THE WOODSTOCK TONTINE Set for Women's Theatre Festival 2017 at Burning Coal

The Women's Theatre Festival 2017 announces the inclusion of The Woodstock Tontine, the story of five women, a chance meeting at Woodstock in 1969, and fifty year-old friendships that end with death and a twist. Directed by Lucia Foster, The Woodstock Tontine is the debut theatrical production of playwright Steffi Rubin.

The play runs July 7-9 and July 14-16 at Burning Coal Theatre in Raleigh. Tickets on sale now: woodstocktontine.brownpapertickets.com.

About The Woodstock Tontine: 1969. Six women meet at Woodstock. Nearly fifty years later, when the first one dies, the remaining gals decide to invest in their friendship by forming a tontine. The last friend standing will receive a life-changing windfall. Who will get the money? See the performance to find out!

The Woodstock Tontine explores themes of reconnecting with old friends, the humor revealed in the friendships of women, and how time's passing changes the lens through which we view life. Inspired by the personalities and histories of her own friends, Steffi Rubin notes "the women of The Woodstock Tontine are delightful, snarky, resilient and a lot of fun." Observing a recent rehearsal (her first since auditions), Rubin beamed as she watched the five women fully embody the characters inspired by her friends. Noting afterward that she saw new elements revealed in the script that she'd not even envisioned, Rubin's eyes twinkled with delight as she shared laughter, and Jewish cultural insights, with the actor who portrays her own character in the play. The Woodstock Tontine may blend truth with fiction, but the characters revealed onstage are 100% authentic, relatable and funny.

"When Steffi Rubin told me she'd written a play with five strong roles for older women, the invitation to direct it was too appealing to deny," says director Lucia Foster, "We all know there are a dearth of roles for women in theatre, but even fewer good parts exist for older women. The Woodstock Tontine is full of them! And, I find their stories exciting to explore." Foster, who has a long history as an actor, educator, and director adds "I appreciate that this play showcases different cultural responses to memorial services, and am encouraged by these characters' ability to celebrate life in the face of death."

"It's hard to believe that WOODSTOCK was almost 50 years ago!" exclaimEd Rubin, "For those of us who remember those days, the first thing we'd say is how much we still are those same wild and crazy people...no matter how many years have passed." While the characters are all in their older years, The Woodstock Tontine will appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The cast includes Lisa Leonard, Jennifer Kuzma, Judy McCord, Verlene Oates and Julie Oliver. This comedy is produced by Dannibeth Farnum, with lighting design and stage management by Rose Davis, and production assistance from Scotty Elliott and Alex Lewis.

Performances take place at Burning Coal Theatre Company, 224 Polk St, Raleigh, NC 27604, July 7, 8, 14, 15 at 8pm and July 9 and 16 at 3pm. Tickets: $17 Box Office: 1 (800) 838-3006 or woodstocktontine.brownpapertickets.com.

In addition to these productions, WTF also includes a 24 hour Occupy the Stage event (June 30-July 1), multiple workshops and networking opportunities for women and allies. WTF's mission is to create, produce, and promote extraordinary theatre by women. WTF strives to provide inclusive experiences for individuals of all races, ages and abilities. Please contact WTF about any accommodations an audience member may need. For information about this show and others included in the Women's Theatre Festival 2017, visit www.WomensTheatreFestival.com or email info@womenstheatrefestival.com.

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