American theater will take a forward step in Margaretville when The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street, previews Sandra Fenichel Asher’s "Death Valley, A Love Story" on Thursday September 4, at 7 pm, to begin a run of seven performances. An ensemble of three Open Eye veterans, Elizabeth Kemble, Elizabeth Sherr, and Patricia Van Tassel will play the role of Carol Emerson, the heroine of this true story. One will be the artist Carol; another, the psychotherapist Carol; and the third the journal keeper Carol.
The director is Amie Brockway, producing artistic director of The Open Eye Theater. Announcing the new play Ms. Brockway said, “The love story related to 'Death Valley' is one where hope comes after personal tragedy. Carol recovers and finds herself anew. The three essential aspects of this one woman live this story in innovative, delightful, and moving drama spiced with the humor needed in the twists and turns of life.”
Tickets for the first weekend, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 4, 5, and 6, at 7:00 pm, are two-for- the-price of one. Season Members of The Open Eye Theater may attend the preview performance on Thursday, September 4, free of charge. Regular price performances resume Thursday to Saturday September 11 to 13 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, September 14, at 3:00 pm. There will be "talk back" conversations with the cast after each performance.
The audience will be invited to a reception for playwright Sandra Fenichel Asher, the real life heroine Carol Emerson, and the cast on Friday, September 12, following the performance and "talk back".
On Saturday, September 13, from 1:00 - 2:30, Ms. Asher will lead a writing workshop "Write from Your Heart: Finding Our Own Best Stories." Everyone is invited to this free-of-charge workshop. To register, phone 845-586-1660 or e-mail openeye@catskill.net.
Thanks to a grant from TDF/TAP, the performances on Thursday September 11 & Friday, September 12, will for the first time feature closed captioning for hearing impaired members of The Open Eye audience.
Admissions are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for youth to age 25, with teens admitted free of charge. Call 845-586-1660 for reservations, information, and for Dinner & Theater at Summerfields, or e-mail openeye@catskill.net. The theater is at 960 Main Street in Margaretville where the box office phone (within one hour of performance) is 845-586-2727.
Please note: There is no performance of "Death Valley, A Love Story" on Sunday, September 7, as The Open Eye company will be in New York City preparing for a special performance of its hit show "One Night With Fanny Brice" on September 8.
