The ostensibly benign world of stamp collecting can
be much more dangerous than anyone realizes. Or so it seems in
acclaimed theatre, TV, and film writer Theresa Rebeck’s
new play “Mauritius,” which makes its world
premiere October 6 through November 12 at the Calderwood Pavilion
at the Boston Center for the Arts. Rebecca Bayla Taichman
directs.
Author of the 2004 Huntington smash “Bad Dates,”
Rebeck returns with the darkly funny story of a book of rare, potentially
priceless stamps that may include the crown jewel for collectors.
The book’s existence pulls apart two half-sisters -- one wants
to collect on the windfall, the other resists for sentimental reasons
-- and gets them into deep trouble with a trio of shady dealers.
“Mauritius” (named for the South African island where the
first postage stamp was created) enjoyed a lively and well-received
reading at the Huntington’s Breaking Ground Festival of
New Play Readings in April 2006. Huntington Artistic
Director Nicholas Martin liked the script so much,
he booked the show for a full production this season.
Theresa Rebeck has had numerous plays produced across
the country, including “Bad Dates” and
“The Butterfly Collection” at Playwrights Horizons,
“View of the Dome” at New York Theatre
Workshop, and “The Family of Mann,” “Loose
Knit” and “Spike Heels”
at Second Stage. Her regional work has garnered significant acclaim:
“Ominum Gatherum” (co-written with Alexandra
Gersten-Vassilaros) was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Drama
after a run at the Humana Festival at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville;
and her play “The Scene” was the smash hit of the 2006 Festival.
Her film and TV credits include “Harriet the Spy,” “Brooklyn
Bridge,” “Dream On,” and "NYPD Blue.”
The cast for “Mauritius” includes, in alphabetical order:
Michael Aronov as Dennis. Aronov also appeared in the
2001 cult film, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,”
based on the hit musical.
Robert Dorfman as Philip. Most recently in Broadway’s
"The Lion King" following a long theatre
career, Dorfman is an associate artist for Baltimore’s Centerstage.
Marin Ireland as Jackie. Having received a 2006 OBIE
Award for “Cyclone,” Ireland stars in the
2007 film “The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing.”
Laura Latreille as Mary. Latreille
starred in the Boston-based film “Anathema”
with local actors John Kuntz and Robert Pemberton.
James Gale as Sterling. A veteran of American and British
theatre as well as numerous films, Gale will be featured in the 2007
film “New York City Serenade” directed
by Frank Whaley.
Related Events:
Oct. 10 -- EMERGING PLAYWRIGHTS FORUM with THERESA REBECK
Meet and talk with Theresa Rebeck, author of “Mauritius”
and “Bad Dates” (one of the Huntington’s biggest hits
in recent seasons). 6:30-7:00 p.m. Free with ticket purchase.
Oct. 13 -- COLLEGE NIGHT
Students from throughout Boston come together for the performance and
a post-show reception. Tickets are $15 with valid student ID,
and may be purchased in advance.
Oct. 25 -- OUT & ABOUT CLUB
Members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities can
socialize with Huntington staff, artists and each other. Pre-show
reception at 6 p.m. Free with ticket purchase.
Oct. 26 -- ACTORS FORUM
Participating members of the cast will appear after the 8:00 p.m. performance
to answer audience questions. Free with ticket purchase.
Oct. 29 -- HUMANITIES FORUM
Humanities Forum will feature a lively discussion with George Norton
of the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History. Moderated
by Huntington Literary Manager Ilana Brownstein. After the 2:00 p.m.
performance. Free with ticket purchase.
Nov. 8 -- ACTORS FORUM
Participating members of the cast will appear after the 8:00 p.m. performance
to answer audience questions. Free with ticket purchase.
For tickets and information, stop by the Huntington Theatre Box Office
at 264 Huntington Avenue, the Calderwood Pavilion Box Office at 527
Tremont Street, call 617-266-0800 or visit www.huntingtontheatre.org.
--
OnStage Boston
