The Bleecker Company Presents HILLBILLY WOMEN, Previews 1/6/11

The Bleecker Company presents the Sondra Lee production of Elizabeth Stearns' HILLBILLY WOMEN -- a play with music telling the personal stories of Appalachian women, based on the book of the same title by Kathy Kahn -- with previews set to begin January 6, prior to an official press opening on January 13 at Arclight Theatre (152 West 71st Street). Sondra Lee directs.

Based on interviews, HILLBILLY WOMEN follows the lives of six women who reveal in song and narrative their heartfelt stories of survival against incredible odds among the coalmines, factories and farms of Appalachia. The women's recollections of Appalachian life in the late-70s is underscored with traditional songs and country & western favorites made famous by The Judds, Tim Sullivan, Tammy Wynette, and others.

The ensemble of HILLBILLY WOMEN includes Lauren Fox ("I Love You, I Love You Not"); former first lady of NYC Donna Hanover (THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, "The People vs. Larry Flynt"); Annette Hunt (DONA ROSITA: WHILE SHE WAITS); Evangeline Johns (LATE NITE CATECHISM, BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE); Alicia Meer (FAUST INVITRO); Mickey Sumner (Neil Jordan's "The Borgias"); and Mimi Turque (KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF).

The production team of HILLBILLY WOMEN includes costume designer Joe Aulisi, design consultant Peter Harvey; lighting designer Justin Sturges; musical director Michael Rice, and choreographer Annette Fletcher.

Sondra Lee made her Broadway debut in HIGH BUTTON SHOES. She originated the roles Tiger Lily in PETER PAN, opposite Mary Martin, and Minnie Faye in HELLO, DOLLY!, opposite Carol Channing. Her other Broadway credits include HOTEL PARADISO, SUNDAY IN NEW YORK, and Jerome Robbins' BALLET: U.S.A. Ms. Lee's best-selling 2009 memoir "I've Slept With Everybody" recounts her multi-faceted career as an actress, dancer, director, producer, consultant and teacher, as well as her relationships -- both romantic and platonic - with Marlon Brando, Jerome Robbins, Stella Adler, and Jane Fonda. Off-Broadway, she co-produced Charles Busch's SHANGHAI MOON and directed the musical EXCHANGE.

The Bleecker Company presents the Sondra Lee production of HILLBILLY WOMEN as an Approved Equity Showcase. Peter Zinn is Artistic Director of The Bleecker Company.

Performances of HILLBILLY WOMEN run January 6-30: Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm at Arclight Theatre (152 West 71st Street, between Broadway and Columbus Avenue). Tickets are $18. For reservations, call 212-352-3101 or visit www.TheaterMania.com

For additional information, visit www.thebleecker.com

 

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