Aurora Theatre Company Presents WIDOWERS' HOUSES

Aurora Theatre Company presents George Bernard Shaw's crackling comic satire WIDOWERS' HOUSES directed by Joy Carlin. With colorful villains and foils to offset a romantic duo, Shaw's take on gentrification, rent prices, and social responsibility is as timely today as at its 1892 London premiere.

WIDOWERS' HOUSES plays January 26 through February 25 at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley.

No one is innocent of the excesses of capitalism in this classic work that launched Shaw's career as a playwright. When Harry Trench, a well-intentioned young doctor, falls in love with hot-tempered Blanche Sartorius, he never suspects that his prospective father-in-law's fortune is derived from ruthless schemes to exploit the poor. Can the young lovers' passion survive this fall from innocence?

Joy Carlin directs this rarely staged gem that features Dan Hoyle, a two-times finalist for Aurora's Global Age Project, in his Aurora debut (Public Theatre, Berkeley Rep); Warren David Keith (The First Grade); Sarah Mitchell (After The Revolution); Michael Gene Sullivan (Satellites); Howard Swain (Body Awareness); and Megan Trout (A Bright New Boise).

The creative team of WIDOWERS' HOUSES includes Kent Dorsey+--sets & lights; Callie Floor+--costumes; Chris Houston--sound.

Aurora's initial production of WIDOWERS' HOUSES in 1997 drew critical acclaim. Said the San Francisco Chronicle: "Widowers' Houses develops with a compelling directness in both its political argument and its emotional drama." The East Bay Express noted, "A ticket to Widowers' Houses is the perfect gift for that hard-to-please capitalist on your list." The Contra Costa Times hailed the production as "an elegantly spun morality tale" and the Oakland Tribune called it "A smashing satire." - a Theatre Company, 2081 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA

For single tickets ($33-$65) or subscriptions ($99-$360), the public can call (510) 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org. Half-off tickets for Under 35; student, and group discounts available. Pay-what-you-can previews: PWYC tickets available 30 minutes before curtain. Cash only. Subject to availability.

To post a comment, you must register and login.