Blue Coyote Theater Group Presents NANCE O'NEIL 9/8-10/9

Blue Coyote Theater Group is proud to present the World Premiere of David Foley's Nance O'Neil, directed by Gary Shrader. Nance O'Neil begins previews on Wednesday, September 8 for a limited engagement through Saturday, October 9. Opening Night is Wednesday, September 15 at 8 PM. The performance schedule is Wednesday - Saturday at 8:00 PM. Performances are at the Access Theater (380 Broadway, just north of White Street). Tickets are $25 ($15 during previews) and are available by calling SmartTix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.smarttix.com.

When actress Nance O'Neil arrived in Boston in 1904 with her repertoire of tragic heroines, the critics hailed her as "the American Sarah Bernhardt." But it was her relationship with the infamous Lizzie Borden that caused the bigger sensation. David Foley's Nance O'Neil, imaginatively elaborated from a historical footnote, examines the fascinating relationship between these two women. Were they in love? Or were there other motivations at play?

The story of Lizzie Borden has captured the American imagination for well over a Century. Accused of the brutal hatchet murders of her father and stepmother, Lizzie was acquitted by a Fall River, Massachusetts jury, but her presumed guilt lingered in the small community where she lived. She has remained a notorious figure in American folklore.

The relationship between Nance O'Neil and Lizzie Borden has been rife with speculation. As a spinster, Lizzie's sexuality has always been in question. With rumors of Nance's numerous affairs with other women, some high profile, several historians and researchers have speculated that Nance and Lizzie were indeed lovers. However, historically this remains as elusive as Mr. and Mrs. Borden's killer.

The cast and design team for Nance O'Neil will be announced in the coming weeks.

David Foley (playwright) was last seen at Blue Coyote with his critically acclaimed drama PARADISE. His other plays include CRESSIDA AMONG THE GREEKS,
THE MURDERS AT ARGOS, A HOLE IN THE FENCE, SUFFERING THE WITCH, SAD HOTEL, and THE LAST DAYS OF MADALyn Murray O'HAIR, IN EXILE. His Edgar-nominated thriller (variously titled IF/THEN, DEADLY GAME, and DEADLY MURDER) recently completed a run at The English Theatre of Hamburg and has just been published by Samuel French. His other plays are published by Oberon Books.

Gary Shrader (director) is a founding member of Blue Coyote Theater Group. For Blue Coyote, he has directed BUSTED JESUS COMIX, EFFIE JEAN IN TAHITI, ROOTS IN WATER, LEAVING TANGIER, A BUSH CAROL, THE AMERICANS, PARADISE, and three one-acts each for THE STANDARDS OF DECENCY PROJECT and BLUE COYOTE'S HAPPY ENDINGS. As an actor, he appeared in Blue Coyote's productions of NEBRASKA, PSYCHOPATHIA SEXUALIS, KINGFISH, DIMLY PERCEIVED THREATS TO THE SYSTEM, LEAVING TANGIER, A BUSH CAROL, THE MOST WONDERFUL LOVE, THE ORESTEIA, and GLEE CLUB. In 2008 he directed the premiere of David Johnston's THE GEORGE PLACE at Wellfleet Harbor Actor's Theater.

 

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