Seacoast Repertory Theater Presents ORPHANS 2/27

On February 4, 2011 Seacoast Repertory Theatre (the Rep) opens Lyle Kessler's ORPHANS which will run on the mainstage through February 27, 2011. Described by the NY Times as "theatre for the senses and emotions..." ORPHANS follows the plight of two orphaned brothers living hand to mouth in Philadelphia. One supports them both by thieving on a daily basis. This tentative existence is interrupted by a middle-aged man whose sudden appearance propels the three men into a journey of self-discovery that irrevocably changes the status quo.

The Rep is pleased to welcome back to our stage local legend Bill Humphreys* who will be playing the role of Harold. In addition to being a three time Emmy Award© winner for his work on PBS, Mr. Humphreys has been seen on the Rep's stage as: Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol, Norman Thayer in On Golden Pond, Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, Marc in AR,; Father in Children of Eden and Henry Drummond in Inherit The Wind among many others. Two newcomers will be making their Rep debuts in ORPHANS - Kent Burnham* in the role of Treat and Michael Propster* in the role of Philip. All members of Actors Equity Association this trio is a powerhouse of talent ready to explode nightly on the Rep stage bringing to life Kessler's contemporary classic that the Miami Herald called "both a vehicle for bravura acting and a multilayered examination of the primal need for connection."

Making his Rep and professional stage directorial debut is local filmmaker, artist and painter Chase Bailey. After attending the Kansas City Art Institute, Mr. Bailey had a four year tour in Vietnam serving our country in the Marine Corps followed by successful career in hi-tech industry. Upon retirement Mr. Bailey moved to France to resume his career in Art and Film. He then worked for 5 years with John Malkovich and his Production Company Mr. Mudd Productions. After many films with Mr. Mudd, Mr. Bailey began is solo career and started his own Production Company Left Bank Films and now residents in Portsmouth, NH.
"After the initial shock of being asked by Artistic Director, Craig Faulkner to direct on the Rep stage, I said 'YES!'

ORPHANS is funny and heartwarming and dark. I jumped at the chance to weave together three very different characters in a ballet of movements. I am so very proud to be making my professional directorial debut with this play on the Rep stage." Chase Bailey

 

In addition to Mr. Bailey the creative team for ORPHANS includes Melissa Shakun (Scenic Designer), Rick Silja (Costume Designer), Victoria Miller (Lighting Designer), Rachel Neubauer (Sound Designer), David Dagastino (AEA Stage Manager), Lauri Gagnon (Properties Mistress), Eric Barron (Master Electrician) and BENT Productions (Scenic Fabrication.)

 

Generously sponsored by The Portsmouth Gaslight Co, and Shaheen and Gordon PA, ORPHANS plays on the Rep stage February 4 - 27, 2011. Show times are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm and Sundays at 2pm Single ticket prices range from $17- $42. Discounts are available to seniors and students as well as groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets, become a season subscriber or for more information, visit www.seacoastrep.org or contact the Box Office at 603.433.4472, or visit in person at 125 Bow Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

Founded in 1987 and now under the Artistic Direction of Craig J. Faulkner the SEACOAST REPERTORY THEATRE is a not-for-profit arts and educational organization, which has been entertaining, enlightening and engaging audiences as New Hampshire's only year-round professional theatre for decades. Winner of countless regional and local awards, the Rep offers a complete schedule of award-winning musicals, plays and youth productions as well as educational opportunities for all ages with its youth workshops, classes, camps and Senior Moments programs.

*Members of Actors Equity Association

 

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