PSYCHODRAMA To Receive World Premiere At Dreamcatcher

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, professional theatre in residence at Oakes Center in Summit, is producing the World Premiere of Psychodrama by Montclair playwright Phoebe Farber. This seriocomedy unfolds in a divorce support group where a new leader introduces unorthodox methods that just might work. Psychodrama runs February 14-March 3, 2019.

The divorce support group, held in the basement of the Unitarian church, is in crisis. The members are suddenly left stranded when Mitchell, their leader, leaves halfway through. Luckily, Barb has agreed to be The New Group leader. Her unusual techniques throw them all for a loop, but they eventually find that being off balance just might be the way to break through to a new understanding of their relationships. This play has been developed over the past several years in the Lab at Luna Stage and in readings at Writers Theater of NJ and Dreamcatcher.

The production is directed by Betsy True (Westfield) and features Dreamcatcher ensemble members Harry Patrick Christian (Montclair), Laura Ekstrand (Livingston) and Harriett Trangucci (Summit). Joining them are Julian Gordon (Summit) and Becca L. McLarty (Montclair).

Phoebe Farber's plays have been seen around New York and New Jersey. Her play Scrimmage was seen at The Players Theatre (best play, NYC), The Short Play Lab (best play, NYC) and Strangedog short play festival (NJ). Home Care was seen in the Strawberry One-Act Festival (Finalist, NYC), The Aery Theatre's One-Act Play Festival (NY),Variations Theatre Group (NYC) and at Lab at Luna through Luna Stage (NJ). Jump It was a finalist at The Depot Theater 20/20 festival in Garrison, New York, and appeared at The Everyday Inferno Theater Festival (NYC) and at Lab at Luna (NJ). Class Reunion was seen at The Cell Theater (NYC) and Strangedog short play festival (NJ). Readings have included Jump It and Nina at Fresh Produced Reading Series (NYC) and Dancing in Captivity at Horsetrade Theatre Group (NYC). Her plays have been published in Applause Theatre & Cinema Books and The Best Plays from the Strawberry One-Act Festival. Phoebe lives in Montclair, New Jersey, has a private psychotherapy practice and is a professor at Montclair State University.

Psychodrama will run at Dreamcatcher from Thursday, February 14, a preview performance, through Sunday, March 3, 2019. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets range from $20 to $35, with special rates for subscribers and groups. Purchase tickets at www.dreamcatcherrep.org or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Special dates: Thursday, February 14 is a preview performance; all tickets $20. Friday, February 15 is opening night, followed by a reception with the cast. Sunday, February 17 is Senior Sunday; seniors age 65+ pay $20. Talkbacks follow the February 17 and 24 matinees. On Friday, February 22, guests from NJ Family Collaborative Law will participate in a post-play panel discussion, describing how entering into a collaborative process can be used as an alternative to the typical divorce experience, easing stress and improving outcomes. On Saturday, February 23, Dreamcatcher will partner with the Summit Lions Club to provide an Audio Described performance for patrons who are blind or visually impaired.

Performances are at Oakes Center, located at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit. Parking is available in the lot behind the theatre at 20 Ashwood Avenue and on the street surrounding the theatre. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices for patrons who are hearing impaired and advance large print scripts are available for free by prior arrangement. To purchase tickets or for information on any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre's programs, visit www.dreamcatcherrep.org or contact Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre at Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901, business phone 908-514-9654.

Photo: Harry Patrick Christian and Laura Ekstrand appear in "Psychodrama" (Joseph Sbarro)

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