The Schoolhouse Brings Nine Author in for Talk Backs 11/10-12/4

Prepare to be swept away to Venice, Italy when the Schoolhouse Theater presents Broadway giant Arthur Laurents' "The Time of the Cuckoo," November 10-December 4. When "The Time of the Cuckoo" is on stage in the theater the ambiance in the b uilding will have a distinctly Italian glow. An exhibit, Italy: From the Villages to the Grand Canal, will feature colorful paintings of Venetian waterways by locAl Westchester artists Barbara Dunn and delightful rooftops from medieval villages by Tova Snyder will grace the walls. There will also be some rhythmic street scenes that artistic director Pamela Moller Kareman purchased while researching in Venice, which is the setting for the play.

Adding another layer of context, the Schoolhouse continues its discussion series called "Talk Backs," where an eclectic mix of people will chat on a variety of theater-related topics with Pamela Moller Kareman. Audience members are invited to stay after selected performances to enjoy and participate in the discussion. Nicola Iervasi, the Italian choreographer (he choreographed "Dancing at Lughnasa" and is assisting with "The Time of the Cuckoo") will be in the chair after the 3pm performance on Sunday, November 1 3. Then, Mike Millius from The Bedford Record Review will chat with the audience after the 3pm Sunday, November 20 show. On Sunday, November 27, Italian playwright and drama critic, Mario Fratti, who authored the Broadway hit "Nine," will offer his insights.

"The Time of the Cuckoo" opens on Thursday, November 10 at 8 pm, with additional performances November 11-13, November 17-20, November 24-27 and December 1-4. Tickets are $30 on Thursdays and Fridays, $32 on Saturdays and Sundays. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm. Sunday performances are at 3 pm.

The Schoolhouse is located at 3 Owens Road, Croton Falls, NY, just off exit 8 on I-684. For information and reservations, call 914-277-8477. Visit The Schoolhouse Theater and Gallery on the web at www.schoolhousetheater.org.