The Players Club of Swarthmore to Present APPROACHING ZANZIBAR

The Players Club of Swarthmore presents Approaching Zanzibar, by Tina Howe. Directed by George Mulford, this road trip comedy runs January 8-23 at The Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Ave. in Swarthmore. Buy tickets online at www.pcstheater.org

Approaching Zanzibar tells the tale of a family car trip across the United States to visit a dying aunt and how that trip becomes a magical interlude, a test of character, and an education for each family member - and that's before they meet the formidable old lady. From the hills of West Virginia, through the Midwestern valleys of Oklahoma to the colorful mountains of New Mexico, the audience will be transported by the family's adventures.

"In Approaching Zanzibar, Tina Howe brings us The Blossoms - a family that finds magic everywhere in their lives," Mulford said. "The cycle of a woman's life, from girlhood to death, is at the heart of the magic. And that cycle of life will resonate with audiences in interesting ways."

The cast of regional actors includes Drake Aaronson (Spring City), Trina Tjersland (Hockessin, Del.), Miles Koziol (Wallingford), Emi Branes-Huff (Wallingford), Andrew Knipe (Wilmington, Del.), LeAnne J. Mangano (Claymont, Del.), Andrew SanFilippo (Springfield), Beverly Albertus (Phoenixville), Marie Antoinette Simons (Swarthmore), Doris Chan (Concord Twp.), and Lisa Eckley Cocchiarale (Parkside). Mulford has assembled a creative team including assistant direction by Deb Braak, sets by Tanya Sistare and lighting by Alan Stamford. The producer is Leslie Miller and the stage manager is Heather Mae Timberman.

Mulford called on The Players Club of Swarthmore community to help train the actors in some unique talents for this play, including fly fishing, guitar playing, harmonica playing, dancing, speaking Spanish and communicating with American Sign Language. "Every time you turn a corner in the play, someone is doing something unexpected," Mulford said. "These creative elements add to the comic surprise."

Approaching Zanzibar runs from Friday, Jan. 8 through Saturday, Jan. 23. Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Group rates (15 or more patrons) are available-see the theater's website for information on prices, etc. Buy tickets either online at www.pcstheater.org, by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111, or at the door. For more information about PCS - including upcoming events, shows, ticketing and directions, visit www.pcstheater.org.

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