Leonard Nimoy's VINCENT Comes to Providence Tonight

Leonard Nimoy's "Vincent" will be presented by Starry Night Theater Company tonight, January 15-25, 2015 at AS220's 95 Empire Theater, downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The passionate and turbulent life of Vincent van Gogh is dramatized in this intimate one-man play, which author Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek's Mr. Spock) adapted from hundreds of letters between Vincent and his closest ally, his brother, Theo. The play includes over 100 stunning projections of Vincent's artwork on a large screen.

In van Gogh's lifetime, he sold only one painting and critics labeled his work madness. His story, however, is so much more than that of the misunderstood genius who cut off his own ear. In this play, Vincent's brother, Theo, movingly reveals Vincent as few knew him. After Vincent's death, Theo gathers friends and colleagues to defend Vincent's legacy (an actual historic event). Theo, however, is not interested in telling the small story of the demise of one man. Rather, he argues the bigger meaning and significance of his brother's life to all humankind. As seen through the eyes of Theo, Vincent van Gogh lives on as a symbol of inspiration, courage, passion, and the lust for life that art kindles in all of us.

At times, the actor also becomes Vincent and embodies the loving, passionate and brilliant man so cherished by his brother. BroadwayWorld.com described this production as "enlightening and enjoyable" and said it "is not to be missed." The Burlington Free Press described it as "a visual treat" and The Valley Reporter called it "a fabulous mix of theater and art." This production visited West Kingston, Rhode Island in January of 2014, where audiences raved about the performance and the show was extended due to demand.

Originally performed by Mr. Nimoy himself, the play stars professional actor James Briggs, a graduate of Sarasota, Florida's Asolo Conservatory of Professional Actor Training. Briggs has nearly 100 performances of Vincent under his belt up and down the East Coast. He has also performed in many other productions in regional theaters such as The Sun Valley Repertory Company, The Asolo Theater, The Williamstown Theater Festival, and the Potomac Theater Project.

The Director, Dr. Brant Pope, has directed over one hundred productions over a thirty-year career at such theatres as Hartford Stage Company, The John Houseman Theatre, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, and Park Square Theatre. He is currently the chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas at Austin. For eleven years, he served as director of the FSU Asolo Conservatory, and associate artistic director of the Asolo Theatre Company in Sarasota, Florida.

Vincent runs approximately 85 minutes, with no intermission. While appropriate for all audiences, it is best suited for adults and children ages ten and up.

Performances of Vincent will take place at AS220's 95 Empire Theater located at 95 Empire Street, Providence, Rhode Island as follows:

Thursday, January 15 at 7:00 P.M.
Friday, January 16 at 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, January 17 at 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 P.M.
Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 P.M.
Friday, January 23 at 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, January 24 at 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, January 25 at 2:00 P.M.

All tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for Seniors and Students (Brown and RISD students are free with valid ID). Seating is general admission. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit http://www.starrynighttheater.com or call (413) 344-0240.

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