Arizona Premiere of THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Starts April 10 at Theatre Artists Studio
By: Sally Henry Fuller Mar. 28, 2015
Eighty-year-old artist Alexandra is in a showdown with her family over where she'll spend her remaining years. Alexandra's volcanic passion and the fact that she's barricaded herself in her Brooklyn brownstone with enough Molotov cocktails to take out the block may not be enough against her family's own secret weapon: Estranged son Chris, who returns after 20 years and crawls through Alexandra's second floor window, in a final attempt to dissuade Mom from her ultimatum. No sooner are the words "Hi, Mom" uttered than detonation starts on the emotional bombs that have been lying in wait for the match to strike. The Velocity of Autumn is a wickedly funny and deeply touching discovery of the fragility and ferocity of life.
This production marks the Arizona Premiere of Velocity, fresh off of its Broadway run last spring with Estelle Parsons, who received a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Alexandra.
The Studio's production stars well-known Valley director and actress Judy Rollings in the title role. "I love the character of Alexandra," says Rollings. "She struggles heroically as she faces one of the biggest challenges in life. She is desperately trying to hold onto her independence and her dignity, while life and her children are trying to take both of them away."
On relating to the character, Rollings said "I have grown sons who are the light of my life and sometimes the bane of my existence. I connect with Alexandra in her deep love for and struggles with her son, with her grief for what life takes away, and for the joy life can give. She's a brave, irascible, and feisty lady who has won my heart."
Robyn Allen directs The Studio production, with Brad Allen performing the role of Alexandra's son, Chris. Playwright Eric Coble has penned numerous scripts for both adults and children of various ages, including the stage adaptation of the Newberry Award-winning book, The Giver. He is available for interview.
Surprising, suspenseful, funny and exquisitely and devastatingly poignant, The Velocity of Autumn is presented by Theatre Artists Studio from April 10-26 at The Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Rd, #406, in Scottsdale. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for General Admission, $10 for Students 25 & Under and $15 for Groups of 10 or More, Seniors 65 and over and Members of the Military. For tickets, call the box office at 602-765-0120 or visit: www.thestudiophx.org.
This production is being presented under the auspices of the Actor's Equity Association Members Project Code.
Mission Statement: The Studio was founded to create extraordinary theatre in a collaborative environment that engages audiences, educates our community and explores the capacity for creative expression in each and every individual.
About Theatre Artists Studio: A member organization of actors, playwrights, directors, producers and designers, The Studio provides a place for theatre artists to work at their craft in an atmosphere which fosters mutual growth and collaboration through Studio affiliation. The Studio provides interaction between its members and the community by providing an opportunity to produce innovative projects, mentor emerging talent and establish an educational resource to celebrate the power and imagination of theatre.
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