New Adaptation Of Shaw's SAINT JOAN To Premiere At Delaware Theatre Company

Delaware Theatre Company proudly presents a new adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan by Chelsea Marcantel. This fiercely feminist retelling of a timeless classic runs February 6 24, 2019. Tickets are on sale now starting at $25 and can be purchased online at DelawareTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (302) 594-1100.

A French country girl nds herself on trial for her life after the nation's rulers become threatened by her in uence and popularity. With mysterious visions of saints inspiring her to help recover France from English domination, she paves the way for victory. Starring Clare O'Malley from Hetty Feather and Something Wicked This Way Comes, this epic, transcendent story brings renewed life to one of history's greatest heroines as she pushes the boundaries of a society dominated by political and religious forces.

Chelsea Marcantel's adaptation is sure to inspire girls and women of any age. Marcantel says that she grew up watching and reading stories without female heroes. It wasn't until she was older and discovered the stories of female saints that she discovered strong-willed women that she could look up to. Inspired by their stories, she has rewritten this narrative. Her adaptation condenses George Bernard Shaw's original, while giving more of a voice to the women of the story, especially Joan.

Executive Director, Bud Martin, has commissioned this adaptation and says that the theatre is thrilled to bring a classic to the company through Marcantel's new adaptation. He says, Saint Joan is more relevant today than we might imagine. The original Shaw play has a huge cast and deals with many male influences. I wanted to make this play more about Joan and what drives her as well as her fears and doubts. The smaller cast and narrower focus makes it a powerful play with more energy, exciting movement, and an impactful message. Because of the new script, the show has the ability to be more theatrical in its look and feel.

Clare O'Malley leads the production as Joan of Arc herself. O'Malley, a DTC audience favorite, first came to Martin's attention when he held auditions for Hetty Feather. He said, I think that Clare is magical when she is on stage, and when I was thinking about picking a classic for this season, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to bring her back.

In addition to O Malley, the cast features Philadelphia powerhouses including Mary Martello as Lady Warwick; Tai Verley as Saint Catherine; Mary Tuomanen as Saint Margaret; Dan Kern as Archbishop and the Inquisitor; Sean Michael Bradleywho will serve as the show's Fight Choreographer in addition to playing Poulengey, Dunois, and Ladvenu; Charlie DelMarcelle as Baudricourt, Bluebeard, and Cauchon; and Michael Doherty as Charles the Dauphin, Stogumber, and D'Estivet.
The design team is comprised of Colin McIlvaine (Scenic Designer,) Millie Hiibel (Costume Designer,) Thom Weaver (Lighting Designer,) Michael Kiley (Sound Designer,) and Nick Hussong (Projection Designer.)

Performances are held on Delaware Theatre Company's stage, located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington, DE, just feet from the beautiful Riverfront. Saint Joanruns February 6 - 24, 2019. Tickets are on sale now starting at $25 and can be purchased online at DelawareTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (302)594-1100.

Institutional Summary: Currently in our 40th season, Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) is Delaware's premier non-profit professional theatre. Recognized as a cornerstone in the Brandywine Valley's rich cultural landscape, DTC has produced nearly 200 plays for over one million residents and visitors in its community. For more than two decades, DTC has been a pioneer in the revitalization of Wilmington's Christina Riverfront and cultural district as the only LORT theatre in the state. Since Bud Martin's arrival in 2012, DTC has seen a 54% increase in subscribers and a 234% increase in single ticket buyers, making Delaware Theatre Company an up and coming player in the regional theatre community.

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