Caldwell Theatre Presents The World Premiere Of 'The Comfort Of Darkness'
By: Beau Higgins Jul. 29, 2010
Caldwell Theatre Presents Summer Romance:
World Premiere The Comfort of Darkness
Caldwell Theatre Company concludes their summer season with the World Premiere of Joel Gross', The Comfort of Darkness. Based on the real life 18th century figures, Dr. Anton Mesmer (the pioneer of hypnosis) and Maria-Theresa von Paradis (a famous blind pianist of her time and contemporary of Mozart) The play interweaves a timeless romance with a sophisticated examination of the choices we make.
The play follows the story of Dr. Anton Mesmer (Stevie Ray Dallimore), treating his new blind patient Maria-Theresa von Paradis (Jessalyn Maguire), with his newly developed technique of Animal Magnetism. He solicits the help of his old friend Dr. Otto von Stoerk (Ken Kay), to regain favor with the established medical community with whom Mesmer has fallen out of regard due to his revolutionary methods. Completing the story is Franzl Osterling (Jane Cortney), also a patient of Dr. Mesmer, who has become attached to the Doctor for more than his healing powers. What ensues is a full blown love affair between Doctor and patient, and decisions for all as they are forced to choose between darkness and light both literally and metaphorically.
Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director of Caldwell Theatre Company and director of The Comfort of Darkness said, "What initially drew me to the piece was the layered approach that Joel took to the writing. What begins as a fairly straightforward love story quickly evolves into a complex love triangle, which in turn evolves into a complex psychological study. That he builds these layers as seamlessly as he does, is remarkable considering the play has yet to be produced."
Casting for The Comfort of Darkness includes:
Stevie Ray Dallimore (Dr. Anton Mesmer) Broadway: Father Flynn in Doubt, Jake in Stones in His Pockets, Pato Dooley in The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Off Broadway: Dreams of the Washer King at The Cherry Lane Theatre. Film: The Messenger, Far From Heaven, Gossip Girl, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants II. TV: Upcoming final episode of Drop Dead Diva.
Jessalyn Maguire (as the young blind pianist Maria-Theresa von Paradis) New York: Sezze Sun at Soho Rep's Walkerspace, The Moth at The Actors Studio Theatre, Courting Mae West at The Algonquin. Regional: The Merchant of Venice at The Publick Theatre, Antony and Cleopatra at MacOwen Theatre.
Ken Kay (Dr. Otto von Stoerk) National Tour: Sergeant Toomey in Biloxi Blues. Regional: Biff in Death of a Salesman (opposite Julie Harris and Vincent Gardenia), Dick in Play it Again, Sam! (opposite Gary Burghoff). Film: Random Hearts with Harrison Ford, The Man from Left Field with Burt Reynolds and Reba McEntire. Won four Carbonells for Best Director of a Play.
Jane Cortney (Franzl Osterling) New York: Bianca in Othello at Theatre Row, Curley's Wife in Of Mice and Men. Regional: Beth in Little Women at Northern Stage and Trinculo in The Tempest at Shakespeare on the Hudson.
"The key with casting this show was having actors comfortable with handling a period show which in turn makes it tangible and real for today's contemporary audiences" said Cholerton. "That these talented actors all happen to be incredibly attractive to look at is definitely an added bonus."
Once again, the design team for The Comfort of Darkness is handled by Caldwell stalwarts. Led by Tim Bennett, scenic design; John D. Hall, lighting design; Alberto Arroyo, costume design; Deborah Veres, props and Dustin Hamilton, sound design.
"This team has worked together for quite some time now, and the shorthand we have with one another is invaluable with regard to color and thematic storytelling," stated Bennett. "Once an established concept has taken hold, each of us layers our own artistic sensibilities over top."
August 11 - September 5, 2010
Wednesday - Saturday at 8:00pm
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:00p.m.
$38 and $45
$10 Students with ID
Group pricing for all performances are available. Groups must consist of at least 15. Groups receive one comp for every 20 tickets purchased.
Contact Group Sales at (561) 995-2333 or email to groupsales@caldwelltheatre.com.
Box Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (561) 241-7432 or (877) 245-7432
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