Hudson Warehouse to Launch 14th Season with THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE

Hudson Warehouse will open their 14th Season in Riverside Park with an exciting new production of Marivaux's classic farce, THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE, translated by Stephen Wadsworth.

The production will be directed and designed by Artist in Residence Emily Rose Parman, who also adapted and directed the company's 2013 staged reading of Thomas Dekker and Thomas Middleton's THE ROARING GIRL, and has served as the company's resident costume designer for the past five seasons.

"We've explored plenty of Shakespearean and restoration comedies, but this will be our first French farce," says Nicholas Martin-Smith, founder and Producing Artistic Director. "This play is a new animal for us as a company," said Ms. Parman.

"The play was first performed by the Comédie-Italienne in Paris in 1732," explains Ms. Parman, "and I'm so thrilled to be bringing the playful spirit of Commedia dell'arte to the patio."

Synopsis: The Princess Leonide, the niece of a usurping king, falls in love at first sight with Agis, the rightful heir to the throne. She dresses herself and her handmaiden as men and determines to infiltrate the Prince's retreat in order to gain his affections. Thereby follows a series of hilariously inappropriate seductions, bribes and servant hijinks.

"For years I've wanted to bring a Commedia piece to our space not only because I feel the openness of the patio lends itself to the physicality of the form, but also because Commedia is just such fun!" adds MR. Martin-Smith, who also serves as the Assistant Director for the production.

"Part of the reason I find this piece so compelling is the balance that has to be struck between straightforward romantic comedy and dangerous political intrigue. In addition to which, the agency of the female characters and the fluidity of the gender roles feel particularly pertinent to the current conversation. It feels like it should be such a simple story," says Ms. Parman, "but there is true depth and complexity to explore, and we're having so much fun doing it."

"It's a wonderful way to kick off our 2017 Summer Season! " says MR. Martin-Smith. "We're a classical company and we are sticking to that, but I have really made the effort over the years to branch out to include modern classics as well. This year we're again offering 'Three Plays, Three Playwrights' following up THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE with an original adaptation of THE THREE MUSKETEERS, written by Assistant Artistic Director and the Producer of the Summer Season, Susane Lee, and then finishing up the summer in August with HENRY V."

The cast of THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE stars Allison Porta, a newcomer to the company, as the Princess Leonide. The production also features company members Roxann Kraemer as Leontine, Nathan Mattingly as Agis, Patrick Harman as Harlequin, and Roger Stude as Dimas. Rounding out the cast are alumni Carmen Nikae as Corine, and Gary Glor, another new face, as the philosopher Hermocrate.

The creative team also includes Patrick Harman (Fight Direction) Nathan Mattingly (Music Direction), Nicholas Martin-Smith (Assistant Director), Alayna Graziani (Stage Management), and Susane Lee (Producer).

THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE previews on June 1st and opens on June 2nd. Performances are June 2nd - 25th, Thursdays - Sundays at 6:30pm at The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument on West 89th and Riverside Drive. Performances are on the north patio, behind the monument. All performances are "Pay What You Can," with a basket being passed at the end of each show. There are no tickets; just show up and grab a seat on the benches or steps of the monument. It is strongly suggested that you arrive no later then 6:15pm.

Take the Number 1 Subway to West 86th Street, walk to Riverside Drive, walk north 3 blocks to West 89th Street. Walk into Riverside Park and at the monument, take the path that winds behind the monument to the north patio. Or Take the Express 2 or 3, or the Local 1 to West 96th Street. Walk west towards Riverside drive. At West 91st street, walk into Riverside Park, taking the path towards the Monument until you find the north patio.

For more information, visit www.hudsonwarehouse.net or email hudsonwarehouse89@gmail.com.

"Triumph of Love, The (Wadsworth)" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

To post a comment, you must register and login.