It is the last home stand of Theatre Arlington's 45th Anniversary Season and they are bringing it on home with Rebecca Gilman's The Sweetest Swing in Baseball. The quirky comedy centers on successful artist Dana Fielding whose latest gallery opening does not hit a home run with the critics. Combine that self-doubt with the departure of her boyfriend, she attempts suicide and ends up in a mental institution. It is there that she finds solace in the structured days with a couple of unlikely teammates - a psychopath and an alcoholic. But when her insurance company will only pay for ten days, they cook up a scheme to outplay the health care system. Without knowing much about him, Dana takes on the personality of the bad boy of baseball, Darryl Strawberry, who also struggled with the darker side of fame, rejection by the fans. Gilman's play reflects on how we measure success and failure, our own identity and being who you want to be.
Melanie Mason, who last directed The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) at Theatre Arlington, meticulously directs this all-star line-up: Elizabeth Webb as artist Dana Fielding leads off, with Travis Cook as Roy/Gary, Elizabeth Conly as Rhonda/Dr. Gilbert, Austin Beck as Brian/Michael and LisaAnne Haram as Erica/Dr. Stanton.
Production team members also include Staci Ingram-Cook (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) Kevin Brown (Scenic Design), Bill Eickenloff (Sound Designer), Kyle Harris (Lighting Designer), Cathy Pritchett (Properties Designer), Angie Glover (Scenic Artist) and Melanie Mason will also serve as Costume Designer.
The Sweetest Swing in Baseball opens on Friday, August 10th at 8:00pm. Opening Night will include a post-show reception with the cast and crew, sponsored by Whole Foods with dessert provided by Cooper Street Bakery.
Performances will continue through August 26th with our traditional show schedule:
Thursdays at 7:30pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm
Sundays at 2:00pm
*Appropriate for ages 16 and up. ADULT language.*
The Sweetest Swing in Baseball is presented by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
See website for more information and to purchase tickets: www.TheatreArlington.org
Box Office: 817.275.7661
Photos by Eric Younkin
Videos