In the spring of 2019, Book-It Repertory Theatre (Book-It) presents acclaimed Seattle actress Gin Hammond's* inspiring, 28-character solo play, Returning the Bones. Based on the life of Hammond's aunt, Dr. Carolyn Beatrice Montier (aka "Bebe"), Returning the Bones brilliantly responds to one of life's most challenging questions: How do you choose between your country, your people, and yourself? A surprisingly comical story, Returning the Bones brings us into intimate contact with the luminaries of the day including President Lyndon B. Johnson, Eleanor Roosevelt, James Baldwin and Queen Elizabeth. Returning the Bones runs March 28-April 14, 2019 at The Erickson Theatre on Capitol Hill.
On sharing her aunt's remarkable life with the world, Hammond remarks, "Of all the feedback I've gotten for this show, my favorite is, 'after seeing this show my husband decided he would keep fighting for something he was about to give up on.' It's a very different time from when I first started writing this show, but it feels more relevant than ever. I'm also excited to bring the audience on a journey to so many different countries, especially after living abroad for the past year. And, I have to confess that I'm simply looking forward to being able to spend time with the main character again; to feel her presence, her humor, her courage, and her profound ability to love."
Returning the Bones was showcased in 2008 as part of the CREATION Project, a professional development program by Seattle's Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas. Book-It's founder and founding co-artistic director Jane Jones directed the show in 2008 and returns to direct in 2018. Traditionally, Book-It transforms literature to theatre, but Returning the Bones is Book-It's first production created from oral story-telling. Hammond is currently working on turning Returning the Bones into a book.
The design team includes scenic design by Dan Schuy, sound design by Kyle Thompson and lighting design by Reed Nakayama.
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
Returning the Bones plays March 28-April 14, 2019 (Opening/Press Night on Saturday, March 30) at The Erickson Theatre (1524 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122). Performance tickets range from $26 to $35 with group rates available. $20 tickets will be available to students during the entire run with valid school ID. Purchase at book-it.org or by calling the box office at 206.216.0833. The box office is open Tues through Fri, 12pm - 5pm, located in the outer lobby of The Center Theatre at the Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. Will Call tickets will be available at the Erickson Theatre starting at 6:30pm. Recommended for ages 11+
Book-It Repertory Theatre, a leader in the narrative theatre movement, was founded in 1990. Book-It is a non-profit organization with a dedication to great literature and quality theatre experiences employing simple, sensitive and imaginative production techniques, and inspiring its audiences to read. The company is funded, in part, by generous contributions from corporations and foundations, and hundreds of individuals who share its passion for literature.
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