The REP Presents Normand Chaurette’s THE QUEENS 11/20-22, 12/3-13

The REP, Point Park University's professional theatre company, presents Normand Chaurette's The Queens, translated by Linda Gaboriau, at Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 3-13 with a preview performance open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 19; it is directed by Sheila McKenna and André Koslowski.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Richard III, The Queens is an evocative fantasy drama that depicts the classic struggle for power and stature as six queens vie for the throne. From the aged Duchess of York, who is 99 years old, to young Lady Anne, who must marry Richard III in order to reign, to the Duchess' daughter Anne Dexter who has no hands, the play traces the shifting passions and ambitions of the six women who are trapped in a world they vie to control, where nothing goes quite as it should. As this mysteriously beautiful story unfolds, these noble women find themselves caught in the complex dance of life, grappling with selfish aims, painful losses and the blinding desire for the crown.

McKenna is an assistant professor at Point Park University where she teaches acting, directing, dialects and accents, voice and speech, and improvisational and experimental theatre. In the Pittsburgh community, McKenna has been involved with The REP, Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Quantum Theatre, and City Theatre. She was named the Post-Gazette's Performer of the Year in 2005 and received Point Park's Distinguished Alumni award in 2007.

Koslowski has previously created works for Dance Alloy, Ohio Dance Theatre, Junction Dance Theatre, Attack Theatre, Pittsburgh Dance Connection, IUP Dance Theatre and Pennsylvania State University. Throughout his career, he has performed in works by Josè Limòn, Victoria Marks, Janet Smith and Richard Alston. Koslowski frequently works with The REP, Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company and Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre. He has been the artistic director of Pennsylvania Dance Theatre in State College, Pa. since 2003.

The cast consists of Shirley Tannenbaum as the Duchess of York, Bridget Connors as Margaret, Kelley Bowen as Elizabeth, Erica Highberg as Anne Dexter, Jennifer Tober as Isabel Warwick and Amy Landis as Anne Warwick. Scenic design for the production is by Nathan Brubaker, light design by Scott Nelson, costume design by Michael Montgomery and sound design by Joe Pino.

The Queens opens with a preview performance on Thursday, Nov. 19; the show runs from Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 3-13 in the Studio Theater. Performances will be held Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range in price from $24 to $27 and can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-621-4445 or online at www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

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