill, Abigail Heydenburg, Abby Hambidge, Phair Haldin, and Tess Harkin (all New Milford).

Along with Farnol and Almquist, the production crew includes Costumer, Terry Hawley; Lighting Designer, Peter Petrino; and Stage Managers, Laura Gilbert, Johanna Dumitrascu, Annette Pecora, and David Almquist.

THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE first opened on Broadway at The Helen Hayes Theatre on January 16, 1968, earning a Tony Award for Zoe Caldwell in the role of Miss Jean Brodie. In 1969, a film version garnered Maggie Smith an Oscar for the same role. The New York Daily News called the play, "Endearing, hilarious, lovely, perceptive and splendid."

THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE runs July 9,10 16,17,18 23,24,25 30,31 Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. with two 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinees on July 18 and 25. Tickets for all shows are $20 for general seating.

On Thursday, July 8, all patrons are invited to attend a "Half-Price Preview Night" at 8:00 p.m. where all tickets are only $10. Students may see any performance for only $10 if they pay in CASH ONLY AT THE DOOR and carry a valid student ID. Students may not make reservations in advance for a performance. On opening night, July 9, a spritzer party will be held at 7:30 p.m. and all audience members are invited to attend.

Reservations can be made online at WWW.SHERMANPLAYERS.ORG or by calling the box office at (860) 354-3622. The Sherman Playhouse now accepts credit card payments both online and at the door.

The Sherman Playhouse is a local theatre company located on 5 Route 39 North (at the intersection of Route 37 and 39) in Sherman, Conn.

The Sherman Playhouse presents THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE. From July 9 to
31.

WWW.SHERMANPLAYERS.ORG or 860.354.3622 for tickets.

Photo credit: Josh Siegel

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