Asolo Repertory Theatre's OUR BETTERS Begins Tonight

Before there was Downton Abbey, there was Our Betters, W. Somerset Maugham's fiery romantic dramedy about the invasion of sly social-climbing American heiresses into British society. The fifth play in the third season of Asolo Rep's five-year American Character Project illuminates a sect of wealthy, early 20th-century American women who yearned for the pomp and circumstance - and parties - of the British nobility. Directed by Asolo Rep's producing artistic director Michael Donald Edwards, Our Betters opens Friday, March 13, 2015 at 8pm and runs through Sunday, April 19 at Asolo Rep, with previews tonight, March 11 and Thursday, March 12 at 8pm.

In early 20th-century England, broke British aristocrats desperately needed money to maintain their ornate estates, and wealthy American women desperately wanted the prestige of marrying well. After marrying a baronet, American hardware heiress Lady Pearl Grayston appears to have everything a girl could want - a posh title, a throng of adoring lovers, and the crème de la crème of British society, including a princess and a duchesse, at her beck and call - but she wants more. When Pearl's little sister, Bessie, crosses the pond to join her sister's enviably glamorous life and find a noble husband of her own, she is unprepared for the scandal that is about to erupt behind closed manor doors.

"Brimming with dynamic and passionate women of position, prestige and wealth, Our Betters reveals how they prevailed in a society with limited options for women," said Michael Donald Edwards. "One of the most thrilling elements of directing this piece is the opportunity to look at it as a contemporary play - a new play, set in the period - rather than a revival. The discussion about women and their role in society, the workplace, and in politics, is far from over. It is my hope that our production sparks that conversation in our community."

In the U.S., author and playwright W. Somerset Maugham is best known for his novels, including Of Human Bondage, Cakes and Ale, and The Razor's Edge. Throughout his career, Maugham also found great success as a playwright, penning such revered theatrical works as The Constant Wife and Our Betters, which premiered on Broadway in 1917 and was adapted into a 1933 film. Asolo Rep worked closely with the playwright's estate to create an abridged two-act version of the original play and is thrilled to present this brand new production to the Sarasota community.

PUBLIC PROGRAMMING

Inside Asolo Rep
Both Your Houses & Our Betters
Wednesday, February 25 at 11am
FSU Center for the Performing Arts
Cook Theatre
Tickets for Inside Asolo Rep are $5 for the general public and free for donors and Asolo Rep Guild Members.

Michael Donald Edwards, Asolo Rep's producing artistic director and director of Our Betters, and Frank Galati, the Tony Award-winning director of Both Your Houses, will shed light on their creative processes in this dynamic behind-the-scenes discussion. Led by Asolo Rep's dramaturg/literary manager Lauryn Sasso, the panel will also feature actress Katie Cunningham, who plays Marjorie Gray in Both Your Houses and Lady Pearl Grayston in Our Betters.

Inside Asolo Rep is sponsored by the Observer Media Group and Hotel Indigo.

The Scoop
One hour prior to every performance of Our Betters (Opening Night March 13 excluded)

Arrive one hour before curtain to hear the ideas and inspirations that contributed to the making of Our Betters.

Tuesday Talkbacks
March 31, April 7, April 14, 2015
Asolo Rep's Mezzanine

Join us for an intimate post-show discussion with featured actors or guests following every Tuesday performance of Our Betters.

Leading Ladies
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Asolo Rep's Mezzanine

Immediately following the 2pm matinee, discuss the depiction of women and gender roles with guest panelists and fellow audience members.

Meet the Actors
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Asolo Rep's Mertz Theatre

Immediately following the 2pm matinee, ask questions and learn more from members of the cast.

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