Sierra Stages to Open 8th Season with THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN, 3/3-19

Sierra Stages opens its 2016 season with the enchanting, dark comedy "THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN". Written by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, "THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN" plays at the historic Nevada Theatre in Nevada City from March 3-19. The play is directed by Sharon Winegar, with set design by Pamela Hodges, lighting design by Erin Beatie, and costume design by Paulette Gilbert. The cast includes local actors Alice Beloved, Chase Coney, Kim Ewing, Lois Ewing, John Gardiner, Ben Hedenland, Damiian Mario Lang, Ariana Rampy, and Robert Rossman.

In this dark comedy, set in 1934 and spun in the great tradition of Irish storytelling, the impoverished island community of Inishmaan is dazzled by the "glitz and glamour" of Hollywood when a movie director visits the neighboring island to cast his upcoming film. "Cripple Billy," who would like nothing more than to leave the cliffs of Ireland and his tedious life behind for the hills of Hollywood, hitches a ride and auditions - not knowing how this journey would affect his life and the lives of everyone around him.

"We're excited to open our 8th season with 'THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN'," says Sierra Stages Board Member Peter Mason. "I have long been a fan of Martin McDonagh's plays, and in fact, Sierra Stages presented a reading of 'THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN' four years ago. We thought our audience would enjoy a full production of the play, as it takes place in a small town with quirky, practical, no-nonsense inhabitants. In addition, the language of the play is beautiful and the plot and characters are funny, sweet and tragic, all at the same time. It all adds up to an entertaining and meaningful evening of theatre."

Director Sharon Winegar thinks of "THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN" as sort of Irish version of the movie "Fargo". She says, "Like the characters in the Coen Brothers' seminal film, the naive residents of an isolated Irish island find themselves trapped in a loopy, convoluted situation. Part mystery, part social commentary, part fable, 'THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN' is complete Irish whimsy. Just reading the script, I found myself laughing out loud at the unexpected - and funny - twists of the plot."

"THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN first premiered in 1996 at London's Royal National Theatre. In the ensuing 20 years, there have been three New York productions. Two were off-Broadway (at the Public Theatre in 1998 and the Atlantic Theatre in 2008), and in 2013, the play made its Broadway debut in a production starring Daniel Radcliffe. Martin McDonagh is a multi-award winning writer and director. His plays include "The Beauty Queen of Leenane", "A Skull in Connemara", "The Lieutenant of Inishmore", "The Pillowman", and "A Behanding in Spokane". He has written and directed the films "In Bruges" and "Seven Psychopaths".

THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN plays for three weekends only from March 3 through March 19 at the Nevada Theatre. Performances are Thursdays at 7 PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays (March 6 & 13) at 2 PM. The first two performances (March 3 & 4) are lower-priced "previews," with $15 General Admission tickets. For all other performances, General Admission tickets are $25. Reserved Seating also is available for $35 (in advance), and is a great way to provide additional financial support for Sierra Stages. For tickets and information, visit www.SierraStages.org or call Sierra Stages at 530.346.3210.

For the 8th consecutive year, Sierra Stages offers an affordable Season Pass. The Season Pass is priced at $80 and allows theatregoers to select any performance of each of the four plays and musicals to be presented in 2016: THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN (March 3-19 at the Nevada Theatre), THE LAST 5 YEARS (April 28 - May 8 at the Off Center Stage in Grass Valley), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (July 14 - August 6 at the Nevada Theatre), and DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE (September 28 - October 16 at the Off Center Stage in Grass Valley). Sierra Stages invites everyone, including Season Pass holders, to become a Sierra Stages Member and support quality local theatre. Memberships begin at $35 per person and are tax deductible. Not only will Members have the satisfaction of helping support quality theatre, but with the purchase of a Season Pass, Members are able to reserve a specific seat location for all three productions. The Sierra Stages 2016 Season Pass (and Sierra Stages Memberships) may be purchased online at www.SierraStages.org or by calling Sierra Stages at 530-346-3210.

Sierra Stages is a tax-exempt nonprofit community theatre based in western Nevada County with a mission to provide quality productions that are affordable and accessible to everyone. Since it began seven years ago, Sierra Stages has presented 26 plays and musicals and has been recognized by the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance with six Elly Awards and 53 Elly Award nominations. The annual Elly Awards honor outstanding achievements of community theatres and artists in the greater Sacramento area. For more information about Sierra Stages, visit www.SierraStages.org.

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