Ibsen's 'A Doll's House' Opens Palm Beach Dramaworks 10th Season

Henrik Ibsen's
"A Doll's House"
Opens Palm Beach Dramaworks'
10th Anniversary Season!
October 16th

(Photo by Steven Caras)

West Palm Beach's only resident professional theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks, kicks off its 10^th Anniversary season with "A Doll's House," the acclaimed play by the "father of modern Drama," Henrik Ibsen's on Friday, October 16th (8PM) at their intimate downtown theatre (322 Banyan Boulevard). SpeciAl Priced preview performances are slated for October 14th & 15th (8PM) and the production will play through November 29th.

"Our 10th anniversary season gives us a chance to reflect---to look back and focus forward as we move into the next Act of Dramawork's  development.  In keeping with our established mission, this year we will again present a diverse selection of masterful works by four influential playwrights --- Henrik Ibsen, Michael Frayn, David Mamet and Edward Albee," said William Hayes, Founder and Producing Artistic Director.  "Producing plays by such fearless observers of the human experience, who have made an indelible mark on modern drama, is what makes Palm Beach Dramaworks unique on the South Florida theatre scene."  "Over the last ten years, the organization has witnessed an amazing level of growth. We have produced 41 productions, featuring over 358 artists, a total of 1,157 performances and have played to audiences of over 83,000," added Sue Ellen Beryl, Dramaworks' Managing Director.

Nora, a delightful spirit, is much less free than she first appears. She valiantly tries to please her husband but gets caught in the web of social expectations and domestic condemnation, and now her self-respect demands further action.  In one of Ibsen's most famous plays --- and highly controversial when first published in 1879 --- "A Doll's House" calls into question the traditional roles of men and women in a marriage and, in a complete break with convention, ends with a wife leaving her family!

Mr. Hayes will direct the production featuring Margery Lowe, Michael St. Pierre, Nanique Gheridian, Colin Lane, Gregg Weiner, Michelle Botindari and Beverly Blanchette.  The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes designed by Brian O'Keefe, lights designed by Ron Burns and sound designed by Matt Corey.

Since its Broadway premiere in 1889, "A Doll's House" has been revived twelve times - most recently in 1997 - winning four Tony Awards. Such note-worthy actresses as Janet McTeer, Liv Ullmann, Claire Bloom and Ruth Gordon have all played Ibsen's leading lady, Nora, to critical success. 

Norwegian born Henrik Ibsen is considered by many to be one of the founders of Modernism in the theatre.  His plays examine and question the underlying realities behind the propriety and morality that swayed Europe in his time.  His notable works include Ghosts, Hedda Gabbler, The Lady from the Sea, The Master Builder and The Wild Duck.

The Palm Beach Dramaworks' season will continue with a distinguished roster of plays including  Michael Frayn's  drama "Copenhagen" (December 18^th- January 31^st), David Mamet's "American Buffalo" (February 19^th - April 4^th, and the Pulitzer Prize winning "Three Tall Women" by Edward Albee (April 23^rd - June 13^th).

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a non-profit, professional theatre and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, Southeastern Theatre Conference, Florida Professional Theatres Association, Florida Theatre Conference, and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

The performance times are Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM (with select Sunday performances at 7PM & Friday matinees at 3PM) and regular matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2PM.

Individual tickets are $44 for evening performances and $42 for matinees. Group rates for 20 or more, and discounted season subscriptions are also available.

The theatre is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 322 Banyan Boulevard, between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue, Florida 33401. Parking is offered across the street for a nominal fee, or in the City Garage on the corner of Olive Avenue and Banyan Boulevard for $1.00 per hour with the first hour free. For ticket information contact the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM, or visit their website at www.palmbeachdramaworks.org   

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