William Inge’s Picnic
Fri & Sat, May 22, 23, 7pm, 2015
Directed by Ki Gottberg
The American playwright Inge (Bus Stop, Splendor in the Grass) wrote this award-winning realistic play capturing 1950’s small town USA, spiked with the social mores and pressures that were shaping the country at the time and sparking the beginning of the sexual revolution of the 1960’s. When a former football hero, Hal, shows up on the freight train that passes through the center of town, everyone feels the hot breath of time in a new way. The mother of Madge, the “prettiest girl in town” encourages her daughter to “land” the rich boy Alan, although Madge’s heart is suddenly pulled in a new direction. Madge’s tomboy younger sister, Millie, has completely different ideas about what would be fun to do tonight. And everyone is supposed leave soon to the town picnic, on this, the last night of summer.
Come revel in the fun, charm and drama of this ultimately heart-wrenching show, performed by acting students from Seattle University touring to the Merc. If you enjoyed The Imaginary Invalid last year from the same gang, don’t miss Picnic.
This show is offered for two nights only.
DATES: Fri & Sat, May 22, 23, 7pm. TICKETS: $15/adults, $5/children. Available at the door or online at mercplayhouse.org. LOCATION: Merc Playhouse, 101 South Glover Street, Twisp.
This is a part of the Merc Playhouse’ Classic Series.
Come enjoy two productions of classics at the Merc Playhouse in May (Shakespeare’s Macbeth on May 16 and William Inge’s Picnic on May 22 & 23.) A “classic” is something that has stood the test of time, and remains fresh and interesting. A “classic” in theatre is a play we want to revisit again and again because it speaks to us to us about who we are, and why we do the things we do. These two classic plays look at the dramatic and crazy manifestations of human desire, and what people will do to get what they want.
THE CLASSIC DEAL: Buy tickets for both productions for $25 – a 20% savings! Discount available at the door on May 16th, or in advance only by phone or email, 509.997.7529, info@mercplayhouse.org. The Classic Deal is not available online.