Photo Flash: ENCHANTED APRIL at Taproot Theatre 9/25-10/4

Bask in the warmth and enchantment of Italy without leaving Seattle during Taproot Theatre Company's production of ENCHANTED APRIL. Elizabeth von Arnim's resplendent 1920s novel comes to life on stage in this Tony Award nominated play by Matthew Barber. The enticement of an enchanting Italian holiday captivates the hearts of two British housewives on a drizzly London afternoon in 1922, and fills their imaginations with wisteria and sunshine. By the time they arrive at
their Mediterranean villa, an aging matron and a young socialite have joined their quest for something more. The gardens, sea, cinnamon and pasta are just the beginning of the transformation they discover. ENCHANTED APRIL, directed by associate artistic director Karen Lund, opens on September 25 and runs through October 24 with low price previews on September 23 & 24, plus a pay-what-you-can performance on September 30.

Adapted first for the stage in 1925 and for film in 1935, von Arnim's novel was also the basis for the popular 1992 film, the DVD of which was just released this year. This stage play based on von Arnim's novel was originally produced in February 2000 by the Hartford Stage Company in Connecticut, and produced on Broadway in April 2003 at the Belasco Theatre, with Molly Ringwald as Rose Arnott.

Ultimately a story of escaping to a place of beauty and being transformed, the play begins in Great Britain just a few years after World War I, in a time of darkness and devastation, when people are still dealing with the great losses from the war. "There's this need to get away," said Lund. "For all four of the women, there's an amazing transformation that happens once they get to Italy where there's sun, flowers and fresh air, and a new way of looking at life. It's almost magical how the sunshine and fresh air brings them back to life emotionally, spiritually and sexually."

"We're in some really difficult times right now," said Lund, "and it's easy to be discouraged and disheartened. And so to come back to what gives us hope and the drive to keep moving forward is very inspiring. It's a reminder that things can be restored-that marriages, happiness and balance can be restored."

Taproot Theatre's production features Jeff Berryman, Ryan Childers, Aaron Finley, Llysa Holland,
Anne Kennedy, Kim Morris, Charity Parenzini and Nikki Visel. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer MonTy Taylor.  Anne Hitt serves as stage manager, Gin Hammond as dialect coach and Katrina Moore as dramaturg. 

Ticket prices for Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday matinees are $26?28; for Friday and Saturday evenings, $30?33; Preview performances, $20?22; Senior/Student discount is now 10% off regular priced tickets; ages 25 and under, $10. Senior matinee performance on September 30 is $20. Pizza and a Play Night on October 1 is $10 for ages 18?25, and includes free Romio's pizza; the pizza party starts at 6:30 p.m.

For tickets contact Taproot Theatre's box office at (206) 781?9707. Group rates are available. For groups, call (206) 781?9708.  Tickets for the pay?what?you?can performance on September 30 go on sale at 5 p.M. Day of show at the box office only. Plus, a limited supply of $10 tickets will be offered from 12?5 p.m. on September 30 for that evening's performance. Limit six tickets per person from 12?5 p.m., and four per person after 5 p.m.

Taproot Theatre Company was founded in 1976 by six college graduates from Seattle Pacific University. From its humble beginnings as a touring group, the company has now become one of Seattle's largest mid-size theatre companies. Today, Taproot Theatre serves over 150,000 people annually throughout the Pacific Northwest with a full Mainstage season, touring programs and Acting Studio.

After ENCHANTED APRIL, Taproot Theatre presents the world premiere of SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS CAROL by Seattle playwright John Longenbaugh. (November 20?December 30). For more information, visit Taproot Theatre Company's website at http://taproottheatre.org.

 Photo Credit: Erik Stuhaug

Nikki Visel and Aaron Finley

Charity Parenzini, Nikki Visel and Aaron Finley

Nikki Visel and Aaron Finley

Charity Parenzini

Nikki Visel, Aaron Finley, and Charity Parenzini

Nikki Visel and Aaron Finley

Aaron Finley, Nikki Visel, and Charity Parenzini

Charity Parenzini, Aaron Finley, and Nkki Visel