There is often a great gulf between the dreams of a young girl and the realities of the world in which she lives. For Charity Royall, a young librarian with little education, few friends and a longing for another life, big dreams and true love are seemingly beyond her reach. Adapted by Martin M. Zuckerman from the novella Summer, by Pulitzer Prize winner Edith Wharton, the play, set in 1910, tells the story of a young woman's yearnings and sexual awakening. During the summer months in her sleepy New England village she is forced to face the harsh realities of life.
"I chose to adapt Summer for several reasons. There are wonderful, distinctive characters throughout, including the minor ones," says Zuckerman, who continues, "It was a challenge to encapsulate the naturalistic elements of the novel in dramatic form. Most of all, it was the peculiar relationship of Charity Royall (Christiane Seidel), the play's protagonist, and her guardian. Charity and Mr. Royall (*Mark Mikulski) are at each other throughout the course of the play. Each sinks into a hell on earth. In the play's resolution each is the means of salvation of the other."
John Cooper, who not only directs the show but serves at the Artistic Director at Turtle Shell Productions, where the show is being produced, is elated to work with Zuckerman again. The two collaborated last year on Manhattan Transfer, another play Zuckerman adapted for the stage. "It has been a gratifying experience for me to meet the challenge of bringing to life the nuanced, intricate characters in Martin Zuckerman's stage adaptation of Edith Wharton's novella, Summer. The exploration and development of this uniquely volatile love triangle has given me great pleasure.
In addition to Seidel and Mikulski, Summer includes a talented cast and crew. Remaining cast: *Rebecca Collins (Ally), *Lydia Gladstone (Dr. Merkle), *John P. Keller (Lucius), Erica Knight (Love), Katy O'Donnell (Julia), James Sweeney (Liff/Evangelist), Pauline Walsh (Verena), *Elizabeth Elson (Miss Hatchard), Tiffany Simms (Annabel) and *Daren Kelly (Mr. Miles). The crew: Morgan Walter (Stage Manager), Kyle Dixon (Scenic Designer), Christian DeAngelis (Lighting Designer), A. Christina Giannini (Costume Designer), Jason Tschantre (Projection Designer) and Josh Millican (Sound Designer).
PREVIEWS: PERFORMANCE DATES:
Thursday, April 28 @ 7PM Friday, May 6 @ 8PM (Opening Night)
Friday, April 29 @ 8PM Saturday, May 7 @ 8PM
Saturday, April 30 @ 3PM Sunday, May 8 @ 5PM
Saturday, April 30 @ 8PM Thursday, May 12 @ 7PM
Sunday, May 1 @ 5PM Friday, May 13 @ 8PM
Monday, May 2 @ 7PM Saturday, May 14 @ 3PM
Tuesday, May 3 @ 7PM Saturday, May 14 @ 8PM
Thursday, May 5 @ 7PM Sunday, May 15 @ 2PM
All performances are at The Shell Theater, 300 W 43rd St., 4th floor (between 8th & 9th Ave). Tickets are $18 and available by calling 212-352-3101or 866-811-4111 or online through theatremania.com or the Turtle Shell Theater website at
turtleshellproductions.com.
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